Bonsai Things to do in Cape Town - May

MAY 

Month	Mean Rainfall mm	Rel.  Humidity %	Daily Sun­shine Hrs	Temp. Max Celcius	Temp. Min Celcius
May	76,7	80	6,3	20	9,5

POSITION	Some showers and cooler weather are on the way. Some bonsai may have to be moved into sunnier spots or shade cloth may have to be removed.
WATERING	As usual watering needs to be watched, especially if the weather is cool and overcast but no rain has actually fallen.
FERTILISING	This is the last opportunity for feeding as with lower temperatures and shorter days plants do not take up much in the way of nutrients.
DISEASE CONTROL	Many pests are going into hibernation but snails and slugs are active.
PRUNING	Do not prune deciduous plants as stimulating growth is undesirable in winter, plants need a rest period.
POTTING	Too late for autumn potting and too early for deciduous trees.
REMARKS	A balmy month as a rule and the last chance to mix soil in reasonably dry conditions. Mosses are starting to appear remember to leave small pieces when collecting so that regeneration takes place.

Starter bonsai trees

We are selling a batch of Yellowwood (Podocarpus Latifolia) starter bonsai at a bargain price. 17 mature trees for R1,100 (works out at about R65 each).  These will only be sold as a batch.

Also just arrived some wonderful mature starter bonsai and with our main potting season a few months away it is the ideal time to buy your starters to start designing.

Have a great day and if you are in Cape Town, keep warm!

Bonsai at Kirstenbosch

As part of the Kirstenbosch centenary celebrations, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden announced the installation of a new permanent exhibition of Bonsai trees which is showcased in the courtyard of the Kirstenbosch Visitor’s Centre at the main entrance.

The collection consists of ten of the finest Bonsai trees in South Africa, the oldest and largest of which is a Wild Olive which is over 150 years old. These magnificent trees have been kindly loaned to the gardens by various bonsai growers and bonsai nurseries. Three of the trees are ours and they are all Ficus Natalensis, so pop in and have a look when you visit Kirstenbosch.

Bonsai Things to do in Cape Town - April

APRIL 

Month	Mean Rainfall mm	Rel.  Humidity %	Daily Sun­shine Hrs	Temp. Max Celcius	Temp. Min Celcius
April	55,5	76	7,8	22,8	11,8

POSITION	Early autumn and a delightful time of year; some showers may be expected. The sun is no longer so fierce and days are getting shorter.
WATERING	Bonsai tend to dry out and watering is still a priority.
FERTILISING	Fertilising has to be done diligently if bonsai are to do well and to promote autumn colours.
DISEASE CONTROL	Pests are active and control is necessary.
PRUNING	Maintenance pruning may be done this month.
POTTING	Nearly all evergreens and figs can be safely potted at this time of the year. Post potting recovery is usually good.
REMARKS	As the days get shorter and the weather is milder it is an agreeable time to be in the garden.

Succulents as Bonsai

 Article by:  Gail Theron

BAOBABS

The giants tower over the landscape causing mere humans to realise the limits of their existence in nature’s scheme. The majestic and mysterious Baobabs thrive in dry tropical climes, the world’s largest succulent capable of storing water for when rainfall is sparse or non- existent they are reputed to reach a great age of many centuries. There are many fine examples of baobab bonsai.

 For the novice bonsai grower the special requirements of the Baobab (Adinsonia) and the effort of having to keep them dry in winter, in the Western Cape, coupled with their complex growth habits might prove daunting to even experienced bonsai growers. For this reason easier to manage succulents with good potential are attractive alternatives

PORTULACARIA AFRA - JADE PLANT

                                                                                                                        

Portulacaria afra “spekboom or jade trees” have for years been cultivated as bonsai in Asia and there is currently strong demand and appreciation of them. There are wonderful examples in Japan, India and other Asian countries. They develop reasonably fast and are very long lived. Their trunks are particularly attractive. They are rather brittle and when wired great care has to be taken lest the branch breaks when bent.

 

  

  

  

CRASSULA

 

There are many species of the genus Crassula which are grown as bonsai and locally the most frequently found are Crassula sarcocaulis with pink flowers and Crassula sarcocaulis ssp sarcocaulis with white flowers and slightly larger and sparser foliage.

They are especially suitable for the beginner grower as they are extremely hardy, can be trained into interesting “tree-like” shapes, are water-wise, respond to fertilizing and fatten up very quickly. They are relatively pest free. Their biggest advantage is that they may be potted or re-potted at any time of the year and are readily available at local nurseries.

Crassula ovate (money tree) are more commonly used overseas than in South Africa.  Crassulas are the ideal subject to practice your bonsai techniques on.

Gallery

Visit our new Gallery section, click on the Gallery tab at the top of the page.  Recent photos of the nursery on display.

Special Offers

Visit our NEW special offers table in the nursery.  Ready made Bonsai for sale from R65.  Hope to see you soon!