Bonsai Are Like Children...

[Tidal Bonsai]

Train them when they’re young!

I got this Korean hornbeam seedling from Matt O. last season (March 2018). I was given a cool rock from my first bonsai teacher, who loves RoR bonsai. I attached it to the rock using raffia and rubber bands. It was completely covered with soil, heavily fertilized, and left to grow out all of last season.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

I was very happy with the growth and development that I got, but there were only four roots that attached and thickened. I wrapped it in raffia again, cut back the thick roots to give the little guys more of a chance, and completely buried it in a colander. Maybe next year I can start exposing it.