Pots - They say 'a tree in the right bonsai pot is like the shoes on a beautiful woman'
In the west we perhaps don’t have the appreciation of the idea behind a bonsai pot. The idea of the right bonsai pot is like choosing a frame for a picture. There is a right and a wrong pot for every tree. The pot should enhance and frame the tree, not drawing attention to itself.
It should be the right size, shape, and colour. This takes a little practice, but after a while, it becomes easy to match tree and pot. We are able to help you with this decision should you wish.
We carry a full range of pots, from, "mame" (miniature) , to pots big enough to take a bath in. There are glazed pots to enhance trees with flowers or coloured foliage, decorative pots that create ambience, and unglazed pots in various earthy colours, ideal for pines and junipers, capturing their naturalness.
The pots come from Japan, Korea, and China. We carry a great range of handmade pots, these are have not been in Australia before, and we have just started to import them. Importing has enabled us to keep our prices down, for those ordering from interstate often find that the prices are still cheap even after freight. Please email for pricing.
Trees - We carry a full range of trees at the nursery from starters to old trees and everything in between. Much of the stock is "pre-bonsai-ed", being either pre-staked, or pre-wired. Much of the stock has had all the hard work done, allowing the development of the tree into its final bonsai shape. Some stock has been ground grown, with ages up to 30 years old. This allows for the development of a strong trunk and root base, allowing the enthusiast to take it to completion.
These are shallow rooted, and thus pose no problem in transplanting into the appropriate bonsai pot. Trees such as various types of junipers, maples, elms, Black pines, figs, etc are available all year round.
We also carry a full range of finished trees, these are well priced and are popular for gifts. There are also some quite advanced finished trees which appeal to the bonsai enthusiast who is looking for that "special tree".
Tools and accessories - "The right tool for the right job". Whilst you don’t need everything at once it is important to understand that the right tool will give you a better result. There are specific tools designed for bonsai. These are tools such as branch cutters, jinning pliers, roots shears, twig shears and so on.
These are available in different quality materials. The better the steel, the better the tool. Higher grade steel will hold a sharper edge for longer. Sharp cuts and clean cuts are a must in bonsai.
People often try using heavier garden implements and end up crushing branches, rendering them useless.
A basic tool kit comprising scissors, branch cutters, and a root rake is the basic starting place.
These can be added to over the years according to your fervour, and wallet!
We sell a basic tool kit in a zip up pouch which consists of 3 sizes of scissors, (root, branch, twig) side cutters, and a parrot beak nibbler.
Wire - To shape a tree into the position we want it , we use aluminum wire. This is used for its lightness and ease to bend. Wire comes in every size from 1mm to 6mm and in half mm increments, (ie1, 1.5, 2, 2.5)
Rolls come in 1kg, 500grms, and 100grms.
Figurines - Figurines are used in the creating of the illusion of size, and for landscapes.
Landscapes or "Penjing" was probably the original bonsai started in China. This is another world, many people just commit themselves to the shaping of these miniature worlds, an art in itself. To this end we carry bridges, wise men, fishermen, musicians, even little men working on their bonsai trees!!
Books - Different books are available from starters manuals, to beautiful books such as Robert Stevens "Vision of my soul".
Soils and fertilizers - The correct mix is essential for a healthy bonsai. Soil must be free draining but still able to hold moisture for a reasonable time. Sharp sand and pebbles are required for healthy root growth and ramification. We have both small and large bags available. We have our mix custom made by a local company, garrenteeing the right mix every time.
We use sell and recommend "Healthy earth fertilizer". This is a balanced fertilizer correcting imbalances in ph, and not burning the root system. Bonsai’s should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks with a week solution of fertilizer. Better a little more often than a lot infrequently