Page 81 - Tài liệu Ebook cây cảnh Bonsai Basics

CHOOSING A BONSAI 83

Outdoor bonsai high winds and hot sunshine can dry
As we already know, this group makes trees out very quickly. It is advisable to
up the majority of bonsai. Contrary to provide a strong windbreak and also to
all appearances, a bonsai is no more watch for rapid drying out.
delicate than its big brother in the forest. Jn a garden, stands can be protected
Neither rain, wind nor sun will harm it - from the hot sun by a slatted shade made
provided it is adequately watered. Re- of plastic or wood. If you have a really
sistance to frost varies from one species extensive bonsai collection, try to mix
to another, but as a rule all bonsai the species and cultivars, to create an
benefit from protection once the tem- interesting and artistic display.
perature drops below YC (41 oF) and An outdoor bonsai garden should
there is a risk of frost. Some trees, like the have one or more water connections,
pines, firs, cedars, beeches, ginkgo or depending how large the garden is, since
yews, need no more than a simple cover- the trays do not contain much soil and so
ing, such as a sheet of plastic, in a severe the trees risk drying out rapidly in
frost. Many others, like maples, elms summer. If you have a large collection,
and fruit trees in general, should be you should install a watering system
taken indoors into a cool room (lOOC with overhead pipes, with a succession of
(50°F) maximum) when there is any sprinklers set at regular intervals. Of
danger of frost. All indoor bonsai can be course, the ideal is to install an auto-
taken outside, providing the tempera- matic programming device which will
ture does not drop below YC ( 41 OF). It is control watering.
essential to protect the base of bonsai Where possible, avoid watering in
trees kept outside in winter and conse- broad daylight and exposing wet leaves
quently, the tray itself, since the roots do to direct sunlight. This is where shading
not have a thick covering of earth to comes in useful. Bird droppings may also
protect them. Simply use straw, or cover cause a problem. These can be prevented
with leaves or peat. by fitting an awning with narrow slats. It
is best to water first thing in the morning
DISPLA YTNG YOUR OUTDOOR and then check again later in the day.
BONSAI
The importance of bonsai presentation
is obvious, since much of their charm lies
in the harmony between the plant and its
container. How you display your bonsai
outdoors is equally important. Whether
you use only a balcony or patio, or even a
complete bonsai garden, it is vital never
to stand the plant directly on the ground,
unless it is a very old tree of considerable
size. The ideal position is just below the
line of vision.
Use stands that provide different lev-
els and will let excess water drain away.
Treat the wood with a non-toxic preser-
vative to stop the wood rotting.
If using a window sill or balcony,
make sure the pots are very stable, so
that there is no danger of their falling
over in a high wind. The higher the
Outdoor displays look attractiYc when placed on
balcony the more problems can be slatted wooden staging. Here is an interesting group
caused by wind. The combination of growing on a rock.