Bonsai - Japanese Trees

Spa Country Bonsai Barn Daylesford specialises in bonsai - the traditional Japanese art of nurturing dwarfed potted trees.

Inspiration is derived from nature and over many years rules have been structured to improve on the Chinese origins of the art and to give it a more disciplined Japanese form.

At Spa Country Bonsai Barn Daylesford we try to follow this tradition. Developing such a small piece of nature over many years can become a source of great pleasure and peaceful recreation.

Bonsai Care & Maintenance

Position

Bonsai are trees and even though they have been minaturised they are in the habit of growing outdoors. So with only a few exceptions they must spend most of their time outdoors.

It is recommended that most bonsai are kept in a position that provides morning sun, afternoon shade and protection from strong wind.

If you wish to display your Bonsai inside from time to time, be sure to do so for no more than 2-3 days for most trees.

Watering and Feeding

Watering is the most important single factor in Bonsai care. Most Bonsai die through lack of regular thorough watering. Trees in the ground can find what water there is around them, but trees in pots need to have it supplied.

Watering should be done on a daily basis from Spring to Autumn (less frequently in Winter) and once a week or so in Summer immerse the Bonsai in a container of water to above the soil level and leave until the bubbles stop rising to ensure thorough saturation.

It is preferable to water in the evening because there is less evaporation overnight. Use a fine gentle rose spray or watering can to avoid washing away the top soil.

Root Pruning & Potting

After a period of growth, which varies in time according to the variety of tree, the roots fill the pot and the plant becomes root bound. Because the pot is part of the design of the Bonsai, it is not always desirable to pot up to a larger pot.

So, at the appropriate time of the year, which is usually late winter for deciduous trees, and a more temperate time for conifers, the Bonsai is removed from the pot, the roots raked out and pruned back usually about a third and the tree returned to the same pot, using fresh Bonsai mix especially formulated to drain well and at the same time, hold or retain moisture for the tree.

Trimming & Pruning

Trimming and pruning is done during the growing season on a regular basis, to maintain the shape and design of the Bonsai.

Cut back carefully to just above a bud to cause the ramification of the branches and give the concept of advanced age. Ramification is the development of multiple twigs from lower buds.

Wiring

Wiring is the main method used to train the Bonsai to the desired shape. Branches and trunks are wired and bent to the shape you think most resembles the age of the tree you are trying to create.

The art is to give the impression of an old tree in miniature.  

Wire along the branch, holding each coil as you go.

Wire from one branch to another as shown.