On rocky terrain, trees are forced to search for nutrient rich soil with their roots, which can often be found in cracks and holes. The roots are unprotected before they reach the ground so they must protect themselves from the sun: a special bark grows around them. With Bonsai the roots grow over a rock into the pot, so caring for this tree isn’t really different from caring for any other style.
As I learn bonsai I gain respect for many more styles. I have a idea on how I want my personal garden to look like. I would like many styles represented. Last year if you would asked me about seki-joju, I probably would have said " they are cool but I don't see myself owning one". Well the interest is peaked and I am planning to start the project next spring during repot season.
I want to grow and sell prebonsai material. I want to have a few selected trees that are in my collection. At the moment my collection consists of very young material. Except for the hinoki, that tree is the oldest and most refined out of my trees. This blog really is for my collection trees. I generally do not take notes while I work on my trees. I do most of the time take pictures.
Right now I am prepping the materials I will need.
A 13" square pond basket
The rock I plan on using
Few smaller pond baskets
A handful of Japanese Black Pines
Raffia
Soil
Potting tools
If I think of more or when I have done it. I will update a new list.
The main way I plan is. Finding a JBP with longer roots. I have 2 dozen or so 2 year olds to choose from. Drape the roots over the rock. Use the raffia to tie down the roots. Raffia will dissolve or you can remove it. It is known for not biting in. Fill soil up over all the roots and let it grow. After 1-2 seasons of growing. You can check to see if it's doing the job. You want the roots to grow around the rock and lock itself onto it. Look for no gaps between rock and roots. You want no wiggle room. If is tight? You can remove a little soil near the trunk. Let those exposed roots get used to sunlight.
The rock I am gonna try for is awesome! I am not sure where I got it. But I think it's gonna Rock!
Here are some pics of the rock and other supplies I have so far. It's October so I have plenty of time but want to be prepared.
This tool I am not sure of the name but. I plan on using it to make cuts on a board to have a wall so roots can't grow in areas I do not want them.
Thank
Ted
Comments