Outdoor Bonsai
Many different species of tree can be grown as bonsai and a large number are suitable for outdoor bonsai. These include familiar species such as pines, maples and juniper.
Twin trunk style Juniper
Trees are designed for the outdoors and thrive when they are exposed to seasonal changes of weather. The rain, wind and sun are all important to the tree as is the dormant winter period when the tree does not grow.
Depending on the severity of the conditions, the species of tree and the stage of development, outdoor bonsai may require some protection in winter.
What about styling outdoor bonsai? Since bonsai trees reflect the infinite variety of nature the possibilities are endless!
The 5 main styles – formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade and semi-cascade can all be used.
Some of the other styles that can be applied are twin trunk, root over rock, clasped to rock, group, broom, literati, windswept and exposed root.
You can also introduce variations on these styles – if you see a tree in nature that you would like to imitate go ahead and try it!
Outdoor bonsai are grown and shaped using the basic techniques of bonsai.
These include pruning the branches, leaves and roots; shaping the tree by wiring; using appropriate soil; re-potting; watering and feeding.
More advanced techniques are used to create the impression of age and maturity by creating jins on branches and sharis on the trunk.
Many species of trees are suitable for growing as outdoor bonsai. They include beech, apple blossom, crab apple, scots pine, black pine, oak, rowan, yew, Chinese elm, box and maple.
For those new to bonsai some species are especially recommended.
Juniper trees are suitable for many different bonsai styles. The wood is flexible and can be shaped quite easily. Larch is also a species that has flexible branches.
Cotoneaster is another favourite. The dark green glossy leaves contrast with the spring flowers and bright red, orange or yellow berries of the autumn. It can be trained into almost any style.
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