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Shimpaku juniper (Juniperus chinensis sargentii)

This tree has quite a history: it was exported from Japan by Peter Adams in 1974 and appeared in his excellent book "The Art of Bonsai". It passed through various hands for a number of years until coming my way in the mid 90s, and not in a very good condition.

It took some years to nurse it back to health, and I restyled in in 1999 for my book "The Art of Bonsai Design".

The lowest branch was always weak, and after relocating to the USA it became so weak that the branch had to be removed, prompting another re-modeling.

Strange how an apparent tragedy can lead to a triumph - this shimpaku now looks better than it ever has, the tree and pot forming one coordinated unit.

Pot: Dave Lowman
Photo: November 2007