JUST 5 Branches! How to Style a 'Formal Upright' Bonsai

I found this hiding at the bottom of my garden… and I almost walked straight past it! Sometimes the most interesting bonsai material isn't found in a specialist nursery or an expensive garden centre — it's already growing somewhere you least expect it. In this video, I discover an overlooked tree at the bottom of the garden and take a closer look at its potential as bonsai. Is there actually a future bonsai hiding here, or is this just another ordinary garden tree? We'll look at the trunk, taper, branches, roots and overall structure before deciding what development work could turn this neglected material into something much more interesting. And, as always, I'll be looking at the decisions that matter now — because good bonsai development isn't just about making a tree look good today. It's about creating the structure for the tree you want several years from now. If you're a beginner interested in finding, developing and creating bonsai from inexpensive or overlooked material, this is exactly the sort of project I love. Would you have spotted the bonsai hiding here? Let me know in the comments! 🌳 Xavier's Bonsai Retreat Practical bonsai, real trees, real development and plenty of mistakes along the way! 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the rest of my bonsai series for more quirky, informative content! 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - What is at the Bottom of my Garden 02:44 - Take time to Think 04:12 - This is Problematic 05:20 - A Second Option 06:42 - How to create a Formal Upright Bonsai 08:50 - Removing unwanted Branches 12:07 - No Right or Wrong 13:32 - Wiring for Tomorrow 15:35 - Can you repot in Autumn 16:51 - A dry rootball 18:46 - A New Pot 20:03 - Where is your front Bonsai Essentials:    • Bonsai Essentials   🌟 TRY MY FREE BONSAI APP! 🌟 Want to take your bonsai record-keeping and planning to the next level? I’ve developed a powerful FREE Bonsai App designed to help you track care schedules, styling notes, and more. 📥 Just email expressionsbonsai@gmail.com and I’ll send it to you — all you need is Microsoft Access 2016 or newer! 📸 Want to Be Featured in a Future Video? I love showcasing the incredible work of our bonsai community! If you'd like your bonsai featured in an upcoming Subscriber Showcase, simply send your photos to expressionsbonsai@gmail.com. Whether it’s a tree in training, a finished masterpiece, or a unique project — all skill levels are welcome! Be sure to include your name and a few details about the tree if you'd like them mentioned. Equipment & Acknowledgements: I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC 330 Bridge Camera All video production using AVC Video Editor Software Sound equipment courtesy of: johnaronphotography.co.uk Handmade Ceramics by: Dawn Isaac of deiceramics.com I use Adam's products by: notionbonsai.com #Bonsai #BonsaiDevelopment #BonsaiForBeginners #BonsaiTree #CedarBonsai