A beautiful tree can take decades to refine and the journey it takes has its ups and downs. My big boxwood is a project of over 14 years. The plant having started its life as a hedgerow and then dug up and put into a Japanese grow pot.

When I got the tree for doing work for a long time bonsai teacher it was in rough shape. It had be left to just exist in the grow pot and get watered. I really like the possibilities of the the wide trunk. It was tall and gangly in the beginning. I was so happy to cut it down and start to develop new branches and foliage.

This first public appearance of the tree was 14 years ago for a club “in progress” table. As it developed it moved up to a formal display but it need so much more refinement and I took it out of public view to start over. I learn some new styling techniques form a former Bay Area artist who like to make his boxwood look like an old California Oak that we see on our hillsides. I decided to take that technique to make this tree better.

From the images above your can see how the tree opens up, has selected branches that have developed with age, and defined centerline. All the old heavy branches were cut and carved, new branches developed and wired. With season foliage reduction from removing all internal leaves, it has become a more pleasing oak-like look. It has years to go still before I am totally happy but it will make its return to public viewing with much more grandeur.