Bugs or Buds?

Junipers is a popular tree used in bonsai, of all skill levels. But both horticulture and styling has been puzzling to me.

They do not grow robustly in my moderately sunny garden. Occasional scale and a few that faded in health and died a rapid brown death. 🤬

When sighting scale (small white pests) I am now using dilutes mineral oil (not soap pesticides). 🙏

An experienced peer said these are BUDS and a signs of a healthy female juniper. 🤣