Wow! I did an article on Bonsai, the other day and never imagined I would get so much positive response. Dozens of readers wrote in, asking for more information on the subject of Bonsai gardening. I suppose it is the time of year in the northern hemisphere, when avid gardeners are kept from their gardens and also the many people living in close confines and unable to have gardens. They are obviously looking at some form of indoors gardening and Bonsai is certainly a great option. I have had to split this article into 3 parts, so be sure to look out for the next ones.

To many people, a garden filled with little growing trees, grown in clay pots, is one of the most exciting and interesting sights to behold. Many are even drawn to this rapidly growing, horticultural trend, not just because of the feeling of excitement and pleasure, that each pot of bonsai can give, but for the fact, that bonsai is the most special form of miniature art, known to man. Several claims have it, that nothing can beat the level of greatness, that the bonsais can offer, when it comes to arts and aesthetics.

Bonsai is considered by bonsai masters, since the early days of it’s inception, as an art form, for one main reason – unlike the other plants and trees grown in your front, or back yard, the bonsai requires much more of your creativity and dedication. It even needs much more of your time and effort, as well as care, for it to grow and thrive, for months, even years. These factors are all required, since bonsais themselves tend to grow just like those naturally growing trees, you often see outside your home, if left ignored and untreated. So without your dedication and proper care, your tree won’t look bonsai (small and old looking) as they should be.

There is one misconception, that affects most of the bonsai beginners. This has something to do with the belief, that bonsai is not a species of tree. Well, the truth of the matter is that any species of tree, that grows with leaves, branches and trunks, can be developed and trained to become bonsai. It is important, however, for you to make sure, that you are ready, or willing to do all the work needed, in this horticultural hobby and art. That includes, of course, all the pruning and trimming, wiring, repotting, misting, fertilizing, and the rest.

So now, are you ready for the bonsai challenge? Before you take one species of tree, from your backyard, make sure that that plant is the right one. If you’re clueless, as to what specific variety of tree to grab and grow, then I have a good news for you – below are some of the most popular species of trees, that you can train to grow as bonsai. You probably have one, or two of these, in your garden already. Whatever that may be, take a look at the following:

#1:   Juniper
Scientifically known as Juniperus, junipers is a non-flowering, hardy and evergreen specie of conifers, that are easy to plant and grow. This tree is deemed, throughout Japan, and the world, as one of the three most popular genera, trained as bonsai, along with Japanese maples and pines. It tends to thrive best on hillsides and dry forests from around the world and generally is noted for it trailing and elongated branches.

What makes junipers perfect for bonsai, is that the tree responds well to all the wiring and reshaping processes, involved in tray planting. Also, it’s long branches allow you, to form the tree easily, into almost all styles of bonsai, except broom. Perhaps the main problem you will encounter along the way, is that most junipers have stiff trunks and branches, that make it a bit harder for you to shape your plant, into something you really like.

Some Notes on Care and Maintenance:

Junipers come in a number of varieties. Most of them are hardy by nature. They can be left outside, even for hours and even during harsh and cold winters. But, for all varieties of juniper, make sure to protect it’s root ball, from harsh winter, or frost, especially if they are trained to grow as bonsai, for just a couple of hours.

It is also recommended, for every beginner, to pinch out the apex of the newly budding tips. This is only applicable, during the growth period. In terms of pruning, the juniper should only be pruned during autumn and spring, not in summer. And, to further protect your plant and yourself, from any possible flaws, just wear gloves, when working with this tree. This is necessary, since junipers often come in needle forms. The prick of these needles, can trigger allergic reactions, giving you red rashes on your skin, that can be very irritating.

We will have to leave it there for today, but don’t miss the next part tomorrow.

Discover insider secrets to creating stunning Bonsai trees, with this ebook, titled Bonsai Gardening Secrets. All you need to know about Bonsais. Find out more here http://dersalsites.com/bonsgs/

Sally Robson is an up and coming, South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. She and her husband Derek, have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening.

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For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally’s website at http://www.dersalsites.com/gardening/
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Clint has stated a website on fitness and bodybuilding and has amassed hundreds of articles on various topics of fitness. Check his site at: http://dersalsites.com/clintstraining/  and his new blogsite at http://dersalsites.com/clintstrainingblog/

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