Northern Colorado newbie

[AMidnightSoul]

Hi all,

I'm just starting to learn about Bonsai and I have a few questions. I learn much better with a hands on approach so I've looked into local Bonsai clubs. Unfortunately, it looks like the local Northern Colorado Club merged with the Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society and their meetings are a little over an hour away from me (unless it's heavy traffic, which can lengthen the drive time). I was hoping for something closer, but I can attend the RMBS meetings if there isn't anything. Does anyone know of any workshops or beginner seminars that are in the Ft. Collins/Loveland/Greeley area?

Also, I've read that it is much easier to keep outdoor Bonsai then indoor Bonsai. Since the Bonsai is not in the ground, but in a small container, when choosing species, do you need to choose a species that is tolerant several zones below your zone? It just seems like the soil in a small pot will get much colder much faster than the ground would. I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but I would hate to get started just to have a tree die during the winter months. I assume I will learn all of this when I can find a seminar to attend, but it's something that's been in the back of my mind.

Does anyone have any experience with the Correspondance Course offered by the American Bonsai Society? I figure if all else fails, I can enroll in their course but I'm wondering how effective it is. I can't find any online reviews of the course. http://absbonsai.org/book-service/correspondence-course

That's all for now!

Thanks,
Mary

 

[Eric Schrader]

I'm no expert on cold hardiness having lived in coastal California since I started bonsai. But, you might be interested in Walter Pall's blog, which shows entries recently about removing things from a greenhouse for the season. Or perhaps Bill Valavanis' post over at IBC about his spring tree in-n-out routine. I think the simplest overwintering is to bury the pot under mulch or similar, but I would guess that most folks who are serious use a greenhouse or a garage to prevent twig dieback. Not sure why Valavanis doesn't have one...

http://walter-pall-bonsai.blogspot.com/2012/03/trees-are-out-and-up.html
http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t9673-payback-time

 

[jk_lewis]

The ABS course will give you a basic understanding of bonsai.

You need to remember that there are NO "indoor trees." I'm no expert in REAL cold weather, but we get pretty cold here in the NC mountains, too. In Colorado you will have to give your trees winter protection. This can range from putting the trees on the ground and covering the pots with mulch, to a cool greenhouse, or to an unheated garage.

Temperate zone trees (that's 98% of the United States, and definitely your area) MUST have a lengthy dormant period in winter, so they will NOT survive indoors. The plants that will grow indoors with more or less success include some of the warm-temperate trees, and most tropical plants, but understand that these too will always do better outside when temperatures permit.

By all means join whatever club you can find and attach yourself to a friendly member who grows what you decide you want to grow. If you take the ABS course, join ABS. You will get the benefit of their useful quarterly magazine. You might also want to subscribe to International Bonsai (info at www.internationalbonsai.com). It is the best magazine published in the USA.

Books also are a big help. See http://www.bonsaisite.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19258 for a set of mini-reviews of many bonsai books.

 

[Ang3lfir3]

Also, I've read that it is much easier to keep outdoor Bonsai then indoor Bonsai. Since the Bonsai is not in the ground, but in a small container, when choosing species, do you need to choose a species that is tolerant several zones below your zone? It just seems like the soil in a small pot will get much colder much faster than the ground would. I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but I would hate to get started just to have a tree die during the winter months. I assume I will learn all of this when I can find a seminar to attend, but it's something that's been in the back of my mind.

in your area (I grew up in WY so I know your area pretty well) you will need to mulch trees in over the winter... this means burying the pots in bark up to the rim of the pot or just over it with mulch to provide for controlled winter temperatures ... in your are you can reach out to Larry Jackle (a great guy with decades of experience) who will be at the ABS convention in Denver (my wife and I will be there as well) he can help you figure out your over wintering needs. You will find you are are limited to what you can grow without a coldhouse/greenhouse that is okay because you are lucky enough to live in an area that has many spectacular options for bonsai... in the form of junipers and pines... about the only maple that would be safe is an Amur Maple (Acer Ginnala -- my dad has one in his yard at the house I grew up in) in a pot it would need pretty good protection

Get Larry's book (http://www.amazon.com/Ponderosa-Pin...9893/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1334074347&sr=8-4) if you can find a copy .... great stuff in there..

 

[BrianBay9]

When I first moved to the Ft. Collins area, I lost several trees over the first winter. What I did not fully appreciate was the killing effect of dry, cold winds during the winter. More than anything else, I'd suggest that you find a way to protect your trees from the wind. Mulch them in next to a fence or building that protects them from the north and west. I buried mine in banks of pea gravel. As mentioned, an unheated garage will work too, as long as you check them weekly to keep the soil moist. Working with native species will make your life easier. And don't belive any of the local nurseries when they tell you Japanese maples will do just fine.

Now I've moved to the midwest, and have to learn how to deal with the humid summers.

Brian

 

[Umeboshi]

Brian, what's the deal with the website in your signature? It looks like just a link farm.

 

[BrianBay9]

Sorry, that was from two moves and several years ago. I forgot it was there.

Brian

 

[AMidnightSoul]

Thanks everyone for the great replies! I've got some good starting points to Consider. I actually just moved here not long ago and the house I bought has an Amur Maple int he front yard, so I've been learning about it's care. It's very ornamental right now, but from what I can find out, it will grow quite large eventually. That would be a neat choice for me to pick as a Bonsai since I have a larger speciman in the front yard.

Thanks for the overwintering suggestions. I will definitely join the Rocky Mtn. Bonsai Society and do some book shopping. I'm still thinking about whether or not the join ABS and take their correspondance course.

 

[Ang3lfir3]

Thanks everyone for the great replies! I've got some good starting points to Consider. I actually just moved here not long ago and the house I bought has an Amur Maple int he front yard, so I've been learning about it's care. It's very ornamental right now, but from what I can find out, it will grow quite large eventually. That would be a neat choice for me to pick as a Bonsai since I have a larger speciman in the front yard.

Thanks for the overwintering suggestions. I will definitely join the Rocky Mtn. Bonsai Society and do some book shopping. I'm still thinking about whether or not the join ABS and take their correspondance course.

you should join ABS regardless ..... and Amurs make great bonsai.... we have three of them, all the way from shohin to large... great trees all around (you just have to keep on top of them) .....

 

[AMidnightSoul]

Thanks! I'm excited to jump in and start learning.

 

[milehigh_7]

As luck would have it, you have quite the show coming to Denver this summer. Here is a quote from the advert, "Our headliners are Colorado’s own Ryan Neil, Dan Robinson, and Marc Noelanders; plus, a whole host of other world class talent. " I would not miss it if I were you. I just saw this advertisement and would kill to go.

http://www.bonsai2012.org/

 

[AMidnightSoul]

Thank you. I saw the ad and definitely plan to attend!