Early Month
1. Deciduous Trees:
a. To enjoy the fine silhouette of deciduous
trees, cut just enough back to restore the shape. The
corrective shaping can be done in the spring.
b. Now is the time to scrutinize group plantings. Is the
group shape as it was originally designed--the height; the
flow; the direction? Do corrective work now while the
branches are bare. If the group is wired, the wire should be
removed in the spring.
2. Conifers
Trees such as black pines, five-needle pines,
and yew trees are cold weather tolerant and can be wired
through the winter until the buds start to develop in the
spring. However, they should be protected from severe
weather after they have been wired.
Mid-Month
3. Ume:
To ensure ume (flowering apricot)
blossoms for the new year, after the tree has been exposed
to the first frost, bring it into a warm place and mist
spray daily. The flower buds should start to develop within
two weeks.
4. Winter Watering:
Dryness should be checked closely, but once
every third day is the rule of thumb. When the winter rain
continues:
- For plants transplanted in autumn, tilt the pot to
provide better drainage.
- For those planted in November, cover the pot with
plastic. Remove the cover as soon as the rain stops.
5. Clean Up
On a clear day, clean shelves, pull weeds,
and rotate the pots. Inspect each tree carefully and made
notes to record progress for future reference
6. Christmas and New Year Display
Not only
Sho-Chiku-Bai--pine-bamboo-ume--which are the symbolic plant
combination that all Japanese use for New Year, any bonsai
can be displayed for the holiday season. It is a real treat
for visitors to see live trees and plants in the middle of
winter. So put your creativity to work and have fun with
bonsai during the holiday season!
With this last issue of the year, I would like to share
my bonsai philosophy with you as my last comment and thank
you.
- Be content within one's limitation; avoid
ostentatiousness.
- Bonsai pleasure is subtle and deep. Do not envy
others; enjoy the bonsai within one's limit. Even young
and small trees reward you with as much if not more
pleasure and love as old and expensive trees bring.
- Elevate one's taste. Refined and polish taste will
reflect on one's bonsai.
- Creating a bonsai is not merely an expression of
form; it is the expression of feeling, the symbol of
one's concept.
- Do not force someone to understand the beauty of
bonsai. It should be spontaneous.
- Never let the hobby take over the life; remember
family and other obligations.
- It is fine to revere excellent bonsai, but do not
forget to notice the subtle beauty of mere grasses.
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December Work
Schedule
