Never mind about the question. When I saw how dumb it looked in print, I decided to do some radical pruning to get something that at least looks like an attempt at bonsai styling. But thanks again to Lucy.

It aint nothing without pictures!
Post a pix so we can all enjoy!
PLEASE

No, your question wasn't stupid. If you look at the pictures of my large Boxwood that's exactly how I managed most of the branch ramification in such a short time. This is a very common method which is hardly ever talked about or taught. Besides, you view a tree from the 'front' and not from the 'top' so who cares.

The only note of caution (about wiring branches this way) is be sure to cut the wire off and not 'unwind' it...unwinding it will re-flex the branches and undo most of what you've accomplished.

I use wire that is a little stronger than needed and don't put it on too tight, this allows growth without leaving wire marks.

Bob

Well, I already whacked it. The branches were too long, too numerous, too nekkid, and too little ramified from not enough pinching. I went from trying to avoid killing it to having it look like a decent houseplant; now, if it grows out, I'll try for something like an informal bonsai.

But thanks, Bob, for the tip. Your boxwood is splendid.

I've cut the few remaining branches back to 2-3" (plant was 14 x 14 before whacking). I did leave one relatively good branch that supports a foliage pad. However, the structure of it is coarse, and I reckon it will look out of place if I manage to develop the other branches with normal ramification. Do I need to cut that back too? Also I wonder if leaving it will inhibit sprouting on the parts of the plant that are leafless and woody. Earlier I tried cutting back a couple of shoots to a leafless point and they died without sprouting, although the rest of the tree was growing.

Thanks for any comments. Sorry, no pics. It is a retusa.