Spring Jobs
Dennis McDermot Bsc Presents: Springtime Bonsai Care Tips.
Perhaps the most delightful months of the year. Most plants spring into life and the whole development of the tree is set in place. So it is vital that they get off to the best possible start.
Springtime Splendor: The Emergence of Deciduous Trees and Flowering Plants
The fresh new growth of deciduous trees and blossoms of flowering plants make a spectacular picture on the benches. Some of you have already enjoyed the late winter blossoms of the Japanese Flowering Apricot, Cherry and Quince. The foliage on these plants develops at a quick rate straight after flowering. It is very important to trim back this early aggressive growth they put on in spring frequently to increase the branching volume in those respective plants. The second wave of flowering colour is on the way.
Spring Spectacle: Admiring Azaleas, Crabapples, and Wisterias in Full Bloom
People who have Azaleas, Crabapples and Wisterias will be hopefully currently admiring them in full flower. There are plenty of other flowering plants in spring but these three plants are certainly the big three that make a huge impression in spring at their peak.
Pruning Guidelines for Spring Growth: Bonsai Care Essentials
Growth is vigorous in spring so pruning is a major activity. The following bonsai will require almost constant pruning:
Maples. Tip pruning through spring will result increased ramification and shorter internodes.
Crepe Myrtles. Regular tip pruning will also result in increased ramification and shorter internodes. However since they flower on terminal tips pruning should cease by the end of November to allow flowering buds to develop.
Japanese Black Pines. Timing of pruning on JBP is critical. In September removal of spring candles should be undertaken. Timing is critical to ensure that the maximum development of the tree is obtained. They should be removed as soon as any tiny green tips appear anywhere on the candle (For further guidance please see the notes on growing JBP)
Chinese Elms. All of the elms, including Zelkova grow very vigorously in spring and shoot pruning is vital to both develop and maintain the style. Similarly the Privets will be in vigorous growth.
Azalea Care in Sydney: Mid-September Spray Program for Pest Control
Azaleas in Sydney are regularly attacked by leaf sucking insects such as 2 spot mite, leaving the leaves both unsightly and unable to properly perform. A spray program should commence mid-September and continue to the end of summer. Satsuki Azaleas are amazing in flower. However in Sydney they flower later than the others (October) when the weather is warmer and the humidity is high. High humidity will result diseases destroying the flowers. As soon as the flower buds begin to open place the tree under cover during flowering (don’t forget to hand water on the soil only Wisteria. They can be spectacular in flower. Remove spent flowering heads as soon as the flowering is finished. Long thin canes (whips) will develop. These are basically designed to allow the vine to grow extensively and gain a hold. They will be unlikely to flower. They should be cut back leaving the 2 or 3 unopened buds located where the whips emerge from the plant. These remaining buds will produce compact growth and particularly flowering material. NOTE: not all wisterias will ever flower and you should obtain material that has/is flowered to ensure that you will get flowers in the future.
Fig Trees.
October Fig Care: Pruning, Repotting, and Maintenance Tips
By October we receive some consistent warm weather, thus it is an ideal time to get stuck into your Figs. They can be pruned back and re potted all at the same time. Figs really thrive in an open mix. Figs are very tough plants but are prone to rotting if planted in a very fine poor draining mix. The new growth tips should be pinched back and large leaves cut off. If you wish you can even totally defoliate your tree now by removing all of the leaves by cutting the petiole (leaf stork) which is attached to the base of the leaf in half. As the new leaf emerges it will push the old petiole away and you will soon have additional growth buds and small glossy new leaves and more in proportion with your tree. It is important to spray with water the milky sap that appears when cutting any part of the tree. If it is left to run down and settle on any part of the tree it can leave an unattractive stain. If you have any really overgrown Figs do not hesitate in cutting them back extremely hard to get the growth closer to the trunk. It is always advised to re pot the tree at the same time and add plenty of fertiliser to the potting mix to give the tree a well and truly fresh start. Finally and most importantly Figs, with the exception of the Sandpaper fig, should be kept in the sunniest position you can find for them to get optimum growth and development out of them.
Fertilising Tips for Spring: Balancing Slow Release and Organic Fertilisers
It is important to increase your fertilising frequency now. Slow release fertilisers combined with ORGANIC liquid fertilisers make an ideal fertilising combination. Freshly repotted trees should've had some slow release granular fertiliser added to the mix to give a slow and steady food source to your tree over the next 4 to 5 months. Remember more is not better. I have seen plenty of trees killed over the years with over fertilising particularly from chemical high nitrogen fertilisers. Native trees should be fed in the same manner as the exotic trees. It is not necessary to use special native fertilisers. In 30 plus years of growing bonsai I have not had any problems with natives using standard fertilisers. However do not use fertilisers with excess phosphorus such as those recommended for encouraging flowering. Weeds are a constant problem in pots especially in spring and summer. They should be kept under control as they rob the tree of nutrients.
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Wiring Maintenance: Springtime Vigilance for Healthy Branch Development
Keep an eye on some of the wiring that you may have placed on any of your trees over the winter. Foliage growth may cover wiring and you may become unaware that wire is on a particular tree. It is always an idea to put a coloured tag in the soil of the pot of your tree to remind you that it is indeed a tree that has wire on it. Then simply remove the tag when the wire has been removed. Monitor the wire you have placed on trees weekly this time of year as the growth of trees thickens at an alarming rate and you don't want to spoil your wiring efforts with deep scars in the branches of your trees because it has been left too long.
Springtime Bonsai Excursions: Exploring Exhibitions and Garden Shows
Finally, spring signals the start of a large itinerary of Bonsai exhibitions and garden shows. Try to get to as many as you can. At Bonsai exhibitions you will be able to observe a wide variety of plant material used for Bonsai and gain ideas on styling particular plant varieties. Garden shows are also of an interest to attend as most often many new release plants are launched and some may be new hybrids of plants we currently use but offer alternatives to flower colour, leaf shape, growth rates etc. Go and explore and hunt out your next Bonsai treasure! Once spring flowering plants have finished flowering all dead heads should be removed, unless you wish to have them fruit.
Spring Alert: Windy Conditions and Tree Hydration in Sydney
Windy days are typical of spring while humidity is relatively low in Sydney. Keep a close watch on your trees as they may dry out very quickly.
Join us at the School of Bonsai's Annual Exhibition and Show at Ray Nesci Bonsai Nursery! Explore the intricate world of bonsai as you witness stunning displays of bonsai and suiseki, participate in continuous bonsai demonstrations, and enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle. It's a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow bonsai enthusiasts, gather inspiration, and celebrate the artistry of bonsai. Admission is free for all, so mark your calendar and join us for a day of bonsai beauty and camaraderie!