Chinese Elm

https://www.wei2cre8.com/progress-learning/2023/5/4/n2utzarb3uynsav9sgnv5ayjha1vc3

Prune branches to have taper—last few inches should be very fine branches so trim back allow refined branches.
Per Gio: the trunk is too slender for the height. Can remove the top and convert the strong middle branch as the new apex. Branches are too long or big in the middle. <If so, what is the best season? Gio suggests air layering the top to make it two smaller trees>
Peter Tea lets a sacrifice branch grow long off the top. And forces all lower branches to be shorter to force inner growth.

Trident

No structural work now, come back in fall after defoliation

https://www.wei2cre8.com/progress-learning/2024/2/10/7tz2y6a7o1clv5mi5qfhsqxakd4kbi

Junipers

Grow fast, in a colander and starting with a whip you can control its design and in 2 years be 1.5” thick trunk.
A real Shohin should have a thick base.
The twisted juniper from SBBK show (Steve Yang), the base does not have enough movement or girth. Possibly mame and treat it like a bunjin with very little foliage—radical change. Best to sell it and start from scratch or buy better material. If you sell it, leave lots of of foliage on top. Possibly wire an apex.
Must plan on movement & twist appropriate for desired size.
Add movement early, not too young and not too old. Pencil thick to wire, anything greater is too much.
Colanders (small) then nest over time.

Can improve the live vein slowly and not all at once. Clean the underside crotch of both bends, but the lower trunk will never be substantial enough.

Below example of an ideal mame (4”) tree, but a substantial base. Initial spiraling left enough room to not merge, but live vein narrowed to manage growth.

Below example of an ideal Shohin (8”) base with a thick trunk.

Inspiration back in the Garden

Fertilizer

All natural and organic, compost-based fertilizer is high in organic content and contains all 17 essential plant nutrients. It builds soil structure & promotes microbial diversity and is ideal for general soil preparation of vegetable and flower beds.
Essentially an alternative to Biogold. Does not gum up or affect drainage.
Liquid fertilizer has now nitrogen salts

✳️ AT Workshop - Aug 24, 2023