California Juniper grows in Mojave desert at the elevation of 2,000 to 4,000 feet and it tolerate harsh desert weather. As the result tree grows very slowly and develops intricately twisted trunks. Trees are known to live well exceeding 700 to 1,000 years. It requires less water, often just mist in the air is enough to keep them live.

After the digging, Junipers are nurtured in a pot for about three years. It is meant to recover from the transplanting shock and establish healthy rooting system. The soil is composed of crushed granite 1/16 to 3/8" with agricultural decomposed material (Nitrated sawdust) and some fertilizers. White hair roots grow in three month. The Lime-Sulfur treatment is given once a year on the deadwood. It kills fungi and give color to the dead branches and trunks... that is "jin" and "shari". Remember not to drown the tree. ("Eda jin" = Artificially bleached branches) ("Shari" = Artificially bleached trunks)

The shaping is given to imitate the naturally grown full size trees in field. The basic shaping rule is the branches tend to go downward. Harry recommends 7 to 8" deep oval or rectangle shape pot. Anything beyond that is totally depend on your intellectual knowledge (your style). Wires need to be removed after one growing season. Re-wire 2-3 month later for another shaping. Repot every 3 to 4 years. Enjoy your California Juniper Bonsai.