Vertical Stone Juniper Transformation

A yamadori Rocky Mountain juniper in its new home, achieving a composition unlike any other in its visual interaction of tree and upright stone. The juniper, perched in an elevated pocket of a phenomenal Jan Culek vertical stone, evokes the wild landscape of the Rocky Mountains of western Colorado. This transformation probes at the boundless creative opportunities that emerge from proper technique, keen aesthetic considerations, and an understanding of bonsai horticulture to form a sustainable design that will prosper for years to come. The juniper is first removed from the Anderson flat to have the mysteries of its root system evaluated. Now, understanding the anatomy of the root ball, Ryan Neil is able to strategize and prepare the stone to support the tree. Using calculated tie-downs to secure the juniper, and a tightly knit sphagnum moss walls, Ryan is able to attach the tree seamlessly, giving the appearance of a balanced yet asymmetrical vertical composition. To learn these techniques, aesthetics, a