The Bonsai grower in Autumn
by Viky Peterman
It is virtually impossible to think of Autumn in terms other than colour. Yellows, oranges, reds and purples make this the most flamboyant of seasons. Provided that the weather behaves and that the trees have been fertilised throughout the year, Autumn should give deciduous trees the chance to show off extravagantly. Any Bonsai collection which does not have a selection of these trees is a sad sight at this time of the year.
Autumn is a good time to choose new trees from nurseries. Since the intensity of leaf colour is partly due to the genetic makeup of each individual tree, it is better to see what colour the tree can achieve before acquiring it. It is amazing how different two seedlings from the same parent tree can be.
Many species of trees show a colour change during Autumn, like the Azaleas or the Cryptomerias, but the more dramatic changes occur in deciduous trees. Elms, Gingkos and Celtises will turn a strong yellow. Zelkovas will turn a firey orange and the leaves of Chinese and Japanese Maples together with Liquidambars will become ablaze with reds and purples. If you find a tree that turns a particularly exciting colour, it is better to propagate it by cuttings or layerings.
Welcome!
Welcome to the website of Cape Bonsai Kai where you will find out all about our club, events we are hosting and other news. Here you will also find galleries containing images from exhibitions, workshops, club meetings and more. We often post valuable information like "What to do this month" and other tips as well as many articles which will help you keep your bonsai collection healthy and you enjoying your new art form. Be sure to visit often!
About CBK
History tells us that bonsai were first displayed in South Africa at the British Empire Exhibition held in Johannesburg in 1933, where Asian exhibitors displayed their trees. Thereafter, mention is made of soldiers, returning home from the east after the Second World War, expressing interest in the beautiful trees they had seen in Japan.
Daily Care and Display
by Gail Theron
Bonsai require a certain amount of care every day. This is made easier and far pleasanter if your trees are well displayed and easily accessible. Create a special bonsai corner or Bonsai¬En in your garden, it need not be expensive or elaborate and can blend in with the surroundings. When choosing a spot it is most important for you to take the climatic conditions into consideration, ideally a wind free area with some sunny area and a partially shaded area. As for benches, there are many effective systems and if you have visited fellow growers you will be able to decide which will suit you best. I prefer to keep my nursery stock separate from my trees as I feel that black bags , punnets and asbestos trays detract from a display.
Propagation by Cuttings
by Lionel Theron
There are many types of plants that may be propagated by stem cuttings and it is an easy and inexpensive way of obtaining new plants. It must be realized that, as far as bonsai is concerned, it does not provide quick ready bonsai but material suitable for turning into bonsai in due time.
Your own special bonsai-en, Prt 2
by Graeme Hill
A few comments now regarding intent as this will influence your thinking and design.
Do you wish your bonsai-en to be and remain to be purely a display area or a combination area covering display, training and even possibly your work area? If you include a work area then do try to make this inconspicuous as it will be visually incompatible with and detract from your display.
Thus layout and the use of screens become important. Remember you are aiming for visual harmony to enhance the beauty of your trees. Be careful therefore of introducing discord.
We turn now to the important element of water. We all know the importance of correct watering and the need for humidity so I'll not dwell on it, except to write a little on how to cater for these needs within a bonsai-en.
Autumn and Winter Tasks
by Gail Theron
Bonsai growers tend to think that as their trees slow down towards the end of summer they can take a well earned rest, however, there is still much to do and think about.
