Recent content by David M. Martin

Just an FYI Stan. Thanks for the info Stan. In Indiana the winters are usually harsh enough that bugs are not a problem. Aside from mosquitoes, occasional bag worms, and infrequent borers in larger trees, you just don't run into them much. We are also fortunate enough that we usually have...

Thank you RockM Thanks for all the information RockM. That's the kind of info I needed. Now I can't wait until next Spring to see how much further it will develop. If last spring was any indication of what to expect this next Spring, I'm going to have a very beautiful Rock Juniper. It...

Thanks for the input and I'll take your advice. But the next question has to do with how to winter my tree. I went through my books and found nothing on how to mulch a tree. Any special kind of mulch? Cover the trunk with it? What is everyone else using to protect their trees? Should I...

Some of you can look at a picture of a tree and tell someone that they need to repot. I however can't do that. Is there a basic rule of thumb for repotting? Secondly, when I repotted last Spring, I trimmed the hardened, (is lignated the correct term?), roots above the soil line which defined...

My Rock Juniper thrived this spring and summer. (Better than I could have imagined!) Last year I kept it in over the winter in a Southern window and it did just fine, but I learned it's best to keep them outside,,, from this forum. My question now is, if I'm supposed to mulch it in during the...

Wow! Thanks for going out of your way for me Brian! Now that you've explained it that way it just makes sense. If I were a deeper thinker I might have figured it out but the chances of that were probably slim. Glad I'm on this forum, especially now. My Juniper has survived in spite of my...

So Brian,,,,,, does that mean it shouldn't get any Sun during the winter? Am I over thinking your answer by asking that question? It seems like you're saying that I should allow it to "Toughen Up" some,,, but should plan on insulating the roots. and remove it from rain, snow, sun etc. I'm...

Thanks Judy, It's a very hardy tree, but I've worked hard on it and don't want to take any chances. Again, thanks for your input and if nothing else is posted, I'll move it to my garage if the forecast calls for freezing rain or sleet. Good luck with your Bonsai endeavors!

I need some advice on weathering a Japanese Rock Juniper over the winter. I live in Indiana where the weather can be extreme in any season, to include below zero temps and the occasional ice storm. The question is simple really: Are there any precautions I can, or should take to cover the tree...

That's why I made sure to mention that I only placed it on the window sill for the photo.

There was some confusion about the type of moss, but I think that all got cleared up. None the less, being as new as I am to the madness, I have to say that I'm excited about what is happening to my first Bonsai. All in all, I was disappointed with the original shape when I first received it as...

Thanks to everyone for the information. I'm glad I asked because my fears about moisture and sunlight requirements were well founded obviously. Although some of you say peat moss is never used, I have seen it a number of times, (not saying I agree with it's use), but it is used by some whether...

Beautiful,,,,,,, what type of size ranges do you have available?

I know from reading that peat moss is commonly used as a ground cover, but I'm curious to know if anyone has ever used regular, living ground moss as a decorative cover. If it has been used, I'm also curious to know about water retention in the soil since this medium is known to flourish in...

thanks to everyone for the input. I'm taking all the advice, and I'm going to get in touch with the Indianapolis Bonsai Club.