Juniperus Squamata Meyeri pt7

A little update here, as the tree has come on leaps and bounds, pushing out extraordinary growth. I'm super pleased that it looks so healthy and responded so well to the rather dramatic pruning we gave it in winter.


As the foliage is so lush and green, it made the bark look pretty drab and lacklustre.

So I set about giving it a gentle scrubbing with a wire brush, carefully pulled off some loose layers, and gave it a gentle sand with some fine paper.

Then...I polished the bark with a  few peanuts. Literally rub the peanut on to the surface of the bark, and you'll find it brings out a beautiful deep orangey red. (in retrospect, I'd use a walnut next time - more oil, and less fiddly).

I also set about applying limesulphur to the deadwood in the tree - to prevent fungal buildup and to whiten it, which along with the bark should provide a lovely rich contrast.

You can see below now the massive difference. However, now it's very obvious that the tree needs a complete rewire, as it's a complete bloody mess. However we only repotted in Spring - and I think we are pushing the tree too hard rewiring now. So for the summer, we just put up with it and rewire in winter.....

It's definitely getting there. Just patience required.......