Utah Juniper Collecting Trip

I spent last weekend collecting Utah Juniper (J. Osteosperma) in the mountains of eastern CA. The digging was pretty tough, but I ended up gathering 3 large junipers with some nice features for bonsai. We also took a side trip to the ancient bristlecone pine forest for some inspiration!

Moon-set and sunrise at camp!

 Digging the first tree. The trees here are growing in open ground, unlike many other collecting spots. Making a trench around the tree, cutting lateral roots and then balling and wrapping the roots is the best approach.

 The wife is supervising the digging here ;)

 First tree out of the hole and wrapped up!

 The next dig underway

 Ancient Bristlecone pines and a very tired guy!

 I was going to call it a day, but then I found this gem and decided to go for it!

 It was a very large plant, with lots of deadwood features

 Loading the tree into a very full pickup

 Will it fit?

 How do I get out of here?

With the truck full, it was time to call it a day. It was exhausting work, but all 3 trees have great potential as bonsai. It seems I have an affinity for extra-large trees! Next step, get them home and potted up. I'll try to get some pictures of that process soon...