Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Not sure why Im posting this, but its a slow day and Im curious about what other people's thoughts are during winter, so what the hell.
February 2014
Winter is such a slow period bonsai-wise, and in general, that I have lots of time to sit and think about things. Naturally, one of the things I think about is bonsai, and every year around this time, I think about where I am at and what to concentrate on this year to continue along this bonsai journey.
I am about to enter into my 4th growing season in bonsai, sorta. Not sure if I can really call it 4 seasons because I bought my first tree (a mallsai) in June 2011 and my second in September 2011 and I did pretty much nothing to them that year so I am not sure if 2011 really counts. Anyway, in the last 3 years, I have acquired lots of different species with the goal to expose myself to a bunch and learn about them and how to keep things alive in general. I have repotted just about everything I have with a good rate of survival so I feel I have a pretty good handle on that aspect of things. Yes I killed some trees but more lived than died so I guess I would call that a success. I have also fought off a few cases of scale, aphids, and fungus with good success. Everything so far has survived this winter so far, some of them their 3rd with me.
Last year I bought far fewer trees, but the ones I did get were overall better than the previous year. I take this as a good example of my own progression as a bonsai hobbyist in the right direction.
Compared to last year, I have a better idea of where to go with most of my trees and (I think) a good idea of what must be done to get there. I have actually been able to sit down and make a somewhat detailed list of things I need to do to which trees this year so there is a plan for 2014. Some of you might be thinking that is a bit slow in coming to this conclusion. You might be right, but with pretty much only reading books, magazines and the internet, there is only so far you can get so fast. I like to take my time and be sure before I start doing things like cutting branches willy nilly.
This year, besides my books, magazines and the internet, I will continue in my club to continue talking with other people about bonsai and seeing things first hand. I will also be going to my first Bonsai show and I am looking forward to being exposed to some great trees and watching some lectures/demonstrations. Lastly, I am going to be able to really start working on developing my trees instead of repotting, watering and feeding.
I know I still have tons and tons to learn, but overall I think I’m feeling pretty good about where I’m at so far and looking forward to spring 2014.
February 2014
Winter is such a slow period bonsai-wise, and in general, that I have lots of time to sit and think about things. Naturally, one of the things I think about is bonsai, and every year around this time, I think about where I am at and what to concentrate on this year to continue along this bonsai journey.
I am about to enter into my 4th growing season in bonsai, sorta. Not sure if I can really call it 4 seasons because I bought my first tree (a mallsai) in June 2011 and my second in September 2011 and I did pretty much nothing to them that year so I am not sure if 2011 really counts. Anyway, in the last 3 years, I have acquired lots of different species with the goal to expose myself to a bunch and learn about them and how to keep things alive in general. I have repotted just about everything I have with a good rate of survival so I feel I have a pretty good handle on that aspect of things. Yes I killed some trees but more lived than died so I guess I would call that a success. I have also fought off a few cases of scale, aphids, and fungus with good success. Everything so far has survived this winter so far, some of them their 3rd with me.
Last year I bought far fewer trees, but the ones I did get were overall better than the previous year. I take this as a good example of my own progression as a bonsai hobbyist in the right direction.
Compared to last year, I have a better idea of where to go with most of my trees and (I think) a good idea of what must be done to get there. I have actually been able to sit down and make a somewhat detailed list of things I need to do to which trees this year so there is a plan for 2014. Some of you might be thinking that is a bit slow in coming to this conclusion. You might be right, but with pretty much only reading books, magazines and the internet, there is only so far you can get so fast. I like to take my time and be sure before I start doing things like cutting branches willy nilly.
This year, besides my books, magazines and the internet, I will continue in my club to continue talking with other people about bonsai and seeing things first hand. I will also be going to my first Bonsai show and I am looking forward to being exposed to some great trees and watching some lectures/demonstrations. Lastly, I am going to be able to really start working on developing my trees instead of repotting, watering and feeding.
I know I still have tons and tons to learn, but overall I think I’m feeling pretty good about where I’m at so far and looking forward to spring 2014.
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We had yet another 4 to 6 inches of snow last night, cabin fever setting in...
