Hawthorn Bonsai

Did you 'bonsai' it yourself? I like it.

Thanks Tuesday . . . yes, when I find tree seedlings I dig them up and pot them up. It fascinates me to see - as the years go by - the leaves gradually emerging smaller because their roots are restricted.

I'll try some more pics tomorrow if you'd be interested, and send you a PM.

I am looking forward to more pictures of your bonsai, Sheila.

That's what I'm going to do...next time I find a seedling! Sheila...does it work with shrubs as well. I have quite a lot of those particularly the Leycesteria that I took out last autumn. This hawthorn looks a stunning achievement.

Interesting question Karen, and I'm not sure of the answer. Probably SOME shrubs would work . . . I'm looking at a little booklet on bonsai which has a short section on 'suitable subjects': Maple/Acer is very popular, but they also mention Silver Birch, Eleagnus, Winter Jasmine, Cotoneaster, Honeysuckle (surprisingly), and Azalea and Wisteria which I don't agree with, as the flowers appear almost full size.

The aim is to achieve a convincing image of a full-sized tree . . . thanks for your comment, and I hope you'll give it a go:))

Definitely interested, Sheila. I'm trying this with a beech seedling but with no knowledge of what I'm doing - just wondered if it would work. It's always fun to try new ideas.

Good luck Angela . . . beech seems to be a very good subject.

Thank you Sheila. That's good of you to check that out for me. Honeysuckle eh? Interesting! I shall have a go one day. Next time I find a good seedling...I'll make a start!

May you live a long life Karen, lol! (i.e. the sooner you start a bonsai, the better!)

Erm....yes, I shall have to get on with it Sheila!

Nice bonsai. We have Oak, Rowan, Yew, Pine, Ash and Beech.

I would LOVE a Bonsai Rowan! What a great idea!

Thank you Lindak! It would be lovely to see any photos you have of your bonsai . . . especially the Rowan :)

Our pine trees are from seed bought from the Chelsea flower show well over 30 years ago. We started them off in a very small bonsai pot and wired the stems and cut the roots back every two years, pruning the tops by nipping at the new shoots. We followed the instructions from a good bonsai book, although there is probably plenty to go at on the internet now. We fed and watered as instructed and I'll post a photo up later.

Thanks Lin . . . it's absorbing isn't it?! I saw a lovely book on Bonsai in my local bookshop yesterday, but told myself I do not need another - I already have 3 :)

Just put up photos that I've just taken.