In Sydney, this August has been unusually dry and warm, so we have had a pleasant start to spring, even if it feels as if it came a little early this year. Your deciduous trees will be coming into leaf (if they haven’t already) and you should have enjoyed some blossoms from such plants as […]
Extended lockdown this season has meant that the trees in my collection have enjoyed plenty of attention. I, like many of you, often feel as if I have too many trees. At times like this, though, it can be a blessing. We are starting to get some warmer days, although there are most likely some
Now winter has well and truly arrived, 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 and ashes. Bear in mind with flowering bonsai, that any trimming
With the sun 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 reduce
Autumn is well and truly on us now, with cooler nights and crisp mornings. We’ve also had 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, as this, combined with cooler nights, should
While the weather remains warm, it’s a good time to repot many species, particularly evergreens like pyracantha, cotoneasters, olives and star jasmine etc. Most can also be repotted in early spring, but I prefer autumn, as the daytime temperatures are usually more stable. Recently repotted trees will need protection if the nights suddenly become cold
Amazing to have experienced two such totally contrasting summers! This one just finished was so wet and cool, and the one before so hot and dry. I hope that you and your trees have survived both well. The main thing I seem to be doing after the recent rain is weeding! Some of my trees
This summer, we have had quite a lot of rain and cooler days than is normal for this time of the year. We have also had COVID 19 restrictions in place, possibly limiting the movements of many of us during the holiday season. I’m sure this has given most of us more time and motivation
Summer is a very busy time for the bonsai enthusiast. For many species, spring growth will continue and one must be mindful of keeping vigorous trees trimmed to encourage short internodes. Watering is the most important task during summer, because lack of it and hot weather can mean high fatality rates, especially in miniature trees
During November, spring growth will continue and one must be mindful of keeping vigorous trees trimmed to encourage short internodes. 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. I have just come in from spending the
