New to Bonsai, need advice for fall care of Bonsai

[Shelley Curto]

Hello all, I'm new to Bonsai and not sure what to do now that the weather is started to get colder. This spring, I made an impulsive purchase of an older, well-established Juniper at a local festival and then came to the show at the Botanical Gardens hoping to learn more about Bonzai and ending up buying a maple and an azalea, but didn't learn anything other than I really need to stop with the impulse shopping. I had every intention of taking a couple classes to learn how to properly care for them, but have been working 60+ hours most weeks and have two kids, so kept putting it off and now it's fall. I've been watering almost daily (unless it rains or soil is still wet to the touch), and fertilizing and spraying with a light insecticide once a month but that's about it. I know nothing about pruning, wiring, or anything else related to their care.

I've read I should plant them during the winter, but was not sure if that was necessary here in the South or if I could just bring them inside on the nights it's supposed to get below freezing. If I do need to plant, do I keep them in their pots, or just plant them - I've read about doing it both ways and not sure which is better. The more research I do on the Internet the more confusing it is, because a lot of the web site seems to contradict each other. I also bought a couple books, but they confuse me too. I guess I need some hands-on lessons to truly understand what to do.

Any and all advise is appreciated. And, if anyone is in the Acworth / Kennesaw area willing to give a couple lessons at night or on a weekend, please let me know. I'm willing to pay. I had made contact with someone back in the spring (actually, bought the azalea from him at the Botanical Gardens) but cannot find his information anymore. I think his name was Mike?

Thank you!
Shelley

[Admin]

Hi Shelley,

I am James Burke. I am not an officer of Atlanta Bonsai Society, just a hobbyist like yourself. I am not to be considered any kind of expert, either. My advice to you is that it would be a good idea to get to an Atlanta Bonsai Society meeting as soon as possible and introduce yourself as a new person. There are lots of knowledgeable folks willing to help. Luckily for you, this months meeting appears to be in your neck of the woods!

NOVEMBER 15 - 1-4PM
Juniper class and Club meeting
Taught by the ABS club members
Location: Smith Gilbert Gardens
2382 Pine Mountain Road
Kennesaw, Georgia 30152

I will tell you, however, you appear to be ahead of many people new to bonsai, from what I am reading. You're doing many right things. For now, I believe you should be ok leaving your trees outside, even if it gets to or even below freezing. Juniper, azalea, and maple are all cold-hardy types, in general, unless there's a reason they have been compromised in their strength (recent repotting (other than slip potting, where you leave the roots alone and just pot in next higher pot and add soil around the rootball without disturbing), disease, things like this). Hopefully, you don't have any of that going on, though. The exception would be a very cold day that is windy and not raining. This will dry a tree out pretty quick. If this happens, I would bring them into a garage (unheated is fine) or just put them against a wall of your house that will block the wind. If they have organic soil, be careful of over-watering at this time of year, but it sounds like you have that under control. By the way, the pruning, wiring, styling, etc, can all be learned. The most important part is what it sounds like you already have down ... keeping the tree alive! I hope to see you at Smith Gilbert Gardens. P.S. - I think there is a $7 fee for adults for admission. There's also a fee for kids, I just don't remember it at the moment. One more thing ... Atlanta Bonsai Society has a Facebook page you might look for. Also, there's a Facebook page called Bonsai Talk that you might look up. It is not Atlanta people, but bonsai hobbyists and professionals from all over the country and very good information is shared there.

I hope some of this helps!

[Shelley Curto]

Thanks James! Just seeing this, so not sure if I can make the meeting, but will see if I can change some plans so I can make it. Thanks again!