Bonsai West news

Winter at Bonsai West

Happy New Year to all!
We did it, we managed to get through another year - and sure enough as expected the days ARE getting longer and we are already looking forward to spring.
This winter has been quite unusual as the temps and precipitation has been out of the normal January parameters we are used to.
Many of our customers tell us that there isn't much to do with their trees this time of year; well our answer to them is they don't have enough trees!
This is a great time to come out to the nursery and hunt under our benches. We find that the trees that we have had sitting around for the past few years are the ones that look the best - and it's easier to find the trunk movement and tapering braches when they don't have leaves.
Michael has been starting to wire as many specimens as possible. He finds the winter months a perfect time to finish large projects that never get done at other times of year.
This is also a great time to take a class or come to a Get Wired session. (starting again on February 19th) or maybe register for one of the Extension School workshops.

Winter is a time that your tropical trees need a little more attention.
Be careful not to dry your trees out near radiators. Over-watering can also a problem because your trees are likely not drinking as much as they do in the summer. This seems like it is backwards because they are in the house and the environment is drier, but as they are not growing as much they are using less water. If you are still in the habit of checking your trees every few days continue this so as not to break the habit. Most indoor trees don't need water more than once every 5-10 days.
Pay close attention to insect problems especially spider mite, scale and mealy bugs, they are often hiding on the back sides of the leaves out of site. (We offer a full range of products to help you with indoor pests.)
If you are wintering your trees at home check your garage or cold frame for wide temperature swings, we recommend using a good high/low thermometer to register the extreme night time temps and to make sure its not too warm during the day , also check to make sure there isn't any rodent damage which often can bedevastating.

To the many of you that are leaving your trees with us for the winter, come on in and let's get a styling plan together. Bring your trees in to us for advice, it's always free and well worth the visit. If the day is cold put your tree in a plastic garbage bag to keep the cold air from damaging the tender foliage and pop on by. No appointment is necessary and often we can prune your tree right there on the spot.

New Arrivals:

We have just received a shipment of amazing Trident Maples and Hornbeams.
These trees are the best we have had since 1998 when we got the last big shipment of this wonderful species. This group of trees has a range from small root over rock all the way to specimen sized trees.
You owe it to yourself to come check them out! If you have been waiting to add a Maple or specimen tree to your collection then wait no longer. They have all been potted and can stay the winter with us for no extra charge. It is a perfect time to get a look at the branch structure and pick that perfect tree!

Winter Hours:

This year we have changed our schedule to allow all of us to spend a little more time with our families and to get some cleaning done around the nursery. Our hours for January and February are Wednesday- Sunday 10-5, Monday and Tuesday Closed.

Summary of Winter tips:

Make sure your indoor trees are getting lots of light
Check outdoor trees for temperature swings (too cold? too hot?)
Watch out for rodents and more common insects such as spider mite
Use these slow months to get wiring done
Check out our Class schedule and our Get Wired schedule - and come on by the nursery for some good advice we are always here

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As always, call or send us an email if you have any questions.
We are all looking forward to seeing you soon -

Michael, Mike and Glen

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