Stepping into Spring…

As yesterday was the spring equinox, I decided to take a walk in our garden.  My dizzy problem had returned, and I hoped the fresh air would help. This problem is a regular visitor who usually gives up after a day or two.  I had given up trying to write as wearing my glasses made it worse, so I took them off and was stumbling around the garden like an idiot. But every time I saw a flash of colour I took a picture.

I am dictating this as the keyboard is a blur, so I apologise for any discrepances.

The first flash of colour I spotted was the yellow forsythia, which for some reason, is growing in the hedge that runs down our garden, separating us from the neighbours. I rather like it there.

This Japanese quince is a bonsai, currently awaiting repotting.

Not sure what these are called, but they appear all over the place.

Such a lovely colour…

And finally, I must add my little orphan, this white azalea. I have had him for a long time; he never seems to grow but always blooms around Christmas. These flowers are the fourth to arrive; all the others were knobbled by the weather!

Bonsai: My Other Love ~ in Portland…

My bonsai have had a rough time of it lately, and they are not looking their best, especially now most of them have shed their leaves and are ready for a long sleep. I worry about the amount of rain we have had lately and if they have a good enough drainage system.

Early this year, at repotting time, I had changed their soil for a new mixture, one I haven’t used before. They seem to be coping well with being constantly drenched, but only time will tell. I will have to wait until spring to see what happens.

I came across this lovely post the other day about a bonsai garden in Portland. I thoroughly enjoyed walking around and seeing all the wonderful trees.

Twelve acres of stunning Japanese garden, nestled in the Washington Park in Portland – and with a wonderful Bonsai collection on display – the Portland Japanese Garden is stunning! In this video we tour the garden, but of course we focus on the Bonsai collection first! If you want to learn more about Bonsai, consider enrolling in one of our Online Bonsai Courses. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

A Magical Moment…

Keeping the magical theme going today, I thought I would share a magical moment we had yesterday…

Autumn is in full swing, and the wind is having a lot of fun with the leaves outside, especially the ones that come from my bonsai…

This one was floating in mid-air…

We stood and watched for ages!

On Silent Wings… #Poetry

Image from Pixabay.com
On silent wings they pass by
The ancient Gods of old
The scar runs deep
That shut their hearts
To the prayers of man
Harpies perch 
On black wings
A sound of broken glass
Echoes behind
Do not call our names
You need new heroes
New Gods, we are no more…

©AnitaDawes2022


Anita’s poem today coincides with two incidents that happened yesterday…

A very large wood pigeon decided to fly at our window at full speed. The noise when he hit the glass was deafening; I thought someone had kicked a football at us! After recovering, the bird flew away, so no harm was done.

Later, we went outside to find that the local family of thrushes had been busy digging in my bonsai pots, scattering soil all over the yard! Luckily, no harm to the trees, but I wish they wouldn’t do it…

What the ****?
Didn’t they have fun?

Another Bonsai Post from Nebari Bonsai…

Chinese Quince update

Brian VF Chinese quince May 14, 2022 2 Minutes

I bought this tree on eBay in 2006, and it is spent some time in the ground, had a few chops, and a few different fronts. But it is finally started to settle into its shape, and I decided to put it in our club’s annual show this year.

I have been bored with some of the trees lately, and less than inspired, so I thought it would be good to try to put a tree or two in the show that have never been shown before. A couple reasons, first, it adds some variety to the show. Second, it pushes me to advance different trees to a higher level. This year, the quince and the Stewartia will be making their debut appearances in a show.

I had already pruned it back a month ago, and sprayed it heavily several times with Mancozeb to stave off the rust. So far, knock on wood, it hasn’t been a problem this year.

Click HERE to read the rest of this lovely post from Brian at Nebari Bonsai…

Another amazing post from Nebari Bonsai…

A little repotting

Brian VF Repotting March 12, 2022 1 Minute

Repotting is done for several reasons: to work on and prune the roots, to change and refresh the soil, and to adjust the planting angle. Sometimes all three. Here are a few examples of each.

First up is a “normal” repotting of a Chinese quince, which is pot-bound. All soil is removed, roots are trimmed back, and heavy roots are removed from underneath the base. The tree is secured back into the same pot, and fresh soil is worked in:

This is the time of year that all bonsai growers start to think of repotting, (depending on where you live, of course) Repotting is the one most important thing to get right to keep your babies happy!

Continue reading to see how an expert does it… HERE

How to Grow Bonsai from Seed…

Your Very Own Guide to Growing Bonsai Trees From Seeds!

When we are asked about how to grow a bonsai tree, we mostly reply with stem propagation, where we take a leaf or a stem from a regular tree to make a miniature tree, which is a bonsai. What if I were to tell you that that’s not true? We can grow a bonsai from scratch! What a rewarding process it will be to watch a bonsai grow from the start! It takes a little time, but if you give it your love, care and your time, it will flourish under your care and grow up to be a beautiful bonsai tree. 

Also, nothing can be better when you can be involved in every part of the bonsai tree’s journey to adulthood. That bonsai tree will be your very own baby! How do we do this? From seeds! In this article we have listed down everything you need to know to grow your own baby bonsai tree from seeds. So wait no further and start reading!

This is a wonderful post from abanahomes.com, click on the name to keep reading!

my own black pine seedlings, just six months old
this is a white pine, and two years old

Caring for bonsai is one of the most relaxing things you will ever do… it has kept me sane for fifty years!

Another Bonsai Post…

The Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo

03/09/22

This Ficus (Cuban laurel) by Robert Kempinski won Best Tropical at the 9th Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo in Kannapolis North Carolina. Today’s photos are courtesy of Bill Valavanis.

One of those ‘wish I had been there‘ moments…

Come and virtually visit with me HERE

Expensive Bonsai Trees from abanahomes.com

Expensive Bonsai Trees

15 Most Expensive Bonsai Trees in the World [Updated 2022]

15 Most Expensive Bonsai Trees in the World [Updated 2022]

Did you know that the most expensive bonsai is worth “$2 million USD”? Insane, right?

In this article, I’ll take you on a tour of 15 most expensive bonsai trees in the world and their details. Keep reading.

You can read the rest of this amazing post, HERE

Flowering Bonsai…

A wonderful post from abanahomes.com…

15 Stunning Flowering Bonsai Trees

Have you ever imagined sitting in your verandah or living hall with a cup of tea and an 8-year-old flowering Bonsai tree accompanying you spreading the fragrance? 

In this article, we are going to explore the top 15 MOST stunning Flowering Bonsai Trees that you will want to have in your hall or garden or the entrance of the door.

Growing a flowering bonsai tree is a type of art that has become increasingly popular over time. There’s something about the bonsai that instills pride and develops patience and stability in people. What is more satisfying than to nurture and watch for a bonsai tree in its early stages?

The bonsai trees could become the spotlight of your home. Flowering bonsai trees feel like the best boost to floral elements, whether they embellish your yard, gazebo, patio, balcony, living room, or study.

I adore flowering bonsai… see more of these beauties HERE