This may be well over my pruning skills, but I would like to try anyway. Also I am sure there is a better name than mini forest, so if someone can correct me please do.

Thanks

The Japanese term Yose-Uye is used to describe a (bonsai) Forest or Group planting.. am not sure of the specific Chinese word used to describe 'Forest style Penjing' :)

Junipers, trident maples and elms generally yield the quickest results -- while pines in a group planting can look magnificent, they also require more skill to establish the basic form (trunkline/taper/alternate branching/short internodes etc

Jack

Is there anything written that may help me develop this look?

Jeff

The library may also be a good place to start, as you can read many bonsai books and study the principles/aims of pruning in general, as well as how all this relates to Forest plantings

There are also a few bonsai forums on the net ( IBC and Bonsai Talk) including the one here on GW

Jack

I recently moved up north to (sub-tropical) Brisbane, from cold Melbourne, and the trident cuttings I brought up with me show a lot of promise for the brief autumn/mild winter in this this warmer climate. This pic was taken in Brisbane last autmn

Jack