Page 28 - Silver Lakes December Issue 2022

GARDENING

THE WONDER OF BONSAI

By Elize Malan

hen life slows down over the You can start by removing a seedling from pests and diseases will be detected quickly,
festive season and you have your garden, or simply germinate some seed resulting in minimal damage to the plant.
Wsome time available, consider or root a cutting.
growing a bonsai plant. Unlike other works of art, there is no such
Fill a shallow container with a commercial thing as a “finished” bonsai as long as the
Bonsai is defined as “the Japanese art growing medium. Do not forget to mix in trees are still alive and growing; they must
of growing and training miniature trees some water-retention granules. Plant the continue to be tended to on a daily basis.
in small pots or tray-like containers, small tree and irrigate well.
developed from the traditional Chinese The late American horticulturist, teacher,
art form of penjing”. So, this ancient art Trees need sun, but because of the small, author and master bonsai cultivator John
form originated in China more than 2 000 shallow size of the bonsai container, a full Naka explained the idea behind cultivating a
years ago. The grower tries to copy trees in day’s sun will quickly dry the soil and the bonsai this way: “The object is not to make
nature. plant will not survive. Position the bonsai the tree look like a bonsai, but to make the
where it receives sun until 12 noon, and then bonsai look like a tree.”
The bonsai plant is grown in a container, filtered shade for the balance of the day.
and the plant does not have to be old for its Some of his teachings on the subject include
sculpture to be considered artistic. Organic fertiliser can be used in spring to these evocative quotes:
revitalise the soil. • “It must have philosophy, botany, artistry,
For novice growers, the principles that human quality behind it to be a bonsai.”
apply are well documented in books and Repotting is only done when the small • “The bonsai is not you working on the
internet tutorials, so go online and do your container is filled with roots. This does not tree; you have to have the tree work on
research. You can also consider joining mean putting your plant in a larger pot. you.”
a bonsai society or club. Members hold Rather, it is done to refresh the soil and have • “Leave room for the birds to fly through
exhibitions and can provide you with all the access to the roots for pruning. the branches of your bonsai.”
information you require.
Controlling the size of your tree is important.
Taking care of a bonsai tree teaches It should be an artistic feature. Hence, the
you patience. That’s because it requires young seedling will need structural pruning
regular attention and care. Pinching buds, and some skill to create the shape you want.
binding and pruning the plant is an ongoing
process. It will bring you some quiet time Maintenance pruning is done throughout the
– a welcome respite from the hustle and growth stage of all bonsai trees.
bustle of Gauteng.
To control the direction of the small tree Tel: 012 804 1807
If you are not a serious grower, forget about branches, binding wire is used. It is wrapped Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
the rules: just buy a small bonsai or start around the branch until it maintains the new Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
you own from a cutting or a seedling tree. shape. Remove the wire before it cuts into
the branch and leaves permanent scars.
Species that grow successfully should
have small leaves but can be deciduous or Treat aphids, whitefly or other pests with
evergreen. Wild Olive, Ficus, Chinese Elm appropriate organic insecticide when
and Acacia trees are good examples. needed. If you attend to your bonsai regularly,

26 | INTRAMUROS DECEMBER 2022