Bonsai tips

Harold Johnson, vice president of the Triangle Bonsai Society (trianglebonsai.com), offers tips on how to select material and design a bonsai:

• Select a healthy shrub or small tree.
• Study the plant for bonsai potential. Look for surface roots to add the appearance of age to your bonsai. A trunk that tapers off toward the top is important, and a curving trunk adds interest. Since you are working with a three-dimensional art form, select a plant with branches on all sides, larger ones toward the bottom giving way to more delicate branches toward the top.
• Now consider the shape of your tree. Look for the tree within the shrub. Determine the front of the tree -- the most inviting aspect of the combination of trunk and branches. Remove unneeded branches and foliage. Adjust the remaining branches in proportion to the height of the tree. Wire the branches in position consistent with your design if necessary.
• During the spring, transfer the tree into a shallow bonsai container using soil that is coarse and drains well. Water the tree and place it outdoors, protected from full sun and wind for the first few weeks. Gradually introduce your new bonsai to sunlight, water regularly and wait three weeks before fertilizing. Once established, fertilize spring through fall with fish emulsion.
• Tools, soil, containers and instructional materials can be purchased in the Triangle by contacting Ken Hallatt at carolinabonsai@nc.rr.com, or you can check out www.bonsaimonk.com.

Tools to get you started

• Garden shears for cutting small-diameter branches
• Concave cutter for removing larger branches (specialized bonsai tool)
• Short-nose wire cutter
• Pliers
• Aluminum wire of several diameters

The best way to learn the basics of bonsai is to join a club and benefit from the teaching and advice of the members. The Triangle Bonsai Society will have a display during the N.C. State Fair in the Flower and Garden Building.

For additional information, visit the Triangle Bonsai Society Web site at www.trianglebonsai.com or contact Harold Johnson at haroldandtina2@msn.com.