Bonsai.

Has anyone had a go at this?
I am just beginning to take an interest.

 

I have , I bet most have had a dable on here , only the outside ones though , they can be time consuming in the summer as they dry out so quickly before you know it, I lost one two years ago missed the watering by one day I had had it 15 years !!! I was gutted japanese white pine it looked mint , I do have a couple of japanese acers that I propagated from seeds from my own plants about 4 years old now and they are doing great.

Have a go with seeds so easy to do and then you can choose the style you want

Spruce

 

I have ordered this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130674591024?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I'm not sure how successful these kits are but I will give it my best shot. Any tips greatly appreciated.

 

looks great , I have seen them Bonsai style amazing will take some time though .

I think they will need stratification over Autumn and winter and kept outdoors with a good layer of grit over the compost , I think with these you cut the tap root after the 2nd year

 

Ok. Thank you Spruce. I will probably have lots of stupid questions.
I wonder if you can do it to a Buddleia?

 

I had a bash last year. Found an online tutorial on www.bonsaiforbeginners.com. I followed the instructions and made a basic looking tree.



It filled out quite nicely over the year and did start to look something like a proper bonsai. Sadly it died over winter when it was neglected and not watered enough. May try again next year.


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yes you can, seeds or a tiny seedling to start , and keep up on the pruning as it will romp away .

I think the winter of 2011/12 killed a lot off outside so with my acers I keep in the greenhouse from November to Feb/March then back outside as I dont want them to bud up to early and just keep them on the wetside I use John innes no 1 and 50% horticultural sand mixed in.

Wisteria one sounds a great idea mmmmm ......

 

So I should probably keep it in the polytunnel over winter then?
I was wondering if I had to get that special Bonsai compost but you have answered that for me nicely. Thank you Spruce.

Coolsox, what a shame. That was turning into a lovely little tree. The winters lately have a lot to answer for. If you have another go, please post pics as you go along so that I, and others, can learn?

 

LONG time to flower from seed normally (I doubt Bonsai will be quicker). I think a decade is not uncommon (commercially sold plants are grafted to get around it)

 

Us Gardeners like a challenge , it would still look fab even without flowers.

You can buy them (occasionally) but cost a mint

 

Even the leaves are pretty aren't they?

 

I may give one or two a go , or a xmas pressie which sounds even better , I will start dropping hints big TIME .

Cheapest I have found £79.00

 

Isn't Laburnum a good bonsai specimen? I can share lots of seed....................

 

Would starting with a variety cutting/graft, like L. vossii, be an advantage for Bonsai, or will it make no odds once miniaturised?