Good day nuts!
About a year ago I walked into a bonsai shop to buy a tree for my father. I told the man “Id like to buy a Banzai tree please!!“ He honestly shook his head and gave me the correct Pronunciation and literal meaning of Banzai to bonsai. I was kinda offended as well as a little embarrassed but thought who cares I’m not into bonsai I’m buying a tree for my day for his birthday. and that’s what I did! I cheap overpriced Chinese elm, that’s now sadly passed on. But when I was at this nursery and I looked at this particular beautiful large ficus tree something happened, a seed was planted deep in my brain just like that.
and what do seeds do they grow!! And grow! And grow some more!
So of course the few days I had my dads tree, before I gave it to him, I became absolutely and completely obsessed. Out of nowhere too. That seeds roots had taken over my brain and I spent like 15 hours on YouTube those first few days Lol. but this was my dad birthday present so I have to give it to him. I was definitely probably more excited then he was. Lol. I really wanted him to get into bonsai, he need a hobby but I’m the one who fell in love. Or maybe bonsai fell on love with me! A week later I bought a small ficus tree, which is still alive, and the rest is history!
This first year has been magical really, going through all the seasons watching the trees grow and change. Just things I never really appreciated before. I now have 9 trees and a whole bunch of cuttings, projects, pots, soils, tools, indoor greenhouse and lighting for winter, bonsai books Lol. The amount of bonsai stuff I need or thought I need was kinda shocking lol. But gotta to do if for the trees Right?
I also Joined a local bonsai club which is a must to people who are considering it. It’s helped me so much in my journey and have met some just great people. So get out there noobies and join a club!
I feel like I’m really doing bonsai now! Once you get the basics then you really gotta free yourself and go for it! Pruning trees was so scary at first, now trees better watch out because I’ll chop it all off!
Pictured is a Japanese boxwood ( before and after) I got at my club bonsai auction just last Saturday. No one bid on it so I said what the hell, It helps the club. I got it for the minimum which was $35. I thought I can make something beautiful with this. I repot and pruned a handlebar branch last night, as well as took most of the large surface roots off. I thought this will help lengthen the trunk a bit and I can grow a better, more proportional nebari in the future. I really think it looks a lot better, like I was on cloud 9 last night after repotting this tree. My girlfriend was like what’s wrong with you lol. But it was a proud moment for me. hope it survives lol.
A year in and I feel like Im just grasping bonsai. It’s a commitment but how rewarding it’s been! Look forward to the Journey and adventure!
About a year ago I walked into a bonsai shop to buy a tree for my father. I told the man “Id like to buy a Banzai tree please!!“ He honestly shook his head and gave me the correct Pronunciation and literal meaning of Banzai to bonsai. I was kinda offended as well as a little embarrassed but thought who cares I’m not into bonsai I’m buying a tree for my day for his birthday. and that’s what I did! I cheap overpriced Chinese elm, that’s now sadly passed on. But when I was at this nursery and I looked at this particular beautiful large ficus tree something happened, a seed was planted deep in my brain just like that.
and what do seeds do they grow!! And grow! And grow some more!
So of course the few days I had my dads tree, before I gave it to him, I became absolutely and completely obsessed. Out of nowhere too. That seeds roots had taken over my brain and I spent like 15 hours on YouTube those first few days Lol. but this was my dad birthday present so I have to give it to him. I was definitely probably more excited then he was. Lol. I really wanted him to get into bonsai, he need a hobby but I’m the one who fell in love. Or maybe bonsai fell on love with me! A week later I bought a small ficus tree, which is still alive, and the rest is history!
This first year has been magical really, going through all the seasons watching the trees grow and change. Just things I never really appreciated before. I now have 9 trees and a whole bunch of cuttings, projects, pots, soils, tools, indoor greenhouse and lighting for winter, bonsai books Lol. The amount of bonsai stuff I need or thought I need was kinda shocking lol. But gotta to do if for the trees Right?
I also Joined a local bonsai club which is a must to people who are considering it. It’s helped me so much in my journey and have met some just great people. So get out there noobies and join a club!
I feel like I’m really doing bonsai now! Once you get the basics then you really gotta free yourself and go for it! Pruning trees was so scary at first, now trees better watch out because I’ll chop it all off!
Pictured is a Japanese boxwood ( before and after) I got at my club bonsai auction just last Saturday. No one bid on it so I said what the hell, It helps the club. I got it for the minimum which was $35. I thought I can make something beautiful with this. I repot and pruned a handlebar branch last night, as well as took most of the large surface roots off. I thought this will help lengthen the trunk a bit and I can grow a better, more proportional nebari in the future. I really think it looks a lot better, like I was on cloud 9 last night after repotting this tree. My girlfriend was like what’s wrong with you lol. But it was a proud moment for me. hope it survives lol.
A year in and I feel like Im just grasping bonsai. It’s a commitment but how rewarding it’s been! Look forward to the Journey and adventure!
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