VA_Wild_Rose
Fredericksburg, VA
Zone 7a
April 19, 2007
7:27 AM | I am fairly new to Dave's Garden, and I have been watching many forums, as I love all types of plants. Currently, I am limited to indoor and container gardening, as I live in an apartment. I do have a nice 6x12 balcony though. I have been watching, reading, and learning from several different sources online regarding bonsai.
Presently, I have purchased a bonsai from Wal-Mart (quipped "mall-sai" by some)... it was identified as a Fujian or Fukian Tea (i've seen both names online, so which is correct?) It is in need of trimming as it has leafed out quite a bit since purchase. Now, all of a sudden, it is blooming! Covered in small white flowers! Very pretty, but surprised me! A few leaves have dropped during this process... is that normal? When should I trim, and should I repot right away?
I also purchased a Wisteria that I would like to work into bonsai. It is simply a rooted young plant like you get in the spring from Lowe's, HD, or Wal-Mart... sold in the area where the clematis, vines, etc. are. It is healthy and leafing out. I am aware that it will not bloom for possibly several years. What I need to know is how long do I let it grow out before I start "working" it. I would like to do it in one of the leaning forms (not exactly up on my bonsai terms yet) Should I put it in a small bonsai style pot this year, or wait a while?
Next, I have Ginkgo seedlings (my favorite tree!) I have two that I have already pinned over, since last summer... they are leafing out nicely so far. I started one from a cutting... I was so very proud of myself! It came from a 130 year old tree. It did not survive the winter though. I plan to try again this summer. I have access to an almost limitless number of seedlings, so I also want to do a forest form. I have ordered a grafted variegated ginkgo that should be at the P.O. now, even as I write this. I don't know if I want to work it in to bonsai or just keep it as a container tree.
Lastly, I have seeds that I want to start this summer, for future bonsai work. I purchased Brazilian Rain Tree seeds (I have seen a mature bonsai of this at my local nursery, and it is gorgeous!) I have southern Catalpa seeds, and some sort of unidentified pine or spruce (got to get the tree book out!) I also have Kentucky Coffee tree seeds, Wisteria seeds, and limitless access to Ginkgo seeds. From whatever seeds I successfully germinate, how long will I have to raise the seedlings before working them into bonsai?
Thanks for letting me ramble! Nice to meet y'all, and thanks for whatever input you can offer!
Karen |