Friend or Foe?

Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

I had just moved from the PC to my writing chair to try and get my head around a book review I was working on.

Things were going well when I happened to look up from my work to look out of the window in front of me.

Something had made me put down my pen, and I looked for the reason.

I scanned the garden and all the trees I could see without standing up; they thrashed about in violent gusts of wind. Further down the garden, almost too far for me to focus on, the row of bird feeders was doing a roaring trade with the local birdlife.

I love to watch the birds in our garden, mainly small ones like sparrows, bluetits and the odd robin. It’s like a mad rush hour as they take in turns to land on the feeders, pecking furiously at the fat balls. They seem to prefer these to the seed I also supply.

I became aware of other activities closer to my window and switched my attention to the shelf with the row of bonsai trees. A male blackbird with shiny black plumage and a vivid yellow beak was perched on one of the pots and viciously pecked at the carefully cultivated moss that snuggles around the base of each tree.

We were just a few feet from each other, and I knew he was watching me, but he carried on with his mission. By the time he had visited all the trees on the shelf, it looked like a battleground with lumps of moss scattered everywhere.

Later, I was asked why I hadn’t tapped on the window to stop the destruction, but what the bird was doing was perfectly natural, and if he had removed any insects that might have harmed my trees, I would be in his debt. Moss is so easily replaced.

Sharing those moments with Mr Blackbird was magical, and I will remember them forever…

Wishing you all a very happy Monday…

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…

No Excuses…

Image by Eveline de Bruin from Pixabay

Yesterday was my best day so far this year.

The sun was out in full force, and a gentle breeze diluted the unexpected heat. The perfect time to catch up on all those jobs that have been waiting for me…

And best of all, working with my bonsai and the new seedlings really did me good. Somehow, I stopped worrying about everything, my mind freewheeled and I relaxed, probably for the first time in ages.

Consequently, I feel decidedly odd in the office today. I keep looking out of the window, knowing where I would rather be. But, there are jobs that need me indoors and there will be family cooking later on today.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend, and I’ll see you on Monday!

Jaye

Another #Six on Saturday… and why ever not?

I don’t really need an excuse to walk around my garden, but after an incredibly busy week, I was more than glad to do it.

Always first on my visiting list are Acers.

This one is right outside my back door and is looking so bright and cheerful right now. There are such amazing colourways in acers, and I cannot get enough of them!

The second Acer lives at the bottom of my garden. A delightful pale green with delicate, lacy foliage. It started life as a bonsai but refused to be confined in a pot. It is now taller than I am!

Third is a creamy pale pink Rhododendron, just starting to burst into flower.

Evergreen, it has been one of the few patches of green in the garden. The only sign of life all winter long and these early flowers are a joy to see.

Fourth is another Rhododendron, a purple one. Always late, but well worth it. Those huge flower buds promise an amazing display this year…

Fifth is a tree I once found in a garden centre and fell in love with, which has never quite lived up to its promise. I didn’t realise it was supposed to be a column cherry, one that grows up and not out if you know what I mean. It is 8 feet tall now and as thin as a bean pole. Good for small gardens, I suppose. I love all the different varieties of cherry and I do love this one for trying, bless it…

Sixth and last on my visit is my bonsai Laburnum. I grew it from seed seven years ago, and it sometimes produces those amazing yellow flowers. I just love the leaves!

That was a quick visit, mainly because here in the UK, it is still very cold.

Hopefully, we have some warmth coming, as the jobs are piling up out there…

Jaye Marie

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

Amazing Bonsai from Stone Lantern…

Stunning Bonsai by Luis Vallejo

12/17/21

Today we lucked upon a wealth of formal display photos of Luis Vallejo’s collection. They were taken at this year’s Tantai Exhibition in Vitoria Spain and featured on Santi Lorenzo Borda’s FB timeline.


Pine with a companion that looks like it could be a pot. This tree and the rest featured here belong to Lusi Vallejo. No varieties were given and we’ll spare you the guessing game today.

Read the rest of this delightful post over at STONE LANTERN