Spring Clean Up of My Larch Bonsai Forest and More, The Bonsai Zone, Mar 2019

[@apartmentgrower9274]

The larch forest is one of my absolute favorite compositions in your collection!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I've really enjoyed working on them over the years, thanks!

[@michaelengstrom3733]

I LOVE your Larch Forest! It’s always been my favorite! Great videos Nigel!

[@hapaemorgan2362]

The larch grouping is one of the nicest forests i have ever seen!

[@sakanason]

Keeps me calm and I find it very relaxing. I am sure my neighbors wonder why I stand out in the front yard, just standing there looking at this small tree in a pot for an hour.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sounds like a nice way to spend some time! I sometimes get up early on a Sunday morning and listen to the birds as I water my trees. It's always very peaceful!

[@patsfreund9164]

Enjoyed seeing your Larch forest. And, I find the moments spent cleaning, etc. very peaceful, zen-like. I enjoy the time spent outdoors working on the plants. Nice walk through the snow. I am amazed that you are still getting snow, but I forget how far north you are. Living in s. FL I forget what it is like to deal with snow, but don't want to move back further north. Your bougainvillea sure is growing well. I hope it blooms this year. I would love to see it in flower. The hibiscus is growing well. It's an unconventional bonsai plant that sure looks GREAT! Those ficus are looking GREAT!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Pat, the weather is to warm up again later this week. hopefully that was the last snow, but I've seen it in May!

[@mattbrennan647]

The larch forest seems to be one of your favorites (mine too). Beautiful. I’m really drawn to “forest” bonsai creations. Mine are still in very early development but watching your videos inspire me. Thanks.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Matt, happy growing!

[@jaskeda]

I like your philosophy of caring bonsai. Take time to enjoy doing it, very relaxing

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I always try enjoy life, no matter what you are doing!

[@entyropy3262]

The F. religiosa will look great in the new pot, nice fit.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, the pot will give it lots of room to grow larger over the years so the roots can spread out more!

[@ag_242]

...and another great bonsai lesson from our Master!🙇‍♂️ thank u very much!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you A G, glad you like the videos!

[@utube4razak]

As always nice video, sir.👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks for sharing my bonsai pics.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Razak, I'm lucky to see peoples trees from all around the world!

[@BonsaiByLAN]

Wow that's a whole forest in your back yard!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It's a really nice place to visit in the hot days of summer, it's always cooler under the canopy!

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

All the many parts of this video were enjoyable.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, nice to hear!

[@miraztinygarden]

Nice wok,I like the larch forest.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Miraz, I'm hoping the snow goes away soon!

[@BonsaiJCan]

They're all looking great, I really like the trunk on the Hibiscus. Your fabulous ficus is well deserving of that nice new pot. I enjoyed the viewers pics as always and great variety.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks J, I enjoyed all your latest videos! Stay warm!

[@SamDoeckeAussiebonsaibloke]

Your trees are looking super healthy right now mate. The leaves are shining and spring is close by the looks 😁😁😁

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Sam, I hope it's cooled down a little and you don't have to water the forest you are creating around your home as much! I can't wait to see it all in the years to come!

[@SamDoeckeAussiebonsaibloke]

@@TheBonsaiZone Yeah mate it's cooler now thanks. Mid 20s most days 😁. Sure will be good in years to come. Happy spring 😁

[@liquidxskin19]

some of these snowy shots you got would look great as a desktop background

[@annebrunner3649]

Nigel, the Larch Forest is really doing well. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, i'm looking forward to working on the forest this season, i have so much landscape now in the new pot, it will be very exciting!

[@geoffcurtis9221]

Hi Nigel, I live in the sub tropics of Australia, Bougainvillea grow in concrete here, they are so hardy and seem to grow 2" over night. Great Bonsai and they look beautifiu in flower.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Geoff, they are wonderful plants!

[@elementalbonsai]

Mark here very nice larches 👍👌

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Mark, more to come on them soon!

[@ricklandaubonsai5506]

Wow it keeps getting better and better that little forest!. Congratz

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Rick, great KZbin channel you've got! kzbin.info/door/0S4BF6DzST8z46WCILx6yAvideos

[@mycool8980]

You could get a drone for your full size comparisons, also could help with your garden project In the spring

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'd love to get a good one, but I can't afford it yet. They are also making you get a license to fly them in Canada soon!

[@ellamyus]

Love your videos! I dont know its the right word in english but i think you are cosy! My little time watching you explain your work and thinkining is realy relaxing. And yo seem to live in a climat like what I have were I live in Sweden!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I think Sweden has a very similar climate! Lots more videos coming, it should be a fun summer!

[@deploribusunum3894]

The trees are looking great! I'm happy they made it through another winter. I just picked up a baby Quince bush to bonsai.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Quince are excellent plants for bonsai, it's still snowing a bit today, but it's suppose to warm up soon!

[@martindemaree647]

Hey Nigel, love ur bougainvillea, I got one this year from a nursery this year. It is about the sam size but the trunk is smaller, about half the with as yours. I will be watching your play list soon. Mine is purple.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I hope your little Bougainvillea grows well Martin!

[@martindemaree647]

@@TheBonsaiZone thank you, I actually cut it way back and repotted it today, at the spur of the moment lol

[@R_H21]

The clean up made it look nice, but I also liked it when the needles were on the forest floor - it looked very natural that way. =)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, forests are really fun to have, so many different options!

[@Insignificanthings]

Tweezers? Really? Tweezers for stack of hays? Hahaha you never ceases to amaze me Tay! The best!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I just love picking off all the needles every year, it's almost a ritual!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

I love that forest! My outside trees did not survive the winter unfortunately. I heve my ficus and my Desert Rose that I'm still afraid to cut Haha! I sent you the link and pics of the trees I mentioned before. On the highway. Hope they give you a giggle!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The tree looks like it has an angel sitting at the top playing a harp! Thanks for the pictures, once again I'm behind in my emails! You may have to build a small greenhouse that you can heat to keep it above -20 C over the winter. There's just not much else you can do that far north!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

@@TheBonsaiZone I wasn't sure if it would go to Junk folder cause it has a link in it. You see something Beautiful in those trees! I see a dinosaur! Brontosaurus Like Little Foot. And Yes, we had many days and nights below -40 C this winter. I think I will build a shelter against the house. Heating a greenhouse means a lot of added electricity costs. Not sure I can afford it. There are also the camper trailers. I may be able to keep them in those if I park them so the sun comes in the larger windows. Thanks Nigel! I bet you get absolute ton of mail! No wonder you get behind!

[@ErikPukinskis]

Is that a little pup coming up in your larch forest to the right of the main tree?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think that is a little spruce seedling. It came up last year and seems to have survived it's first winter! I was hoping it was a larch, but it didn't loose it's needles in fall. I'll have to give it it's own pot this year.

[@frankpagan1294]

Hi Nigel keep the videos coming. I would like to know if you your Pink Pixie Bouganvillea flowers after trimming? I don’t have any experience with Bouganvillea bonsai but I had some growing in my yard once. I was always told that they flower on new growth. How does that apply to you. Thanks for all your informative videos.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I have to keep the Bougainvillea pruned to stop it from flowering and then when I want it to flower, I let it grow. This works most of the time, but the tree looses it's shape quickly!

[@Alepoudiitsa]

The little green besides the thick tree from the Larch forest is a seedling or it comes out from it. I order juniper seeds but nothing came out same with the seeds for maple and bucambilia. OMG those trees are BIG my walnut is smaller and I was thinking it was big haha.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes some bonsai trees can get very large!

[@grant3647]

Yay another video!!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It has been a while!

[@Strawberryfidelity]

Beautiful

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, lots of fun work coming up!

[@peacecosmonaut176]

Thank you

[@JLmedia-hpattern]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, long live the manual shifting!

[@DADDY_DIGI_HOBBIES]

I have a hibiscus bonsai (Hibiscus waimeae), that I have been growing for 4.5 years now. (Its a Yamadori) I use a technique where you cut larger leaves in half or 2/3 the size, to train it shrink it's leaf size. It works pretty well, they were 5 - 6 inches and now they are around an inch and a half. After they begin to reach a desirable size cut off the half leaves. Then make sure that leaves that are more that 2 inches are removed. Its sort of oppressive tho, so I alternate yearly between letting it fill in and suppressing/wiring. hope this helps!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sounds like a great technique! Thanks very much!

[@DinaSteyn]

I just started attempting bonsai, and I've joined a local club. At our last club meet, they spoke about how the young club members can try clip and grow. How long does clip and grow take compared to growing in the garden and chopping?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Trees that grow in the ground will grow 10 X quicker than those in a bonsai pot! The ground keeps the roots at the perfect temperature and humidity levels for plants to grow. Trees in the ground will grow much more quickly than even trees in large training pots. The problem with rapid growth is that the top of the tree and the root base can quickly grow out of shape within a single season.

[@paulschaefer5241]

I have been following your channel for abour 3 years now. I often see viewer's pics on it. How would I go about submitting some of my trees for this?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can send them to.... [e-mail] Thanks Paul!

[@dallasford5735]

Thank you 😊😊💙🙏

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Glad you liked the video!

[@PinoyBonsai]

I love cleaning my trees too.. even though it takes a lot of time.. it doesnt matter :-)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Time doesn't matter much in both bonsai and 3D printing!

[@PlantObsessed]

The hibiscus bark is awesome!! Hey what happened to your cool new.wayer mister?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I still have the mister, I mostly use it on hot days to cool the plants down a bit! Thank you, the Hibiscus has always been a strong grower!

[@Taylor314T5]

How do you make the forest floor a hill? When I try to mound up bonsai soil, it all just washes to a level.

[@Rob1337]

That larch group is what I’m hoping my tiny trident group will grow into one day :) tried hibiscus but doesn’t work for me :(

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Trident Maple's will make a great forest, it will keep you busy pruning!

[@goo757]

10:29 sup Nigel if you have time can you please make a video on this tree .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I will be making a video soon, I am going to re pot it at a different angle before I do any more styling work. Hopefully it will be some time in April!

[@bonsaitherapy1468]

Oh...the needles are good to build mycorrhiza in the soil? That Hibiscus bark is beautiful :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, the mycorrhiza will love breaking the needles down for the roots to get nutrients!

[@blackwater4707]

I'm looking forward to the greenhouses being up so that I can send you a few seeds. I have white and chocolate sapote seeds that will be a little unusual in your neck of the woods.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I can't wait too!

[@R_H21]

Hi Nigel, Are you still looking for pummelo seeds? I love those and I do usually find small seeds. But I ate one recently which had 2 big seeds. I still have one other fruit to eat and I was going to wait and see if that one has big seeds too before I asked you. (Maybe I’ll tackle eating it tonight.) Anyway, are you interested? If so, I can send them to you.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That would be fantastic! You can email me at... [e-mail] Thanks!

[@druszaj]

Why don't you use a fan, compressed air or a blower bulb to remove the needles?

[@geoffcurtis9221]

Hi Nigel, hope you are well. How do I go about sending you some pics of my Bonsai?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can send pics to... [e-mail] Thanks!

[@dubsydabster]

This one got uploaded well I was snoozing. Cheerio

[@goo757]

lmfao xD

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I post at random times, just to keep everyone on their toes!

[@dubsydabster]

@@TheBonsaiZone Fair enough Nigel 😋

[@nrappleby]

Nigel where did you get your root comb from? It looks much more sturdy than the ones I have seen available.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I bought it used at a second hand antique shop 25 years ago. It was part of an indoor gardening set. I've never seen one like it anywhere, but I'll keep searching!

[@nrappleby]

@@TheBonsaiZone They don't make em like the used to...ha

[@conio58]

What medium do you recommend for usuall houseplants so the roots can grow better? Add sand or perlite to the soil? Greetings from Sweden. ☺️

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I would mix your houseplant soil equally with perlite. You may need to place some rocks on the surface of the soil to keep the tree in place until the new roots get established. Perlite is excellent for generating a nice fine root system!

[@conio58]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thank you! I will try that.

[@accord727]

Nigel, great video. Where do we send our viewer pics to you?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can send them to... [e-mail] Thanks!

[@h3nrymartinex1987]

I been missing out on the videos boy I have some catch up to do. I also have a quiz in my horiculture class today.😇🙏👍✌️🌞🌳

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Best of luck on the test, work before pleasure!

[@h3nrymartinex1987]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thank you Uncle 🌞

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

how about a set of steps on a winding path up through the forest? That could look interesting and add sense of scale.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sounds good, I'll be doing this kind of work this year!

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

@@TheBonsaiZone Excellent. I'm just getting interested in Bonsai and it occurred to me these Bonsai are like little dioramas, that would be perfect environments for figurine photography. I did some searching, to see if anyone else had the same idea, and there are only a few, so I think it's something fun that people could do with their bonsai, without feeling it's already been over-done. It's sort of like fairy gardens, but different.

[@TheManuel216]

Should i take red & blue LED for indoors or just a normal yellow or white LED?

[@sethmoore8812]

Is that a baby larch tree in the forest is see?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think it is actually a spruce of a pine seedling. I thought it might be a Larch, but it didn't loose it's needles.

[@coryleslie80]

Nigel I have a question. If you air layer a 50 year old tree, does that mean your tree is 50 years old? Or does it mean it's as old as it has been in a pot? If someone asked me how old my tree is what would I say to them?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Good question! Some bonsai growers get very offended if you ask them the age of their tree. There is often a real age to the tree and then a perceived age of the tree. Many growers aim to make their tree look much older than it actually is. Age is something that is really hard to imitate on a bonsai tree, a really old tree has healed all it's wounds over the years, has a bark texture and appearance that cannot be imitated. The trunk, roots and the branch structure are all set in place and anyone can see that the tree not only looks old, but actually is! I like to consider the age of a bonsai as "years in training" Trees collected from nature can be fantastic and old, but it is the years that a person has worked on them that makes them a bonsai. Bonsai can turn into a contest to see who can collect the best tree from nature and then work it into a show tree.

[@coryleslie80]

@@TheBonsaiZone I thank you for the information. How is your Catalpa growing?

[@coryleslie80]

@@TheBonsaiZone I guess one of the reasons why I asked is because I have a begonia. I know that's not bonsai. I was gifted a begonia about 15 years ago and I have taken starts off that bogunia and the original bogunia is no longer with me. And then the question was is this begonia the same age as the original begonia? I hope this is in this stupid question and I hope you can understand what I'm trying to say. Thanks again Nigel!

[@bobmccarlie382]

Hi Nigel. I was wondering what was your strategy for pruning the bougie? Were you cutting back to two or three pairs or leaves or something else? Thanks :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I was generally pruning the new shoots back to the first or second set of leaves. It depends on what direction the leaves are facing.

[@jlet-ze3ui]

Hey Nigel Saunders! If I wanted to send you some pictures for some of your viewer pictures, how would I send them to you? Thanks in advance

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can send them to.... [e-mail] Thanks!

[@mtekson]

Hello Sir!! Is black soil suitable for Tropical trees bonsai???

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is better to use bonsai soil, if you can water it before it goes dry. The bonsai soil keeps the perfect humidity level around the roots and the trees do very well in this soil. Ordinary garden soil, doesn't let the roots get air and water as well and the tree usually will grow more slowly and with less health. Bonsai soil can be watered and fertilized often without fear of the roots rotting away, this really helps your trees grow.

[@mtekson]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thank you.

[@cuongbonsaisuperminiphan5839]

Chào bạn! Làm thế nào để rút ngắn và thu nhỏ bộ rễ của bonsai để làm mini và siêu mini bạn có thể giúp mình biết không?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Dưới đây là một video về việc tạo ra một cơ sở rễ cây cảnh, hy vọng nó sẽ giúp! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5S2pmuJirZjoac

[@jeremyraeber4234]

I noticed that you don't have or just haven't shown an azalea. Is there a reason you don't have one?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I gave my last one away last year! Azalea's are a sub tropical species and I don't seem to have the right conditions to over winter them. The basement is too cold and the plant room is too hot. I do really like them!

[@jeremyraeber4234]

@@TheBonsaiZone I understand lol. Thank you for answering and doing it so quickly. I've watched all your videos and some multiple times. I've learned more from you than from any other source. You make great quality videos and give great information. Keep the videos coming lol.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Jeremy, see you on the next video!

[@kubasaurusrex8404]

Hey guys, how can I send in pics for "viewers pics"

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can send them to... [e-mail]

[@vamanjoshi4053]

Nice

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I'm hoping the snow goes away soon, Mother nature is ignoring the tune, April showers, bring May flowers!

[@MatthewPearson]

What area of Canada are you in ?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'm in South Western Ontario, about 1 1/2 hours drive from Toronto.

[@MatthewPearson]

@@TheBonsaiZone well holy crap I just looked on your community page a see that your part of the KWBS I live in Cambridge. I'm gonna have to get connected with you folks to really get my journey started 😊

[@TheBonsaiZone]

@@MatthewPearson Sounds good Matt, we have a great club with a lot of experience!

[@hollymunfordbloe4744]

Hi NIGEL! BLOE SPRUCE JUNIPER DOING WELL! LOVE HOLLYM

[@podboq2]

shop-vac ftw!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have seen people use a hand held vac and they work really well!

[@podboq2]

@@TheBonsaiZone Oh i was just kdding :D I'd be afraid of vacuuming my moss away - but hand-picking 10,000 needles can get tedious

[@dibiodepaint]

suka banget

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Terima kasih banyak, sulit bagi saya untuk menjaga pohon tropis tetap hidup di Kanada, butuh banyak perawatan, terutama selama musim dingin yang panjang!

[@ashwarirai]

U r forest is so beautiful. I cant stay in u r forest sir. Give me a space sir..

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Asgar, the forest looks wonderful in the snow!

[@aflataflat5116]

Nigel, where can I contact you I have some questions? Maybe a email? Thanks!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can email me at.... [e-mail]

[@blairgrdn]

The larch forest is looking good Nigel! What is your email? I have some American chestnuts I would like to send you to try for bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have had really bad luck with my Chestnut trees, every time I grow them, they get attacked by boring insects and die very quickly. I have decided not to grow them any more as they will attract the insects to my other trees as well. they are one of my favorite trees, but I have decided I just can'r risk growing them anymore. Thank you for the offer, I do appreciate it!

[@blairgrdn]

@@TheBonsaiZone to clarify these are Castanea denata....not horse chestnut.

[@nicktohzyu]

intro music is still REALLY LOUD

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you! I will try and adjust it!

[@drjones8176]

My larch nemesis nigel H saunders

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I like that Dr Jones! These trees seem Larch'er than they really are!

[@drjones8176]

Tish nigel yours is the larchest in the universe haha

[@dubsydabster]

Anybody else think Nigel should do a face reveal?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hmmm, but is Nigel actually my real name? I may also be CGI.

[@rafal_porcelanowy]

Hello Thank you Nigel for your channel. I am binge-watching your videos one weekends :) Tell me, how can I send you an email (what address can I use)? Rafal

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Rafal, you can contact me at.... [e-mail] Thanks.

[@falkoffgonefishing6714]

Foist

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Nice!

[@jcbizthekey]

Ninth

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Top ten!

[@jcbizthekey]

@@TheBonsaiZone I try to get "foist" every time, but it always seems like I'm driving, sleeping in the morning or putting the kid's to bed. So far my best has been second place by margin of 3 seconds. Never miss an upload though! Crazy to see earlier in the year, you had no snow and nice weather while in Alberta it was sub -30 and snow, now you got sub zero and snow while we are well into the thaw. Typical Canadian weather.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It should warm up to a nice 10 C by the weekend, time to get out the shorts!

[@jcbizthekey]

@@TheBonsaiZone that would be nice! Can't wait for that kind of weather, and well thawed ground, there are many muskeg bogs here where I live full of larch, and I want to do some yamadori so much, As I really only got into bonsai this winter and want to get some more Canadian trees into my yard (by just started I mean finally got seeds, some ficus from the local Sobeys, One pot had 6 trees in it, and the retusa I've sent pictures to you of that was given to me nearly dead and almost dried out, had 2 leaves left on it... Which I'll have to send you an update on sometime soon, just made an old terrarium into a little greenhouse for it and the seedlings from this winter)

[@jcbizthekey]

@@TheBonsaiZone also, thanks by the way, I've always wanted to bonsai, but your videos were the inspiration I really needed to finally get started, along with my wife finally letting me grow some in the house and buying me my first batch of seeds for Christmas

[@Tony-ys3yo]

N

[@TheBonsaiZone]

ot a short video again!

[@AmitKumar-ql4vb]

Nice forest sir. Plz check insta profile

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Amit!

[@hollymunfordbloe4744]

Beautiful