What does this have to do with Bonsai?  You see, it is too easy to think, I will do that ’thing’ tomorrow or the next day or the next week.  And before you know it, the season is over and it is too late!  Now you may have to wait until next year. I look outside and see all the ‘tasks’ that need to be done and most days, I do them in order of urgency and importance.  Rarely do I get everything done that I want but there are results.  Some days it is hard to keep up with just watering, other days real progress is made. Some days, life gets in the way.

When the tree trimmers came because the oak tree was growing into the electric lines, I was annoyed.  But afterwards I was thankful and happy because frankly, the area had gotten overgrown. I seized the opportunity to trim and care for everything in that area.  The cuttings, pre-bonsai and bonsai there now look so good.  It motivated me to move on to the next area… Do you have an area that you keep really good care of  (your pride and joy bonsai) and then a corner of the yard that people don’t notice that isn’t paid enough attention?  Hats off to you if all your bonsai look pristine and show-ready!

Yesterday, I watered everything and defoliated a Buttonwood. When I watered it this morning, it looked so good (even leafless) I beamed with pride even though I was alone. That was all I had time for yesterday but today is a new day!  I noticed the palm tree dropped a frond and is pushing down on my Ficus Phillipensis – unacceptable.  A Mulberry needs spraying because it has mealy bugs – it’s in the hospital area now.  The penjing Ficus Nerifolia has grass weeds growing in it.  Tropicals need repotting before the summer is over. I think of it all and just smile, because “Today is the day” and “Now is the time”!  What’s going on in your garden? Whether it’s 10 minutes or 2 hours… just do something, and when you are done, your reward could be a smile, a lemonade, an easy chair in the air conditioning, a walk on the beach, spending time with family or maybe an adventure you’ve been putting off too long.

A special thanks to Wayne for watering all the bonsai and to Wayne and Mom for taking care of Kiwi, the Bonsai guardian cat, while we were away on ‘vacation’.  You’re the greatest!

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The following video shows the steps I take to redefine my trees and get them better looking every year.

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Mary Madison

I didn’t think the tree could be changed all that much because it had been pretty developed in the shape that is was for years.  However I would have let Mary do whatever she wanted to my tree, she’s not called the Buttonwood Queen for nothing.

Mary Madison styling

After a quick history of my tree Mary was actually able to recall collecting the tree years ago.  She didn’t waste anytime making suggestions and pointing out positive aspects of the tree.

Buttonwood after styling

At times the slightest of changes can make a big difference.  removing the first left branch did everything that I wanted the tree to be.  It now does not look top heavy, more deadwood shows and the entire look of the tree looks better.

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Bouganvillea Ready for Epcot

However with that issue taken care of, The Bonsai Societies of Florida Convention starts Thursday and I am to display two trees there.  The problem again are the leaves.  In this case, there aren’t really any to speak of.

Waiting for leaves to appear

I hope this peek of Spring helps many of you to get inspired to start working on your trees.  This is certainly one of my favorite times of the year.

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