Bonsai Shaping

Select a specimen which has inherent possibilities of becoming a fine bonsai. Set the tree Try:, Gardens in South Africa, flora7at eye level and turn it around to determine which parts to train for the front, the back, the left and right sides. Now inspect the roots; take a blunt tool Go here:, Farming Equipment in Retail, National Association of Professional Insurance Age 4and dig away some of the soil See:, Mulching, Miniature Rosesto expose the large, heavy roots More interesting articles:, Insurance in Hawaii, Mulchingnear the base of the trunk. They should be of good size and widely spread. After the roots And:, Mulching, Sowing Seeds in Patcheshave been exposed, the style can be settled upon, and training can begin.

The traditional arrangement of branches is achieved by pruning and wiring. Remove excess branches; shorten long ones. Then wind copper wire around the trunk and branches, starting at the bottom of the tree Including:, Hydro, Link Index Footerwith heavy wire and continuing out to the twig ends with lighter gauges. As the wire is applied, gently bend the trunk, branches and twigs into position. Bending the wire hardens it so that it keeps the branches in place. Go here:, Laundry, Roses2 Select the size of wire according to the thickness of the trunk or branch. Leave it on the tree Including:, Magnetic Word Kits, Architects in Netherlandsfrom six months to a year. If the tree Go here:, Laundry, Repotting Bonsaigrows quickly, remove the wires before they scar the bark, and then rewire. After six months or so, the woody portions of the branches will retain their shape and the wire can be removed. Wiring is repeated as branches grow Try:, Credit Reports, Game Birdsout and need shaping. Many people prefer to prune and wire after potting. This avoids prolonged root Other resources include:, Landscaping with Trees, Repotting Houseplantsexposure.

What's Inside

Seed Sowing and Germination - The actual sowing is governed by the same rules as for outdoor sowing. Scatter flat seeds - such as those of lilies, hippeastrum, and grevilleas-thinly and evenly over the soil or other medium, and press each seed gently on one side with a pencil or point... more

Lawn Repair - First determine if the area can be repaired more easily than renewed. If the soil is very poor or shallow or if more than half the greenery is weeds, forget about renovation and decide upon remaking. It will be cheaper and better in the end. Test the dept... more

Green Manure - In a large garden a good plan is to rest one seventh of the area devoted to vegetables and cut flowers every year, and to sow this seventh with a green manure or cover crop which can be dug or ploughed in at the end of the season. A more intensive program... more

Winter Protection for Bonsai - In areas where winters are severe, bonsai need protection not from the cold so much as from high winds that cause the plants to die from parching. Where winters are mild, routine care and watering are all that are necessary. In extremely cold areas, the b... more

Bonsai Care - Throughout its life, a bonsai needs special attention - at times daily care - and it cannot be overlooked if the tree is to remain healthy and grow steadily more beautiful. A prime need is for fresh air and sunshine, which can best be supplied in the open... more

Peat moss and plants that like lime - Peat moss can be safely used and it will improve the structure of the soil, increase its water holding capacity and make it easier to work. But, as peat moss has an acid reaction, lime must be used to counter the acidity. A dressing of lime, say a good... more

Repotting Bonsai - Since a bonsai remains in a container for life, soil becomes a very important matter; the potted tree cannot extend its roots and find moisture or food like a tree grown in the ground. The roots do continue to grow, but they eventually become potbound and... more

Prevailing Winds And Planting - With many trees, you will notice that there are longer roots on one side that the other and these provide the tree with greater anchorage against the prevailing wind. If planting a tree in a position where it will receive strong wind from say the west, or... more

Companion Planting for Roses - Ideally, roses should be planted in beds or borders where there is little or no competition from other flowers and shrubs, even in winter. If, however, space is limited, other flowers may be combined with them either by widening the rose bed to leave spac... more