Bountiful bonsai _ create instant indoor container gardens with edible fruits, herbs and flowers ( PDFDrive )

L BONSAI n. Like some of the other large plant guavas can get overgrown. In this ne the specimen, removing as much e, while leaving good-sized woody ar pinching of the resulting shoots r a very dramatic bonsai. Pineapple sage is a fast-growing dium-sized shrub. Growing strongly et quite woody, it has large, hairy, elightful pineapple fragrance when owing anywhere, even in a garden uising a leaf to smell the fragrance. ch are very attractive to humming- ng spikes in the fall, and can bloom ive to Mexico and Central America, of medicinal use to relieve anxiety, he scent has a soothing effect. The alads, and the leaves are made into can also be chopped and added to tables and meats. Try garnishing a sage that tickles the nostrils as you sage is a woody herb rather than a severe pruning every year, perhaps ot size manageable when providing reaching three to four feet in height, ng spikes in season, will produce a owers for culinary use. Use a rich, on the large side, as pineapple sage ter when growing actively. A small ur local garden store can be field- ummer. If given plenty of water and

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu fertilizer, it will form a bush tha very respectable bonsai by the tim take full sun in the garden and n well worth growing. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis often used for bonsai. The rosem 1996 book Herbal Bonsai is curren fall sixteen years later. I’ve seen fi inch-diameter trunks. With a ri “piney” and sharp, needle-like lea pines in appearance, but don’t r ing training. Rosemary has man This thirty-six-inch-tall rosemary specim been in training for eighteen years. This tree was displayed in my book 1995 He Bonsai, although it was a double-trunk specimen back then.

ul Bonsai Possibilities 75 at can be cut back and shaped into a me it is a year old. Pineapple sage will needs good bright light indoors, but is s) Rosemary is the classic herb most mary specimen on the back cover of my ntly blooming in my greenhouse, mid- ifty-year-old rosemary trees with four- ich fragrance sometimes described as aves, rosemary bonsai resemble classic require the lifetime of slow, painstak- ny culinary and medicinal uses. I use men has These are flowers from the s same same rosemary. erbal ked

76 B O U N T I F U L homemade rosemary wine in cooki feel like I’m coming down with a bu of strong, hot rosemary tea with hon soaked in water and thrown on hot c should be allowed to dry out betwe die suddenly. It grows more rapidly become root-bound, even in a larg out rapidly. People who suddenly lo overwinter often have a root-boun and have allowed it to get a little too and root-pruned every year, with a c balance. A small rosemary plant pu grown over a summer growing seaso sai specimen in the fall. As rosemar seed, it is better to start with a smal ily. There are a number of named cu white flowers rather than the typica that naturally grows with branches t While this variety can be used to c in a manner forcing it to grow mor shows spectacular character and is than the standard upright varieties bright light to winter indoors, and si a root-bound plant, watering should Sage (Salvia officinalis) Common culi green foliage and blue or purple flow Cooks often use this strongly flavo poultry and other meats. It also ma sized sage bonsai will provide all the Like other herbs, sage will grow fast a small plant in just one year, which

L BONSAI ng, and a favorite home remedy if I ug is to sit in the hot tub with a cup ney and lemon. Rosemary twigs can coals when grilling. While rosemary een watering, it can get too dry and y than woody trees and can quickly ger pot, which predisposes it to dry ose the rosemary they are trying to nd specimen in a dry environment, o dry. Rosemary should be repotted corresponding strong crown trim for urchased in the spring can be field- on and carved into a very nice bon- ry is difficult and slow to grow from ll plant; rosemary cuttings root eas- ultivars, including some with pink or al blue. There is a prostrate version that twist and curve in all directions. create cascade bonsai, when pruned re upright, older prostrate rosemary far more interesting and beautiful s. Rosemary definitely needs lots of ince that hot direct light will dry out d be monitored closely. inary sage, a woody herb with gray- wers, can also be grown as a bonsai. ored herb, fresh or dried, to season akes a refreshing tea. One medium- sage a family might need over a year. t enough to create a specimen from is a very short timeframe compared

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu to traditional outdoor bonsai. A pruning (including roots) and rep of cultivars with variations in flow leaved variety. There are also strik and a number of variegated cultiv and purple mixed together in diff types usually have more tender le are better suited for growing ind bonsai. Sage grown indoors need potting soil, which should be allo for too long. Savory (Satureja sp.) Summer sav (S. montana) have fallen out of u nary history as a seasoning for a strong flavor and are used mu Summer savory, considered to h ferred for culinary use. It is also a herb blend that is a staple of Fre mer savory is generally considere if cut back repeatedly; it can live tures and good conditions. To m ferent timescale. Winter savory is tiny leaves and a compact habit sai. Hardy to temperatures well b summer savory, and, like traditio to a colder dormant period. Both suited to limited space or as part grow with well-drained potting grows much faster and can provi ety, but requires warmer tempera healthy and looking good.

ul Bonsai Possibilities 77 A mature specimen will require severe potting every year. There are a number wers or foliage, including a miniature- king golden- and purple-leafed varieties vars with shades of white, yellow, green, fferent combinations. These variegated eaves than the common green sage and doors; they also make more attractive ds very bright light and well-drained owed to dry between waterings, but not vory (S. hortensis) and winter savory use these days, despite their long culi- beans and meats. The savories have uch like sage, whether fresh or dried. have a sweeter flavor, is generally pre- a component of herbes de Provence, an ench cooking. The fast-growing sum- ed an annual, but will get quite woody e for a year or two in warm tempera- my mind, thisi is just a bonsai on a dif- s a woody dwarf evergreen shrub with that is well suited to growing as bon- below freezing, it is longer lived than onal outdoor bonsai, will respond well h species will create small bonsai best of a collection. Both are fairly easy to soil and bright light. Summer savory ide more harvest than the winter vari- atures and frequent pruning to keep it

78 B O U N T I F U L Scented geranium (Pelargonium a large group with hundreds of Throughout the history of naming p several reclassifications, resulting in different species, and numerous growing more than thirty different geranium throw off a “sport” that lo the plant. Variegated cultivars in pa dramatically different variegation, or in temperate climates, scented geran grow into woody shrubs. There is a dwarf trailing bushes to strongly upr often resemble oak leaves, can be t ranging from round to finely divide bright green, and can be all one colo bright white, cream, or yellow varie shiny leaves; others can vary from r if they were cut from crinkled paper. clusters can range from just a few iso dozens of florets in multiple colors and yellow, with all shades in betwee group, of course, is the wide variety is the reason they are cultivated so w fruity scents like apple, apricot, go strawberry, to spicy ones like ginger to oddities like coconut and choco group, the various rose fragrances, th of plants with such a wide range of have a long history of medicinal u widely used in potpourris and tea. Th jellies, butters, sauces, ice cream, an are good in salads and make a fine

L BONSAI sp.) Scented geraniums comprise widely available named cultivars. plants in this genus, there have been n much confusion, at least a dozen cross-hybrids. In my experiences cultivars, I’ve often seen a scented ooks totally different from the rest of articular often sprout a branch with r none at all. Often grown as annuals niums are tender perennials that can wide variety in growth habits, from right dwarf shrubs. The leaves, which tiny or very large, and take shapes ed. Leaves range from gray to a clear or, show dark zonal areas, or display egation. Some cultivars have smooth rough to hairy or velvety, looking as r. The flowers vary in size, and flower olated flowers to compact heads with s such as white, pink, lavender, red, en. The distinguishing feature in this y of fragrances to be found, and this widely and with such passion. From ooseberry, lemon, lime, orange, and r, nutmeg, camphor, and cinnamon, olate, as well as perhaps the largest here is no other closely related group fragrant foliage. Scented geraniums use in their native Africa, and are The leaves have been used to flavor nd all manner of drinks. The flowers edible garnish, but most geranium

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu leaves are too tough and fibrous geraniums became very popular used as “strewing herbs” to cover u presented to guests between me Scented geraniums are as easy to grow quickly and will produce a can get quite leggy, needing a sev several times a year. They will also year, always accompanied by a sh to a small pot will require this tre number of leaves on the interior yellow and then dry brown. This getting enough water, and may b a severe pruning and possibly re be removed by combing the finge ready for such drastic steps right and regular watering will keep y without much specialized care. brush it to release the fragrant o the aromatherapy every day. My crispum with bright yellow folia flowers, but most small-leafed cu popular chocolate cultivar with l grows like a vine rather than upri beautiful cascade bonsai growing Strawberry guava (Psidium cattle to be a variety of the same species red fruit of the strawberry guava than the lemon guava, and is swe strawberry guava also bears more late summer is large enough to ea

ul Bonsai Possibilities 79 to use raw for consumption. Scented r in Victorian times, when they were up bad odors and added to fingerbowls eal courses for rinsing their fingers. cultivate as common geraniums; they an abundance of foliage. Older plants vere pruning at least once and possibly o need repotting and root pruning every harp top pruning. A geranium confined eatment more often. Sometimes a large of a large-crowned specimen will turn s is an indication that the plant is not be a sign that your bonsai is in need of epotting. These dying leaves can easily ers through the branches if you are not t away. Bright light, good potting soil, your scented geranium bonsai happy Try to place it somewhere you can oils as you walk by, so you can enjoy favorite variety is a variegated lemon age, small leaves, and pretty patterned ultivars work well for bonsai. Even the large, velvety maple-like leaves, which ight, gets quite woody and can make a g out of a hanging basket. eianum) Some authorities consider this as lemon guava (P. littorale). The dark- a is smaller and more oblong in shape eeter and milder. In my experience, the e heavily: the crop I get every year in at some fresh and ferment the rest into

80 B O U N T I F U L wine. Strawberry guavas ripen over a one- to two-month period, needing to be picked every couple of days, so I freeze any I don’t eat fresh. One can enjoy a regular fresh harvest over a relatively long season for a soft fruit, or save them to make jelly or wine that can be savored all year long. It is easy to understand the naming confusion, as strawberry guava and lemon guava plants look so much alike that it’s very difficult to tell them apart unless they are fruiting. A fast-growing bush with attractive cinnamon- colored bark that peels away from its light-colored underbark, the strawberry guava makes a larger bonsai, and may need severe pruning at times to keep it at a manageable size. I haven’t had any pest problems with this plant, but in tropical areas where they have been widely introduced and are sometimes considered an invasive species, the fruits are subject to heavy fruit-fly infestation before ripening, which makes them inedible. If you have the space to grow this as a larger specimen, it is a beautiful tree that

L BONSAI Ripe strawberry guava. This strawberry guava was pruned down to sixty-seven inches after being dug out of the ground in the greenhouse. Four months later, it was seventy-six inches tall, as shown here.

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu Flower clusters on a strawberry tree. in diameter; a strawberry-tree simultaneously. While not exactly used to make jams and flavor drin makes a striking contrast to its s can send out shoots or suckers fr removed to keep a single-trunk b grower, a strawberry tree can rea ground. It will tolerate periods of this may prevent fruiting. Its size a tree a good candidate for a patio b The strawberry tree has a long his works of art as far back as the Rom fruit, make it a very interesting pla which should be kept on the dry si

ul Bonsai Possibilities 81 can bear a heavy crop of tasty fruit. Every summer, I give visitors to my Colorado greenhouse the chance to taste fresh-picked guavas from my six large lemon- and strawberry- guava bonsais. Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) The strawberry tree is an orna- mental evergreen native to the Mediterranean region, with dark glossy oval leaves that have finely toothed edges. It is often planted ornamentally as a hedge in suitable climates. In fall, it bears clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers that develop into round strawberry- like fruits no larger than an inch bonsai may have flowers and fruit y juicy and delectable, the fruits can be nks. The tree’s peeling, rust-colored bark shiny green leaves. The strawberry tree rom low on the trunk; these should be bonsai shape. While considered a slow ach twenty feet or more planted in the below-freezing temperatures, although and cold tolerance make the strawberry bonsai in places that don’t get too cold. story, and has appeared in writing and man era. This history, as well as its unique ant to grow. It requires well-drained soil, ide, and needs very bright light indoors.

82 B O U N T I F U L Sweet marjoram (Origanum major ano, yet with a stronger scent, swee to the Mediterranean that has becom This small, tender perennial shrub s and has soft gray-green foliage and sweet marjoram will grow as a mult into a beautiful miniature bonsai. Th of the ground or from the trunk an a multi-trunk bonsai is desired; in t deeper to create a “forest grove” fro be used fresh or dried and saved for can be substituted for oregano, blen and makes a delightful relaxing tea annual, sweet marjoram can live for made into a “mature” bonsai in one with a small garden-shop plant pur ram can survive a light frost, but is It does well in a bright window indo if light is not optimal. This is easily m the plant and using the harvest. You in rich but well-drained soil with reg of fertilizer. Sweet myrtle (Myrtus communis va myrtle is a cultivar of the commo through history and mentioned in and Roman texts. Numerous cult their rituals and traditions. The pla the goddesses Aphrodite and Venus Because of this, myrtle branches ar in floral shops, especially in bouque The leaves, flowers, and fruit of th

L BONSAI rana) Sweeter than its cousin oreg- et marjoram is another herb native me a staple in kitchens everywhere. seldom grows more than a foot tall, tiny white flowers. Left on its own, ti-stemmed bush, but can be trained he strong shoots that may sprout out nd roots should be removed unless this case, it could even be replanted om several shoots. These shoots can many uses in the kitchen. Marjoram nds well with nearly any other herb, a. Though it is usually grown as an r years; it is another herb that can be e summer growing season, starting rchased in the spring. Sweet marjo- s sensitive to freezing temperatures. oors, though it may get a little leggy managed by continuously trimming ur sweet marjoram bonsai will thrive gular watering and occasional doses ar. Compacta) This miniature-leaved on myrtle, which has been revered n the Bible and many early Greek tures have incorporated myrtle in ant was considered to be sacred to s, symbolic of love and immortality. re still commonly used as greenery ets and arrangements for weddings. he sweet myrtle are edible, having a

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu strong flavor. The white flowers an intense yet pleasant fragranc sharp, and tough. When used as leaves should be left on their b rather than being consumed dir flavor traditional Greek liqueurs, infusing a clear spirit like vodka your own sweet myrtle liqueur; it cocktail, perhaps with a sprig of m can be found in the bonsai, topia centers, and is sometimes availa five-gallon nursery pots that can in a few hours. The standard com larger bonsai specimen. There is a used in topiaries that makes a bea of my favorite cultivars is twisted larger specimen with similar flavo with long leaves that whorl aroun As it is more resistant to drought myrtle is becoming widely avail US, where it is used for landscap bonsai specimen can resemble a c looking like inch-thick green ca attracted attention in my bonsai to grow with bright light, well-dr needed. Scale and mealy bug can be controlled by hand, water spr insecticides. Be careful to look especially in nurseries where lar back lots and remote greenhouses where many myrtles are grown a to find an old neglected specime

ul Bonsai Possibilities 83 are star-shaped, with five petals and ce. The dark-green leaves are small, a seasoning with meats or stews, the branches and removed after cooking rectly. The sweet berries are used to sometimes with the leaves added. Try with the dark-purple berries to create t can be served over ice or as part of a myrtle as a garnish. Dwarf sweet myrtle ary, and herb sections of most garden able as larger plants in one-, two-, or n be carved into an impressive bonsai mmon myrtle can also be trained into a an attractive yellow variegated cultivar autiful bonsai with bright foliage. One d myrtle (M. communis var. boetica), a ors and fragrance to sweet myrtle, but nd the stem and point sharply upright. t and cold than other cultivars, twisted lable in places like the southwestern ping. From a distance, a twisted myrtle candelabrum, with individual branches andles. Its unique appearance always i displays. Sweet myrtle is fairly easy rained soil, and plenty of water when n be attracted to myrtles, and should rays, and soap rather than poisonous for pests when purchasing myrtles, rge groups are grown outside. In the s of plant stores in places like Phoenix, and used for landscaping, it is possible en with incredible character that can

84 B O U N T I F U L be carved back into a very impres culture associated with sweet myrtle interesting and desirable addition to Thyme (Thymus sp.) Common or E widely used culinary variety of thy than 300 species, both scented and for landscaping, can tolerate subfree grown indoors. So many species and cial markets that there is much con there are dozens of different variet are also numerous lemon-scented both upright bushes and creeping g which is Aureus, a gorgeous golden growth habit. There is also a white ers that smell of orange or lime. C a tiny-leaved plant with dark-green grance that is usually considered a one-gallon nursery plant of this spe ied trunk, and removed two-thirds six-inch-tall bonsai with a compac trunk. My favorite thyme for bonsa a cultivar I came across at a nurse fine gray-green foliage and develops splintery gray bark. It gets its name develop on the branch tips, which with little white flowers that erupt of creeping thyme (T. serpyllum) ar their flowers and foliage varies, as d may not be suitable for shaping as very attractive groundcover accent bonsai. I’ll sometimes visit a garde

L BONSAI ssive bonsai. The long history and e is enough to make the plant a very o your edible indoor bonsai garden. English thyme (T. vulgaris) is the yme, but the genus contains more d unscented. Thyme is widely used ezing temperatures, but may also be d cultivars are used in the commer- nfusing overlap in common names; ties called “creeping thyme.” There thymes (T. citriodorus), including groundcovers, the most popular of n variegated cultivar with an upright e variegated cultivar, as well as oth- Caraway thyme (T. herba-barona) is n leaves and a strong caraway fra- a groundcover. I once purchased a ecies, exposed several inches of bur- of the crown to create a spectacular ct crown and a half-inch diameter ai is conehead thyme (T. capitatus), ery in Tucson, Arizona. It has very s a very thick trunk for its size, with from the compact flower heads that h actually resemble little pinecones t around the cone. Many cultivars re used in landscaping; the color of does their fragrance. Though these bonsai themselves, they can make t plants around the base of larger en center before a bonsai show to

CHAPTER 3 Bountifu pick up a small, inexpensive cre a particular bonsai specimen. O woolly thyme (T. pseudolanugino with tiny, fuzzy, gray foliage. Mos freezing temperatures in landsca should be kept indoors, where t some dryness; it needs well-dra shoots may sprout from anywher and thick if not pruned regularly ing a thyme bonsai. Besides its c an antiseptic and antifungal esse in many over-the-counter prepa sanitizers. I’ve made thyme wine keeps its flavor well when dried, a With its tiny leaves and compact classic bonsai in a small size. Kee more detailed work than most ot the effort.

ul Bonsai Possibilities 85 eeping thyme to tuck into the pot of One of my favorite varieties for this is osus), which is less than an inch tall st varieties of thyme will tolerate some aping, but when trained as bonsai they they will do well. Thyme can tolerate ained soil and very bright light. New re on the plant, making it quite bushy y. Save all your trimmings when shap- culinary uses, thyme contains thymol, ential oil that is an active ingredient arations, from mouthwashes to hand s and jellies to use in cooking. Thyme and a little goes a long way in cooking. t shape, thyme can make a spectacular eping it perfectly trimmed may require ther edible bonsai, but it is well worth

86 B O U N T I F U L

L BONSAI

CHAP Findin Future he best place to find an T is at your local garden years of operating a w visited hundreds of ga states, selling them bonsai and stay species to train as bonsai. Many acquired this way. While nurseries g ties, their plant buyers all have pe influence their plant selections. Ex can, and visit them when you trave own selections and local suppliers w is not distributed widely. It should be noted that efforts t have resulted in an increasing numb the movement of plants between s on horticultural enterprises in som citrus plants propagated within the imported into the state for resale. M

87 PTER 4 ng Your Bonsai ny of the plants discussed in this book n center or plant shop. In my twenty wholesale tropical bonsai business, I’ve arden centers in more than two dozen ying on the lookout for potential new of the plants in my collection were generally sell many of the same varie- ersonal preferences and interests that xplore as many garden centers as you el, because different regions have their who may grow something unique that to control the spread of plant diseases ber of restrictions and laws governing states. These have had a severe effect me regions. In Texas, for example, only e state may be sold; citrus cannot be Many southern and western states are

88 B O U N T I F U L beginning to enact similar laws. Becau are grown and used in landscaping in t are readily available locally in those s citrus tree from Iowa to Texas, but the chasing a tree in Texas to take back to agricultural laws if you plan to bring p Keeping those restrictions in min traveling to milder climates is the best largely tropical plants best suited for ind can usually be obtained anywhere in th garden center or two, especially one ne store in a colder climate might have ha sibly two varieties. When visiting a bo garden center in Austin, Texas, where fi landscape, I found fifteen different var dred plants to choose from in the fruit them came home with me to Colorado. best specimen in my collection came fro plants in the corner of a neglected gre that had rooted through the pots well of them to take home. One died from t but the rest made a spectacular group ness sold very quickly. I found Chilean in Portland, Oregon, which has a mild Visiting local nurseries in places like t large variety of suitable plants for edib choose the best potential specimen from in a position to drive somewhere to fin you have traveled to a warmer location b specimen to ship via one of the large re is well watered and is kept at temperatu inexpensive five-day ground shipment

L BONSAI use most of the plants discussed here these milder climates, however, they states. There is no need to bring a ere would be no restrictions on pur- o Iowa. Be sure to check your state plants across state lines. nd, searching garden centers when t way to find a wide selection of the door edible bonsai. An edible fig tree he continental US by visiting a large ear a large metropolitan area. Even a alf a dozen specimens of one or pos- onsai client of mine, a medium-sized figs can survive when planted in the rieties of edible fig with over a hun- section of their nursery. A couple of Natal plums are widely available; the om a group of old five-gallon nursery eenhouse outside Phoenix, Arizona, into the ground. I yanked out eight the shock, and I kept one for myself, p of specimens that my bonsai busi- n guavas as good-sized nursery stock enough climate for them to survive. this is clearly the best way to find a ble bonsai, with enough selection to m a group of plants. Not everyone is nd and bring plants back, however. If by air, you can package your selected etail shipping companies. If the plant ures above freezing, it will survive an quite well.

CHAPTER 4 Findin Visiting a nursery in person lets what you are getting. Individual sp same pot size and species will vary g overall health of the plant, a discern in the group with the potential to cre selection of plants to sort through an “instant” bonsai from a larger p shape from the very beginning, as be able to work with what the plant is always a good idea to develop a r garden shop where you will have a expert advice if you have any prob person or greenhouse manager at th wish to buy, so if you want somethin They are likely to have a source for it an interesting plant you request. Some of the varieties discussed i indoor bonsai specimens, and can b a good selection of bonsai plants and plums, and Australian cherries are specimens; many nurseries also offe six-inch pots. The commonly sold o plants of these three species can b specimen in a few hours. Many herb at garden centers with an herb depar from an inexpensive three- to four over a summer growing season, it i specimen in less than a year, while bonsai than you would in years of w bonsai plants like junipers and pin geraniums can be found in one-gall head start on growing your bonsai. R

ng Your Future Bonsai 89 s you look at the plants and see exactly ecimens in any group of plants of the greatly. Besides checking for pests and ning eye can pick out one or two plants eate spectacular bonsai. Having a good is especially important when creating plant. Because you cannot control the you can with a small plant, you must gives you from its previous growth. It relationship with a large, well-stocked a good selection of plants and can get blems. Get to know the tropical plant hat shop. They want to carry what you ng unusual and can’t find it, ask for it. t, and may even decide to begin selling in this book are becoming prevalent as be found at any plant shop that carries d supplies. Dwarf pomegranates, Natal e often sold as already trained bonsai er them as “bonsai starters” in four- or one-, two-, or five-gallon nursery stock be used to create an attractive bonsai bs and scented geraniums can be found rtment. These plants grow very quickly r-inch plant. By pushing their growth is possible to create a “mature” bonsai e also learning more about shaping a working with slow-growing traditional nes. Some of these herbs and scented on nursery pots, which will give you a Rosemary is so popular as a landscape

90 B O U N T I F U L The branches of this twenty-eight-inch-ta almost into a circle by the weight of its fru feature that it can be found at many five gallons in size. A large nursery pla herbal bonsai in a couple hours. Man well as some of the myrtles, can also b Those may or may not have the perfec give you something to start with. Most large well-stocked nurseries carry a selection of citrus. Oranges, widely available, but not all nurseries h that in my experience are easier to grow cold climates. Calamondin oranges, m are the easiest small citrus to find in lo

L BONSAI all green calamondin orange are bent uit. nurseries in even larger pots up to ant like this can create a spectacular ny of these herbs and geraniums, as be found at plant shops as topiaries. ct shape to train as bonsai, but will s, even in cold northern climates, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are have the more unusual smaller citrus w and bear far more fruit indoors in my favorite citrus to use in cooking, ocal nurseries. I usually recommend

CHAPTER 4 Findin calamondins to first-time citrus grow to grow indoors and can bear ripe f usually producing two crops annua found in many places, although lim leaved orange, and other unusual ci Hibiscus can be found everywhe harder for miniature varieties. Hot pe chased at garden shops everywhere widely available and can often be fo large and woody enough to create a n Strawberry tree as purchased from a local nursery.

ng Your Future Bonsai 91 wers because they are the easiest citrus fruit for long periods during the year, ally. Kumquats and Key limes can be mequats, Buddha’s hand citron, myrtle- itrus are not as common. ere, although you might need to search eppers can be started from seed or pur- in the spring. Ornamental peppers are ound in garden shops as plants that are nice bonsai in a very short time. Coffee Myrtle-leaved orange tree as purchased from a local nursery.

92 B O U N T I F U L trees can be found at nearly any plant s plant selections out of Florida. Figs, ja nurseries in most areas, although you m The more unusual tropical fruits can b there. My wholesale bonsai business h book as bonsai specimens across much innovative greenhouse managers out t who bring in a large variety of tropical guavas, mangos, bananas, dragon fruit horizons to explore in creating edible Chapter 2, “Creating Instant Bonsai,” w Key lime tree as purchased from a local nursery.

L BONSAI store that brings in four-inch foliage asmines, and olives can be found in may have to visit a few different shops. be difficult to find, but they are out has sold most of the varieties in this of the United States. There are good, there, even in far northern climates, specimens—not only citrus, but also t, and other exotics, providing new bonsai. The plants used to illustrate were purchased from a retail nursery in Fort Collins, Colorado, less than twenty miles from my home. In this day and age, of course, nearly anything can be found on the Internet. Type a plant name into a search engine, and several places to purchase it will probably pop up. Prices may be high, even before shipping, and they will most likely be small plants for you to train rather than mature specimens, but even small plants just shipped can bear fruit. Online ordering can be a good option for someone who can’t travel to numerous garden stores or who is looking for a hard-to-find specimen. I found my green tea bushes in an online advertisement from a company that was actually marketing the plants as novelty items to coffee and tea shops, rather

CHAPTER 4 Findin than to nurseries and plant shops. They were small, spindly plants in four-inch pots, and I now propagate new plants by taking cuttings from that original shipment I received. Learning to root cuttings using rooting hormones is a great way both to acquire new plants and to multiply your own specimens from the trimmings of an existing bonsai. I have acquired new species by rooting a gift cutting from someone with a unique specimen. Rescuing plants from an out- door garden that is about to be torn up or frozen in the fall is another good way to obtain plants, and doesn’t cost anything. Sometimes spectacular specimens can be created from mature plants out of old gardens. At one time I lived near the national headquar- ters of a large insurance compa- ny that maintained a free public g was a circular raised bed that was al and perennial fragrant plants. A I realized they left the annuals to replanted every spring. One summ ed geraniums, including one that and-green variegated cultivar called fruity scent. One fall night, during the first hard freeze that year, I w

ng Your Future Bonsai 93 This six-inch Barbados cherry had ripe fruit just weeks after being shipped to me by a wholesale bonsai grower as a starter bonsai in a 4 inch plastic pot. garden on their grounds. One feature planted as a scent garden with annu- After years of taking friends to visit, die at the first freeze in the fall and mer they had a unique group of scent- I lusted after—a tiny-leaved cream- d Gooseberry, which had a delightful g a snowstorm that was leading into went to that garden and dug several

94 B O U N T I F U L scented geraniums out of the ground. the plants would have died that night a flouting society’s conventions to rescu propagated the plants and spread them to being obsessive about collecting spe if I can use or eat part of the plant. If observant, there are potential candida Let’s say that when it comes time bonsai, you’re at a garden shop with a from. You must examine these candida ate their overall health and appearanc can be hard to see, so look closely unde ing shoots where they are likely to g important characteristic to check is th main branches of your potential bons can be pruned, you must choose a pla ment of branches you can work with. pruning to look good, but many will and foliage removed to begin shapin bonsai within the plant. Look for a nic that are arranged in such a way as to g base or skeleton of your bonsai. Pop th roots. Showing off the base of the trun greatly to the character and apparent a vary a lot, depending on the species a the pot. Nurseries often plant a plug o pot, and because roots grow down, no of soil can be removed with little root interestingly shaped roots. Australian large, elaborately twisted roots. One la flowers or fruit on the plant. While th create a spectacular specimen overnig

L BONSAI I was uneasy about doing this, but anyway. I felt like a plant superhero, ue victims from certain death. I then m around for others to enjoy. I admit ecimens for use as bonsai, especially f you keep your eyes open and stay ates for edible bonsai everywhere. e for you to pick out your plant for broad selection of plants to choose ates closely. The first step is to evalu- ce and check for insect pests. Bugs er the leaves and at the tender grow- gather. Once this is done, the most he size and shape of the trunk and sai. Though some of those branches ant with a basic shape and arrange- Some plants may only need minor need half or more of the branches ng as bonsai. Try to find the inner ce, thick trunk with major branches give a good shape to what will be the he plant out of its pot to examine the nk and large, exposed roots will add age of the bonsai. Root systems can and how long the plant has been in or small plant deeply into a nursery ot up, as a rule, the top inch or two t damage, exposing more trunk and n cherries, in particular, can reveal ast consideration is the presence of his can be very desirable, and helps ght, keep in mind that the branches

CHAPTER 4 Findin that the fruit or flowers are on may sai. Furthermore, repotting your pl if severe root pruning is involved, ca fruit. If the fruit harvest is importan can be left on the bonsai until after to create a spectacular “instant” bon I’ve done this type of carving thous wholesale business. It can be very r ture orange bonsai with flowers and

ng Your Future Bonsai 95 need to be removed to shape the bon- lant to fit into a bonsai pot, especially an cause plants to drop any remaining nt, sometimes a small branch with fruit the fruit is picked. It is quite possible nsai from a flowering or fruiting plant. sands of times to make bonsai for my rewarding to create a beautiful minia- d ripe fruit in an afternoon’s work.

96 B O U N T I F U L

L BONSAI

CHAP Long- Bonsa any people, on seeing p M displayed in Japanese thing, only to have the ize that the bonsai the suitable outdoor environment. Tra from the garden to display in the ho moved back to the proper environm rotated in for display. All plants ne unfortunately, when someone pick home, it isn’t necessarily the best pl number of ways to deal with this pro tice of maintaining a collection in a into the home for short periods is i this book are from tropical or Med much in the way of freezing temp house or a good-sized solar room, unless you live in a very mild clim looking to create specimens that w

97 PTER 5 -Term ai Care pictures of beautiful traditional bonsai e homes, have tried to do the same eir juniper die quickly. They don’t real- ey saw was grown and maintained in a aditional bonsai are only brought in ouse for a couple of days; they are then ment, with a different specimen then eed suitable conditions to thrive, and ks a place to display a bonsai in the lace for that plant to grow. There are a oblem. Obviously, the traditional prac- suitable place and rotating specimens ideal. Because most of the varieties in iterranean climates and won’t tolerate eratures, this would require a green- , at least during the coldest months, mate. Many readers, however, will be will fit in a permanent location in the

98 B O U N T I F U L home. This book also focuses on cre crop production is a priority, and par species are large-leaved plants which foot bonsai in a twenty-four-inch pot i house every couple of days. Instead, i environment for your bonsai within yo When it comes to an indoor setting ing. All of the plants discussed here ne harvest. Again, a greenhouse or solar r ment, but most people don’t have tho from east, south, and west windows s but they need to be right in the wind out plants quickly, so paying close atte must. West windows are usually brigh south windows are best in winter, espe are shorter and the sun is lower in the your bonsai will turn its leaves toward and new growth will be in that direct should be rotated regularly, every wee Most indoor bonsai benefit from weather is suitable. Because of the grea sai tend to dry out faster outside, and Sunburn is also an important considera UV rays that cause sunburn, but a bon to full bright sun outside is likely to ge at higher altitudes where the sun is mo in Colorado I have had even sun-loving full sun. Bonsai can usually recover fro age will be ruined. Be sure to place your ing the middle of the day when the sun Not everyone has an ideal window sun-loving plants discussed here, like

L BONSAI eating larger bonsai, partly because rtly because some of these desirable need that size to look good. A six- is not easy to rotate in and out of the it is preferable to create the proper our home. g, the most critical condition is light- eed bright light to thrive and bear a room is obviously the best environ- ose kinds of spaces available. Light should suffice to keep bonsai alive, dow. The heat of direct sun can dry ention to the watering schedule is a hter and hotter than east ones, and ecially in northern areas where days e sky. Even in the brightest window, d the window to absorb the sunlight, tion as well. Because of this, bonsai ek or so, to keep them balanced. spending time outdoors when the ater amount of light and wind, bon- d will need more frequent watering. ation. Indoor windows will block the nsai moved from an indoor location et sunburned. This effect is amplified ore intense. At my 6,000-foot altitude g citrus burn after a couple of days in om sunburn, but the sunburned foli- r bonsai where it will be shaded dur- n is overhead and at its most intense. w for fruiting bonsai, and the most citrus and most herbs, will stretch

CHAPTER 5 Long and grow toward the light in even situation, you may want to add som tions, adding a little extra light to a l for keeping your bonsai happy. Long to find, but they are are unattractiv as they are only intense enough to from the bulb. This makes them id effective for an odd-shaped bonsai t thousand-watt commercial plant lig minate a room-sized area, but they a are not suitable for a living area (a lig illuminate a growing space for a coll sunlight). A better choice is a small trum plant bulb. These range from 7 and are designed to operate at a dist They screw into regular light-bulb s are suitable for a living space, and a any store that has a large light-bulb add extra light and balance the unid watt bulb can illuminate an area a ya a small specimen even in the absenc using a timer to keep the lighting c window will benefit from extra light needs the extra light earlier in the d the evening during short winter day sai. Many plants are quite sensitive to flower out of their normal seaso decreased—day length. Potting soils are not as critical a houseplant potting soil will generally w for plants like citrus or green tea, wh also be amended with acid fertilizers.