Isn't this Monterey Cypress beautiful? Eric walks through how he preps the tree for it's first exhibit. He started this bonsai from seed, and it's been in the hands of a good friend for most of its life. Preparing it for show involves wiring to compact some of the crown and branches, and creating jin (deadwood style of bare-stripped part of branch).
00:01:10 wiring close-up
00:02:25 Eric explains the bigger cuts he's considering to enhance the overall aesthetics of the tree.
00:03:22 After wiring (which took Eric the better part of two days - 8 hours!) Eric explains his stylistic decisions.
00:07:06 Eric explains why he didn't create any large jin, but did create some portions of branches, to mimic how Monterey Cypress grow naturally in San Francisco and Monterey.
00:08:44 One thing Eric finds delightful about this tree, which has been grown in a container throughout its 12-13 years lifetime, is that the trunk has taken on mature characteristics.
00:10:12 Discussion of the crown and off-center peak of the apex.
00:12:50 Why the sequence of wiring was significantly different than what Eric would typically do.
What experiences have you had growing and styling Monterey Cypress? Let us know in the comments below! And please, like and share this video, and subscribe to our channel for awesome bonsai content!