Guest Artist: David Knittle

Zoom (Zoom link provided in the January Newsletter)

The care and training of bonsai is a combination of horticulture and art. It is necessary to have a healthy, vigorous tree to successfully perform the artistic training. When used together we can create beautiful bonsai.

January’s program will be on the horticultural side of bonsai and how it relates to the artistic. We are continually learning more about growing trees in shallow containers and how it differs from growing them in the ground or deep nursery containers. This year’s program will be updated to reflect all we have learned during the past year.

Growing plants in shallow containers is vastly different from growing them in the ground or in deep nursery type pots. Mainly because of hydraulics but there are additional differences. What we are trying to accomplish with bonsai versus landscape plants is different also. Applying the correct horticulture techniques can help us speed up what we are trying to accomplish artistically.

There will be an emphasis on how horticultural techniques vary with the different stages of bonsai development. How do we develop the root system? How do we develop the primary structure? How do we achieve fine twigging, small needles or leaves and dense foliage pads?

Growing trees in shallow pots increases the challenge of having healthy, vigorous bonsai. We will discuss the tree’s needs such as sunlight, water, fresh air, and nutrients. Understanding those needs are essential. We will start with the roots and work our way to the foliage.

Understanding their seasonal life cycle allows us to tend to the trees’ needs better. We will discuss the natural habitat of the plants we use for bonsai, the seasonal changes, and how we can create the right conditions for the tree to thrive in a pot.

We will also discuss the long-term needs of bonsai over many years. How do we tell when to repot and change the soil? How much and when do we prune roots and branches? How do the techniques change when a bonsai is mature?

There will be time for questions and answers. So please join us in January start your year off reviewing this most fundamental part of bonsai creation and maintenance!