In the spring the most important job is root pruning and re potting.
Most trees need to be re potted and root pruned to aid in the overall health and well being of your tree each year, to encourage the production of fine new feeder roots, fresh new foliage and vigorous growth on old wood to improve compact shape and refine branches.
Spring is generally the safest time of year to perform this task as trees come out of winter dormancy and begin to flourish for another year!
BONSAI LESSONS, SPRING
BONSAI, ROOT PRUNING AND RE-POTTING
Bonsai for the beginner can be daunting at first.
I hope to shed some light on the secrets to growing beautiful bonsai trees.
Here I'll discuss re-potting and root-pruning and its importance to our bonsai's survival.
WHY DO WE RE-POT AND ROOT PRUNE?
With all of my collection I re-pot and root prune every year. Mostly because the majority of them are still being shaped therefore I need to encourage as much growth every year as possible, also as they reach the ideal size this gives me a chance to possibly choose a much better suiting pot as I learn and gain better understanding of how this can improve the overall appearance of the bonsai.
For the health of the tree it is important to root prune to avoid the tree becoming root bound and sick. As the tree grows more and more roots it depletes the soil of nutrients and compacts it to the point where it may begin to repel water rather than soak it up therefore putting the tree in danger of dieing from a lack of water .
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE BONSAI LESSONS SPRING!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE
Every class I teach someone usually asks me how I first got into bonsai.
Although it was an interest from a relatively young age it wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I took on a much bigger interest in this fantastic hobby.
It seems you start with one tree, a few cuttings and then next thing you know your eyeing off the neighbours garden for a few plants that would look really good in a bonsai pot, if you could only dig them out without anyone noticing!
It can be a bit of an addiction once you start, but with the right direction almost anything can turn into a work of art!
WHAT I LEARNT FROM A BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE.
I have always been interested in Japanese culture and bonsai in particular has appealed to me since I was young.
Spending hours looking at countless images of perfect little trees and forest scenes in books and magazines drew my imagination away to far off mystical lands and exciting cultures where entire gardens are grown around this miniature theme.
Tiny trees that can be hundreds of years old, handed down from generation to generation, had me believing that to achieve such perfection in the palm of ones hand, may have needed the ancient oriental gardeners to use a sprinkle of magic dust for them to achieve such beauty!
I WANTED MY OWN BONSAI
I desperately wanted a bonsai of my own so I could care for a living sculpture that I, and anyone else who saw it could be inspired by its magic and beauty.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE WHAT I LEARNED FROM A BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE!
TO DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE GO TO http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/bonsai_courses.html
Although it was an interest from a relatively young age it wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I took on a much bigger interest in this fantastic hobby.
It seems you start with one tree, a few cuttings and then next thing you know your eyeing off the neighbours garden for a few plants that would look really good in a bonsai pot, if you could only dig them out without anyone noticing!
It can be a bit of an addiction once you start, but with the right direction almost anything can turn into a work of art!
WHAT I LEARNT FROM A BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE.
I have always been interested in Japanese culture and bonsai in particular has appealed to me since I was young.
Spending hours looking at countless images of perfect little trees and forest scenes in books and magazines drew my imagination away to far off mystical lands and exciting cultures where entire gardens are grown around this miniature theme.
Tiny trees that can be hundreds of years old, handed down from generation to generation, had me believing that to achieve such perfection in the palm of ones hand, may have needed the ancient oriental gardeners to use a sprinkle of magic dust for them to achieve such beauty!
I WANTED MY OWN BONSAI
I desperately wanted a bonsai of my own so I could care for a living sculpture that I, and anyone else who saw it could be inspired by its magic and beauty.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE WHAT I LEARNED FROM A BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE!
TO DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE GO TO http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/bonsai_courses.html
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
SPRING BONSAI PRUNING
With spring in the air and all of your trees now starting to wake from their winter hibernation, even trees that will be root pruned and re-potted need to be top pruned as well.
As the new growth starts to extend, pruning it back now will help force new growth back along branches to help create compact pads of foliage.
Top pruning your tree at the same time as root pruning helps balance the need for nutrients that the pruned roots will be expected to supply to the flourishing new foliage if it is not trimmed, trimming it now avoid die back or a tree at a weakened state.
THE ART OF PRUNING BONSAI
There is an art to pruning bonsai, and there are several times a year you can prune your bonsai depending on at what stage of creation your tree is in.
If your tree is in the early stages of development and you are still trying to thicken the trunk, train to a certain style or trying to encourage branching to fill in, or complete a particular style then you will probably let your tree grow unpruned for one or more growing seasons, only removing growth that is un-wanted for your final shape.
If your bonsai has its general shape and you are now refining the tree, then several times a year you will most probably go through this process. Early Spring, end of Spring to early Summer and possibly Autumn depending on the zone you live in.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE THE ART OF PRUNING BONSAI!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
As the new growth starts to extend, pruning it back now will help force new growth back along branches to help create compact pads of foliage.
Top pruning your tree at the same time as root pruning helps balance the need for nutrients that the pruned roots will be expected to supply to the flourishing new foliage if it is not trimmed, trimming it now avoid die back or a tree at a weakened state.
THE ART OF PRUNING BONSAI
There is an art to pruning bonsai, and there are several times a year you can prune your bonsai depending on at what stage of creation your tree is in.
If your tree is in the early stages of development and you are still trying to thicken the trunk, train to a certain style or trying to encourage branching to fill in, or complete a particular style then you will probably let your tree grow unpruned for one or more growing seasons, only removing growth that is un-wanted for your final shape.
If your bonsai has its general shape and you are now refining the tree, then several times a year you will most probably go through this process. Early Spring, end of Spring to early Summer and possibly Autumn depending on the zone you live in.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE THE ART OF PRUNING BONSAI!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Monday, May 17, 2010
THE STRUCTURE OF A BONSAI COURSE
Each time I prepare to teach a bonsai course or do a demonstration, I go over in my mind the basic structure of the course and try to visualize how it will involve the participants and what I think they will gain from the experience.
I could talk about bonsai for hours and it is so easy to stray from the original topic once people start asking questions or as I get over excited about whatever we may be working on at the time.
I find that as long as I bring myself back to the foundations of the lesson I will usually not end up talking way over time and losing the point of the lesson etc.
Here is an article I wrote on it recently.
GETTING STARTED WITH BONSAI
Getting many beginners started with bonsai has been a truly rewarding experience for me over the last 5 years.
I think it doesn't matter how many books you read or demonstrations you attend, there is nothing like hands on experience and walking away with a tree you have created yourself, and that's what I love seeing in my classes.
Some of the class participants either have, or in a lot of cases HAD a bonsai at some stage, either brought from a nursery or given to them as a gift, and some have absolutely no idea about bonsai and just wish to find out where to start.
No matter what experience level the bonsai enthusiast is at, I find reminding them of the basics is always a great place to start.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE GETTING STARTED WITH BONSAI!
FOR MORE ON BONSAI, COURSES, TOOLS AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS, CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
I could talk about bonsai for hours and it is so easy to stray from the original topic once people start asking questions or as I get over excited about whatever we may be working on at the time.
I find that as long as I bring myself back to the foundations of the lesson I will usually not end up talking way over time and losing the point of the lesson etc.
Here is an article I wrote on it recently.
GETTING STARTED WITH BONSAI
Getting many beginners started with bonsai has been a truly rewarding experience for me over the last 5 years.
I think it doesn't matter how many books you read or demonstrations you attend, there is nothing like hands on experience and walking away with a tree you have created yourself, and that's what I love seeing in my classes.
Some of the class participants either have, or in a lot of cases HAD a bonsai at some stage, either brought from a nursery or given to them as a gift, and some have absolutely no idea about bonsai and just wish to find out where to start.
No matter what experience level the bonsai enthusiast is at, I find reminding them of the basics is always a great place to start.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE GETTING STARTED WITH BONSAI!
FOR MORE ON BONSAI, COURSES, TOOLS AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS, CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Saturday, May 15, 2010
THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
There are not many hobbies I know of that don’t have some sort of equipment or tools that are specific to that hobby that make the tasks involved so much easier to perform if you have the right ones.
Bonsai is no exception to this and there is certainly a large array and wide price range of tools and equipment that you may need at some stage, as your experience and knowledge improve.
If you’re a beginner and on a tight budget there are a few tools I would say are essential and a few you can certainly use now if you are cashed up enough to afford them, but here are the essential tools I recommend if you are just starting out.
ESSENTIAL BONSAI TOOLS FOR A BEGINNER
"My father has a saying; "The difference between doing a job like a professional and a job like an amateur, is having the right tools!"
This is certainly true when it comes to bonsai, so investing a little on the essential bonsai tools will allow you to get a much better result when pruning and shaping your bonsai.
Using inferior tools like general scissors or garden secateurs can damage and permanently scar your tree, or worse.
Tools should be kept sharp to make clean cuts and not compress the bark when removing branches etc, and tools should be regularly cleaned and sterilized to avoid transferring disease from tree to tree.
Although there are many tools available in a variety of sizes and quality. When it comes to bonsai tools I believe you get what you pay for.
Spending a little more for better quality tools will usually guarantee longer lasting, reliable tools.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE ESSENTIAL BONSAI TOOLS FOR A BEGINNER!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI OR TO PURCHASE BONSAI TOOLS http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Bonsai is no exception to this and there is certainly a large array and wide price range of tools and equipment that you may need at some stage, as your experience and knowledge improve.
If you’re a beginner and on a tight budget there are a few tools I would say are essential and a few you can certainly use now if you are cashed up enough to afford them, but here are the essential tools I recommend if you are just starting out.
ESSENTIAL BONSAI TOOLS FOR A BEGINNER
"My father has a saying; "The difference between doing a job like a professional and a job like an amateur, is having the right tools!"
This is certainly true when it comes to bonsai, so investing a little on the essential bonsai tools will allow you to get a much better result when pruning and shaping your bonsai.
Using inferior tools like general scissors or garden secateurs can damage and permanently scar your tree, or worse.
Tools should be kept sharp to make clean cuts and not compress the bark when removing branches etc, and tools should be regularly cleaned and sterilized to avoid transferring disease from tree to tree.
Although there are many tools available in a variety of sizes and quality. When it comes to bonsai tools I believe you get what you pay for.
Spending a little more for better quality tools will usually guarantee longer lasting, reliable tools.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE ESSENTIAL BONSAI TOOLS FOR A BEGINNER!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI OR TO PURCHASE BONSAI TOOLS http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Friday, May 14, 2010
BONSAI RESOURCES
I am constantly being asked about the best places to get good, relevant and up to date information about bonsai.
Some time ago I listed the top five bonsai books I have in my collection and gave a general outline of them and main points of interest in each book. You can find that article here: TOP 5 BONSAI BOOKS.
One of the books listed in that five I would say gave me a better understanding of the rules that make the difference between a good bonsai and a great bonsai.
Although all the books I listed in the TOP 5 BONSAI BOOKS individually stand out as brilliant resources. This one book I elaborated a little more on.
BONSAI GARDENING SECRETS
A few years ago I was researching online for more information on bonsai instructions that I could use for my beginners classes that I teach at a local nursery.
I have many hard copies of bonsai books from around the world that I regularly reference during my classes, and my 20 years of growing bonsai gave me confidence that what I was teaching was up to date and relevant.
I came across bonsai gardening secrets and although a little dubious at the time (as I had never purchased an e-book before) the cost seemed small for all that the booked promised to teach me.
After downloading my new book and several bonus books that came with it, I proceeded to print out 97 pages (I hate reading stuff off a computer screen!) and began to read what I believe to be the most comprehensive guide on the subject of bonsai I have ever seen!
READ MORE HERE BONSAI GARDENING SECRETS REVIEW
For other bonsai resources, tips and product reviews check out my website http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Some time ago I listed the top five bonsai books I have in my collection and gave a general outline of them and main points of interest in each book. You can find that article here: TOP 5 BONSAI BOOKS.
One of the books listed in that five I would say gave me a better understanding of the rules that make the difference between a good bonsai and a great bonsai.
Although all the books I listed in the TOP 5 BONSAI BOOKS individually stand out as brilliant resources. This one book I elaborated a little more on.
BONSAI GARDENING SECRETS
A few years ago I was researching online for more information on bonsai instructions that I could use for my beginners classes that I teach at a local nursery.
I have many hard copies of bonsai books from around the world that I regularly reference during my classes, and my 20 years of growing bonsai gave me confidence that what I was teaching was up to date and relevant.
I came across bonsai gardening secrets and although a little dubious at the time (as I had never purchased an e-book before) the cost seemed small for all that the booked promised to teach me.
After downloading my new book and several bonus books that came with it, I proceeded to print out 97 pages (I hate reading stuff off a computer screen!) and began to read what I believe to be the most comprehensive guide on the subject of bonsai I have ever seen!
READ MORE HERE BONSAI GARDENING SECRETS REVIEW
For other bonsai resources, tips and product reviews check out my website http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Thursday, May 13, 2010
CARE FOR BONSAI THIS SUMMER
For some of you summer is just around the corner, spring growth should be flourishing and all of your re- potting now taken care of.
No matter where in the world you live different seasons always bring with them new challenges and various care issues that need to be attended to, to keep your bonsai at its peak of health.
Summer is no exception to this and a slight slip throughout this time can lead to disaster!
SUMMER BONSAI TIPS
Summer is one of the best times of year for bonsai and can also be the worst!
Rapidly rising temperatures and hot dry winds can be a recipe for disaster if your bonsai are left un-attended for any length of time.
Watering to your trees needs, positioning your trees away from direct sunlight and sheltered from strong winds are probably the most important things to consider, and the hardest things to get right, especially if you are a 9 to 5 worker and not at home most of the day to attend to your trees should they dry out or get blown over.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE SUMMER BONSAI TIPS!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
No matter where in the world you live different seasons always bring with them new challenges and various care issues that need to be attended to, to keep your bonsai at its peak of health.
Summer is no exception to this and a slight slip throughout this time can lead to disaster!
SUMMER BONSAI TIPS
Summer is one of the best times of year for bonsai and can also be the worst!
Rapidly rising temperatures and hot dry winds can be a recipe for disaster if your bonsai are left un-attended for any length of time.
Watering to your trees needs, positioning your trees away from direct sunlight and sheltered from strong winds are probably the most important things to consider, and the hardest things to get right, especially if you are a 9 to 5 worker and not at home most of the day to attend to your trees should they dry out or get blown over.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE SUMMER BONSAI TIPS!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Sunday, May 9, 2010
THE BASICS OF CARING FOR YOUR BONSAI
I have just finished delivering several trays of gift size bonsai to the local nursery in preparation for their Mother’s day sales this weekend.
As most of these trees will no doubt be bought to give as gifts for mother’s day, it made me think that most people receiving them probably won’t know the first thing about caring for their new present.
Here is the information similar to what we hand out to each tree sold at our nursery.
CARING FOR YOUR FIRST BONSAI
You have purchased your first bonsai or just received one as a gift. It looks healthy and happy for now, so how are you going to keep it that way?
Caring for a bonsai can be a daunting task, but with a few simple considerations it can be a joyous experience that can last for a lifetime.
When you first get your beautiful little tree home, the first instinct is to put it inside where you can admire it. Although this can be done periodically it is not wise to keep it inside long term. Where your little bonsai tree is going to live is the first thing we need to consider if we are going to have our tree around to admire for a long time.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE CARING FOR YOUR FIRST BONSAI!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
As most of these trees will no doubt be bought to give as gifts for mother’s day, it made me think that most people receiving them probably won’t know the first thing about caring for their new present.
Here is the information similar to what we hand out to each tree sold at our nursery.
CARING FOR YOUR FIRST BONSAI
You have purchased your first bonsai or just received one as a gift. It looks healthy and happy for now, so how are you going to keep it that way?
Caring for a bonsai can be a daunting task, but with a few simple considerations it can be a joyous experience that can last for a lifetime.
When you first get your beautiful little tree home, the first instinct is to put it inside where you can admire it. Although this can be done periodically it is not wise to keep it inside long term. Where your little bonsai tree is going to live is the first thing we need to consider if we are going to have our tree around to admire for a long time.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE CARING FOR YOUR FIRST BONSAI!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Keep your bonsai alive is rule number 1
Keeping your beloved bonsai alive and well is the number one priority for any bonsai grower.
As long as you can keep a tree in a healthy state it has the potential to be trained and nurtured to become great.
No matter how long or short you have been into growing bonsai it is a good idea to be aware and reminded of these few basic problems.
BONSAI, THE 3 MAIN THINGS THAT KILL THEM.
With all of the Bonsai classes I have taught over the years for beginners, the same comments from students seems to stand out.
"Someone gave me a bonsai once but it died"
Or
"I had a bonsai once but it suddenly turned brown and never got better"
As common as this theme is, keeping bonsai alive and well is much easier than most people think and not really any great secret!
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE BONSAI THE 3 MAIN THINGS THAT KILL THEM!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
As long as you can keep a tree in a healthy state it has the potential to be trained and nurtured to become great.
No matter how long or short you have been into growing bonsai it is a good idea to be aware and reminded of these few basic problems.
BONSAI, THE 3 MAIN THINGS THAT KILL THEM.
With all of the Bonsai classes I have taught over the years for beginners, the same comments from students seems to stand out.
"Someone gave me a bonsai once but it died"
Or
"I had a bonsai once but it suddenly turned brown and never got better"
As common as this theme is, keeping bonsai alive and well is much easier than most people think and not really any great secret!
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE BONSAI THE 3 MAIN THINGS THAT KILL THEM!
GO TO MY WEBSITE FOR MORE ON BONSAI http://www.balconybonsai.com.au/
Friday, May 7, 2010
THE FIVE STYLES OF JAPANESE BONSAI
One of the first things I start with when teaching bonsai classes is the five basic styles.
If you are able to understand these differing styles of Japanese bonsai and try to follow the guidelines that define them, you will be able to create much better trees over time.
It gives a firm point of reference to return to when styling and refining your bonsai trees at any stage of their life cycle.
Just like most other art forms, bonsai has several categories which define how the elements of the tree create a particular style.
In all styles the tree should be the thickest at the base with an even taper (thinning) as it grows to the apex (tip) of the tree. The first branch should be around a third of way up the overall height of the tree and no branch should point forward till at least two thirds up the overall height of the tree. There are many more specifications which can help improve a tree but we can get to them another time, today I just want to start with the basics and then improve the rest over time.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE THE FIVE STYLES OF JAPANESE BONSAI
WANT TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JAPANESE STYLE BONSAI? YOU NOW CAN WITH MY STEP BY STEP BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE
If you are able to understand these differing styles of Japanese bonsai and try to follow the guidelines that define them, you will be able to create much better trees over time.
It gives a firm point of reference to return to when styling and refining your bonsai trees at any stage of their life cycle.
Just like most other art forms, bonsai has several categories which define how the elements of the tree create a particular style.
In all styles the tree should be the thickest at the base with an even taper (thinning) as it grows to the apex (tip) of the tree. The first branch should be around a third of way up the overall height of the tree and no branch should point forward till at least two thirds up the overall height of the tree. There are many more specifications which can help improve a tree but we can get to them another time, today I just want to start with the basics and then improve the rest over time.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE THE FIVE STYLES OF JAPANESE BONSAI
WANT TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN JAPANESE STYLE BONSAI? YOU NOW CAN WITH MY STEP BY STEP BONSAI BEGINNERS COURSE
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
First Lessons in bonsai
When starting out on the journey of bonsai there area couple of lessons that you can learn the hard way, or the easy way.
One of those lessons I learned by accident, This is what I wrote about it.
Bonsai, a beginners guide
After teaching bonsai to beginners for several years I am constantly reminded of my past and how bonsai became such a big part of my life.
It also reminds me of what I love about teaching beginners on the subject of how to grow bonsai and that is, being able to shed light on so many of the issues faced as a total beginner myself.
The beauty of bonsai and its cultural background was probably what attracted me to the art in the first place. I had seen pictures in books as well as admiring them in the Chinese gardens in Sydney. When a friend had one that was unwell I decided to take it upon myself to learn more to save this little tree from certain death.
Read the full story here BONSAI, A BEGINNERS GUIDE!
One of those lessons I learned by accident, This is what I wrote about it.
Bonsai, a beginners guide
After teaching bonsai to beginners for several years I am constantly reminded of my past and how bonsai became such a big part of my life.
It also reminds me of what I love about teaching beginners on the subject of how to grow bonsai and that is, being able to shed light on so many of the issues faced as a total beginner myself.
The beauty of bonsai and its cultural background was probably what attracted me to the art in the first place. I had seen pictures in books as well as admiring them in the Chinese gardens in Sydney. When a friend had one that was unwell I decided to take it upon myself to learn more to save this little tree from certain death.
Read the full story here BONSAI, A BEGINNERS GUIDE!
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