Lots of great points raised here. Have a plan for your tree, know where you are going (and it’s ok to change your mind over time), act with purpose and intention (know why you are doing what you are doing), there is no hurry. 👍
Oh, what a great collaboration. Definitely going to watch this more thoroughly later. After 2.5 years of watching bonsai videos and 1.5 years of hands on work, juniper still provides me the biggest challenge. Clean the branch before you wire, but don’t remove buds you might want to use later… ?! I have several junipers from nursery stock I’ve done minimal work on because I just can’t visualize pad creation. Also I’ve broken a couple branches so….
Now that I’ve been able to watch the video properly, how long had it been since the tree was watered? I was told at a workshop recently that branches are easier to bend (without breaking) if the tree is not “full” on water, and that was quite a bend on the low branch. I really like the new apex, big difference and really helps to visualize the future tree.
@@johng3669 It was watered the day before. Truthfully I don't apy much attention to those things. I am sure there is evidence that it helps the process but in my time I have never used that theory in practice - any branch breaks I have experienced are purely down to 'my limitations'. BUT...if it helps and you know you are going to do bending then withhold water for a day :)
oh, that was brilliant!! I learned so much in 20 minutes, and laughed twice as much. I think someone put something funny in your coffee cups this morning 😂- pure magic!!
It is even better that we both had so much fun filming these. More of these to be edited when I get back from Orkney where i am taking a much needed break.
We really did click and although our humour it a little different we both like to mix proper bonsai with a bit of entertainment too. It is not like either of us are professionals - it is ok to have a laugh :)
It was so much easier doing a collaboration with him in person than by 'sending' pre-prepared clips and scripts. I still can't believe how much we filmed in 3 days :)
Hey Xavier, you left a comment on my video so I came by to find you hanging out with one of my favorite Bonsai video creators. I actually bought a few trees from Jelle two years ago. Two small junipers of which one died this year unfortunately because of fungus (I had a lot of trouble with that this year and realized a little too late what was going on). The other one is doing fine though. I also got one of Jelles Yew cuttings which I am turning into a tanuki over time. My friend Daniel who is doing the videos with me bought a really nice Potentilla from Jelle back then. Really cool juniper on the rocks you've got there by the way. You can never have enough junipers, especially Itoigawa. Daniel and I have a few hundred because we're taking cuttings and air layering like maniacs. You might see some of them in our next video. :D Hope you're doing well! Lutz
Yes to another video on cuttings. Never enough information. Fun to wake up to a lot of expensive ...free... trees in the yard, complicated to keep them happy for that first few months. Is there a video of growing an oak from an acorn?
I know quite a few channels have been doing oaks from seed. i find it so easy to source them once they have self seeded in the gorund that I just wait a couple of years and go 'digging'. Cuttings videos are diffiuclt because the results are always unpredictable - whatever approach i take. jelle and I both tend to plant most of our stuff straight into soil buckets and leave them without much other thought. he does haave great success using the plastic bag approach on his juniper cuttings :)
Xav this is one of the best videos, great start to the video, I am thinking you come across as laurel and Hardy, seriously Jelle is right in what he suggests with the tree, we all look at our trees and sometimes we don’t see what is in front of us and we prune in haste without knowing what our end game is. I sometimes watch his channel but not enough so he will be at the top of watch channels from now on, BTW sending you an email tonight with the pics I mentioned earlier. All the best my friend, maybe you can go to Germany and carry on the comedy act.
Good stuff mate. Wish I had known jelle was over. He could have helped with my juniper and cryptomeria 😊. Though actually think this video did do that. I look at my trees for weeks before making final decisions. Basic first styling is important. The branch movement made a real difference. Awesome 👌
Hey, another great video! I really like that juniper. I don't usually do well with that species, but that's mostly my fault since I have more experience with deciduous trees. I tend to be a bit too heavy-handed with them. Looking forward to the next one 😁
@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat absolutely. I have been learning to be more gentle these last couple of years and a few of them are now thriving. I look forward to seeing how the one in your video develops further 😁
Great video super educational Thank you I have been bringing one tree at a time into the house for couple of hours just to really look At them as mad as that sounds haha
I actually miss the old apex; after the lower branch move, it was looking like an interesting start to a windswept design. This little guy looks great in the end, though.
I always ask bonsai newbies how big of a tree they want. If they say they don't know, I know it's going to be an uphill battle. You HAVE to know in order to figure out the path to the tree you want.
It is so true and even 'non-newbies' like me fall foul of this sometimes. This was one of the aims of doing this video in the style I chose. Thanks for the wisdom
Bonsai is largely about balance. You can let the tree grow to but you can loose control of it. You might have to sacrifice fast growth for setting a good foundation for branch structure and ramification. Especially in tree ms that don’t back bud easily
Tony will be up there in stitches at this video ...i can see him now rolling about on the clouds.
He managed to get into this video somehow :)
Nice job guys!
Grts
Kennet
Great to hear from you Kennet - how is your collection?
I love the laugh that you’re holding in at the very end😂
We laughed a lot!
Lots of great points raised here. Have a plan for your tree, know where you are going (and it’s ok to change your mind over time), act with purpose and intention (know why you are doing what you are doing), there is no hurry. 👍
Cheers Jason - I think that was the main message. Know your tree before you start to try and follow an instructional video :)
Are we going to see videos with that crazy germandutchman for the rest of the year?
Unfortunately, I fear your face will reappear on a few more videos this year and next :)
Love the collab-energy boys! 🪴💚
So did we :)
Great collaboration you two!!!!
Thanks Dave - not quite the long mileage of your trip but still managed to do 600 miles :)
Oh, what a great collaboration. Definitely going to watch this more thoroughly later. After 2.5 years of watching bonsai videos and 1.5 years of hands on work, juniper still provides me the biggest challenge. Clean the branch before you wire, but don’t remove buds you might want to use later… ?! I have several junipers from nursery stock I’ve done minimal work on because I just can’t visualize pad creation. Also I’ve broken a couple branches so….
Well are you located, hahaha
This was a turning point video for me too John. There is another BIG point to disscuss for juniper but that is in another video for October :)
Now that I’ve been able to watch the video properly, how long had it been since the tree was watered? I was told at a workshop recently that branches are easier to bend (without breaking) if the tree is not “full” on water, and that was quite a bend on the low branch.
I really like the new apex, big difference and really helps to visualize the future tree.
@@johng3669 It was watered the day before. Truthfully I don't apy much attention to those things. I am sure there is evidence that it helps the process but in my time I have never used that theory in practice - any branch breaks I have experienced are purely down to 'my limitations'. BUT...if it helps and you know you are going to do bending then withhold water for a day :)
Great videos guys! Lots of interesting tidbits and points
Cheers Alex - so did that make you want to prune some of your incredible junipers???
Great video Xavier mate 👊👊👊
Thanks Andy
Great video guys!
It was more fun making it than actually doing bonsai :)
Great collaboration thank you 👍❤️
Wouldn't be worth the effort without your support Judy :)
Great double act. Great learning and entertainment
Sometimes you find someone that you can really work well with. Unfortunately Jelle isnt one of them :)
oh, that was brilliant!! I learned so much in 20 minutes, and laughed twice as much. I think someone put something funny in your coffee cups this morning 😂- pure magic!!
We have really enjoyed working together on these videos. I have two more in the pipeline from our collaborations :)
Twoo great episodes.
Jejje and Xavier...... what a joy that was.
Thank you 🤣
It is even better that we both had so much fun filming these. More of these to be edited when I get back from Orkney where i am taking a much needed break.
Superb video. You're the dreamteam of YT bonsai
I am the team and Jelle is the dream :) These have been a lot of fun and there are at least three more on the editing table.
That was a lot of fun and quite educational. You two have some insides jokes!
I appreciate you two
We really did click and although our humour it a little different we both like to mix proper bonsai with a bit of entertainment too. It is not like either of us are professionals - it is ok to have a laugh :)
@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat amen, good sir
Very funny love it thanks xavier keep up the good work mate
Jelle made this a very easy video to produce :)
Enjoyed this one boys a great tag team👍🏻
We were both exhausted after 3 full days of travel and trees.
You two are hilarious, but also have learnt a lot.. what a combo 😅 thx guys
It was so much easier doing a collaboration with him in person than by 'sending' pre-prepared clips and scripts. I still can't believe how much we filmed in 3 days :)
You're right, another great video!
Three more to edit yet :)
Nice collaboration ! The tree looks great
Thannks Gerardo - great to hear from you. I must drop in on your channel again :)
That was fun! Thanks guys
It was definitely fun for us too Adam
Brilliant work guys.
Thanks Andrew - it helps when you have someone to work with for this sort of thing :)
Thanks Xavier love this video. Super video.
A few more have been filmed like this one - cheers David.
Cheers mate. I’ll be looking for them!
It is hard to 'see' the finished tree, personally I just try to make that rough triangular shape with what I've got and go from there. Great video.
Keep in mind.. Old trees have a more rounded top rather than a pointy head and life becomes easier.
@@GrowingBonsai Absolutely, I'm very fortunate to have Dan Barton at our club and he always says it's a crown, not an apex to highlight this point.
I did the same with my kids haircuts too :)
That is such an important point
@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat pun intended?
Hey Xavier, you left a comment on my video so I came by to find you hanging out with one of my favorite Bonsai video creators. I actually bought a few trees from Jelle two years ago. Two small junipers of which one died this year unfortunately because of fungus (I had a lot of trouble with that this year and realized a little too late what was going on). The other one is doing fine though. I also got one of Jelles Yew cuttings which I am turning into a tanuki over time. My friend Daniel who is doing the videos with me bought a really nice Potentilla from Jelle back then.
Really cool juniper on the rocks you've got there by the way. You can never have enough junipers, especially Itoigawa. Daniel and I have a few hundred because we're taking cuttings and air layering like maniacs. You might see some of them in our next video. :D
Hope you're doing well! Lutz
Jelle and I have done a few videos together in the past. We actually started at the same time. The best three days i have had in a long time :)
Great chemistry guys, great video
Cheers Scott - keep looking for those bargain nurseries :)
Great information for a beginner who hesitates instead of making a mistake!❤
I think we can all feel that indecision sometimes.
Loved Jelle's recommendations! Lots of fundamentals established for this Juniper!
I think he has worked on a juniper before!
He gave lots of helpful advice and tips. I think he will continue to do well in the bonsai world.
Now it makes two :)
Love it!
Thank you so much for watching
Yes to another video on cuttings. Never enough information. Fun to wake up to a lot of expensive ...free... trees in the yard, complicated to keep them happy for that first few months. Is there a video of growing an oak from an acorn?
I know quite a few channels have been doing oaks from seed. i find it so easy to source them once they have self seeded in the gorund that I just wait a couple of years and go 'digging'. Cuttings videos are diffiuclt because the results are always unpredictable - whatever approach i take. jelle and I both tend to plant most of our stuff straight into soil buckets and leave them without much other thought. he does haave great success using the plastic bag approach on his juniper cuttings :)
Yay! Breakfast 🍳
I still don't believe he had three full plates of cooked breakfast :)
Xav this is one of the best videos, great start to the video, I am thinking you come across as laurel and Hardy, seriously Jelle is right in what he suggests with the tree, we all look at our trees and sometimes we don’t see what is in front of us and we prune in haste without knowing what our end game is. I sometimes watch his channel but not enough so he will be at the top of watch channels from now on, BTW sending you an email tonight with the pics I mentioned earlier. All the best my friend, maybe you can go to Germany and carry on
the comedy act.
Big question now.. Who is laurel, and who is hardy!?
If finances allow it is something I would like to do. I know Jelle has grudgingly suggested he could find me a tent to pitch :)
I think our body shapes may help resolve that one. I think SDtan was the 'straight guy' as well - boring with no sense of humour :)
Great vids gents!
He is so much fun to work with and he has a little bit of knowledge too :)
Great video!👏🏼
Thanks - it was great fun working with Jelle.
Watch videos twice 👍 me too 😅 Definitely love this cut! 😍 You both should visit each other on a regular base 😄 Massive thumbs up 👍 Cheers 🙋♀️ Martina
If it wasn't for costs I would be across the channel very quickly. Perhaps even a visit to famous Austrian Balcony collections :)
Good stuff mate.
Wish I had known jelle was over. He could have helped with my juniper and cryptomeria 😊. Though actually think this video did do that.
I look at my trees for weeks before making final decisions. Basic first styling is important. The branch movement made a real difference. Awesome 👌
I can't believe you didnt see the announcement video inviting people over during the 2 days he was working on trees here :)
@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat gutted lol
Been busy with work and kids mate. Really good video and idea
Coloration is always good 👍
Lovely job,
The tree turned out pretty well too :)
Hey, another great video! I really like that juniper. I don't usually do well with that species, but that's mostly my fault since I have more experience with deciduous trees. I tend to be a bit too heavy-handed with them.
Looking forward to the next one 😁
I definitely know what you mean - this has changed my mind a little bit in terms of working with them
@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat absolutely. I have been learning to be more gentle these last couple of years and a few of them are now thriving. I look forward to seeing how the one in your video develops further 😁
Great video super educational
Thank you
I have been bringing one tree at a time into the house for couple of hours just to really look
At them as mad as that sounds haha
That is a great idea - there is nothing wrong with that. I used to rotate a tree in and out once a day for my living room table.
@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat yeah just feel it gives me chance to have a good loook at them
I like your idea as well
I actually miss the old apex; after the lower branch move, it was looking like an interesting start to a windswept design. This little guy looks great in the end, though.
I thought about staying as windswept but this video was aimed at getting a few important tips out - that cause a lot of us issues :)
Did someone mention you two are hilarious?
No - they said 'you too...' are hilarious :)
"Germany" 😂
I always ask bonsai newbies how big of a tree they want. If they say they don't know, I know it's going to be an uphill battle. You HAVE to know in order to figure out the path to the tree you want.
It is so true and even 'non-newbies' like me fall foul of this sometimes. This was one of the aims of doing this video in the style I chose. Thanks for the wisdom
👍👌🙂
Morning Bruce
Bonsai is largely about balance. You can let the tree grow to but you can loose control of it. You might have to sacrifice fast growth for setting a good foundation for branch structure and ramification. Especially in tree ms that don’t back bud easily
Spot on John :)
Turned into a bit of jelly ..😅 .. tough cuts. Quick roots. I don’t hate Junipers, they hate me.. Juniper❤.. thank yous
The next video we do on this goes into a much simpler explanation of why I have this issue with Juniper.
Junipers are my hardest trees to work on. Trying to style them is not easy for me.
I have another video coming soon talking about why this may be a bigger problem for a few of us :)
Great video - well "staged" 🤣 it did create a passable apex
I am graced to have my other daughter enter the comments. We are off to Stronsay in a few minutes. Stay healthy xx
Good idea to cut the epex
It was fun building up to that scene - we wanted to do that at the start originally :)
Nói quá nhiều về một cây mini bonsai , thao tác làm rất đơn giản nhưng đó là thú vui 🎉🎉🎉
Chúng tôi đã có khoảng thời gian vui vẻ khi cùng nhau làm việc trên cây bách xù nhỏ này
Everyday is a school day
That is exactly how I felt when he started asking me questions. You didnt see the half of what i learnt in those few days :)