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Sneak Peek
The Tucson Gardener doesn't usually write about works in progress but there's enough going on in the garden with these plants that it might prove interesting to the reader. I've always been fascinated by bonsai, the miniaturized trees and shrubs grown in containers. The individual styles and size can very greatly and for the true follower of the oriental craft there is a whole world of technique, equipment, and language to learn. It's up to the individual whether he or she follow the established rules or create something on their own.

I became curious while surfing the internet looking at images. I ran across internet sites that sold what they called bonsai. I particularly liked it when they mentioned the age of the specimen. I saw one little tree they claimed to be 29 years old. I had a similar specimen, same genus species and about as much styling rooting in my greenhouse. There's was planted in a colorful glazed pot and selling for nearly $100. I'd have stuck mine in a plastic pot and given it away to any gardening friend that showed an interest.

Finding a safe place to grow your plants isn't always easy.
More plants gathered for a quick photo.

I also ran across two or three much larger specimens of the same plant with a price tag from one to three thousand dollars. I wouldn't pay that but the plants were truly impressive and I've been playing around with different specimens for the last couple of years.

If there's one thing I learned is the plants, especially during spring and the active growing season can require considerable attention. Forget to water one hot day and your plant becomes toast. Forget to anchor the pot in place and you'll end up with broken branches that don't help the appearance of the plant. Grow the plant in the wrong place in the garden, you'll have sunburned leaves and stems. Don't protect a frost sensitive plant from a cold winter night you can end up with blackened stems. Wildlife and insects are also threats to the plants.

This slow growing and variegated Portulacaria drapes over the side of the pot by 30 inches today.
Constant watering, regular fertilizing, pinching of leaves, cutting of stems and pot rotation was needed to try an maintain this 13-inch plant's shape. An unexpected wind gust blew the plant off the pedestal and broke the pot and branches.

It's also a challenge to find plants that make interesting bonsai that grow well in the Tucson climate. There's no set size. My tallest is nearly 30-inches from the top of the pot, my shortest about seven inches. Some I've created from cuttings, some I found as container plants in a nursery. Others I've started from seed and still others I've dug up from the garden. None are what I'd call ready for a ceramic glazed or unglazed show pot. I'm still learning, experimenting and enjoying the experience.(2007)