We had a very slow start to summer, but there have finally been some hot days in January. I for one am glad that the forecast of a lot of rain didn’t eventuate, as many of my trees struggle to receive enough light at even the best of times, because of where my collection is […]
Summer is a very busy time for the bonsai enthusiast. For many species, spring growth will continue and one must be diligent with keeping vigorous trees trimmed to encourage short internodes. The weather has been very windy lately and I have spent this afternoon pruning back long spring growth on my trees, not only for
During November spring growth will continue, and one must be mindful of keeping vigorous trees trimmed to encourage short internodes and an improved design. Fast growing trees can be trimmed back to two leaves per branchlet, whilst less vigorous to four leaves. Australian natives can be pruned relatively hard after flowering. Because of the cool
It has been a slow start to spring, with frequent rain (not unusual this year) and cooler temperatures. However, be mindful that watering should now be done daily, unless rain occurs. Check after a downpour that the soil is moist and the rain has penetrated the soil, as showers combined with wind may mean that
During August, we have finally had a break from what has seemed like constantly wet or cloudy weather. Your deciduous trees will be coming in to leaf (if they haven’t already) and you should have enjoyed some blossoms from such plants as prunus, crabapples and flowering quince. Hopefully by now, you will have completed (or
It has been wonderful to have a break from the constant wet weather of the last few weeks and I, like many of you I’m sure, have been very busy repotting trees every chance I get! We are starting to get some warmer days, although there are most likely some cold nights still to come.
This year we have certainly had a cold start to winter and it’s time to get going with the repotting of deciduous trees if you haven’t already started. Some of the species you should be working on include crabapples, maples, elms, wisteria, liquidambars, flowering prunus of all types, deciduous conifers and ashes. Bear in mind
With the sun moving lower in the sky during the colder months, you may need to move your trees around to get more direct sunlight. Keep frost tender trees under protection if frosts are likely in your area. To prevent your bonsai trees from having constantly cold, wet feet and damp foliage, it’s important to
Autumn is well and truly on us now, with cooler nights and crisp mornings. It was pleasant over the Easter/ANZAC Day period to have a break from all that summer rain, so hopefully your deciduous bonsai will be starting to show some autumn colour. Keep the trees in full sun if possible at this time
This summer, like last year, has been a lot cooler than normal and we have certainly had a lot of rain! I hope that you and your trees have survived both. Some of my trees appear to be suffering a bit from lack of sunlight, with too much elongated and rather weak growth. Hopefully, during
