Need some tips for starting bonsai here in canada

[BrazilianMoistWood]

I 100% understand where you are coming from. I’m located in Ottawa area. For me, bonsai was an art where you can grow unique trees in unique shapes and sizes. I didn’t want to grow native trees because you can see them anywhere. I wanted something different, something cool. I kept my eyes on Kijiji watching for something, then a Brazilian rain tree popped up and I said “I’ll take it!” It’s th neatest tree but ever since I’ve had it I’ve been stressing over it because it doesn’t like the cold. At all. I never know if I should put it outside on nice days and bring it in overnight. I mean, it hasn’t died yet so I can’t be doing that bad of a job!

Now I want something that I don’t have to stress over and can leave it outside, day, night, winter, summer. About an hour ago I found a perfect specimen for what I want to do! A Canadian maple!


May not be 100% perfect but it’s hardy and should look curvey in a couple years.

Same as trying to find a life partner, if you bring one home from Florida, they will complain about the cold and fill your ears about how unhappy they are until they leave. Find one close to home who is used to the cold

I’m no bonsai master or marriage counsellor, but I do kinda know a thing or two

 

[River's Edge]

Find one close to home!

Here are a couple of those boring native Canadian species you see everywhere and can pick up with a shovel. Still in the process of refinement

 

[Melendwyr]

I've read that, in Japan, many bonsai are actually kept outdoors. But the climate of that nation is relatively clement, with moderate snow and low temps. I suspect no part of Canada away from the coasts remains warm enough to expose a bonsai to unshielded winter temperatures.

Maybe it would be a good idea to concentrate on tree species that go dormant in winter, so that they could be stored in a cold garage without light. They wouldn't even need to be native to your locale, as long as they're from temperate regions. I know there are subtropical plants that can be induced to survive without light for several months, but that usually requires precise, just-above-freezing temperatures to make their metabolisms shut down. Too much warmth, or too little, and the plant dies.

 

[Tycoss]

I've read that, in Japan, many bonsai are actually kept outdoors. But the climate of that nation is relatively clement, with moderate snow and low temps. I suspect no part of Canada away from the coasts remains warm enough to expose a bonsai to unshielded winter temperatures.

Maybe it would be a good idea to concentrate on tree species that go dormant in winter, so that they could be stored in a cold garage without light. They wouldn't even need to be native to your locale, as long as they're from temperate regions. I know there are subtropical plants that can be induced to survive without light for several months, but that usually requires precise, just-above-freezing temperatures to make their metabolisms shut down. Too much warmth, or too little, and the plant dies.

When I first became interested in bonsai here in southern Alberta (zone 3), I was told our climate made it basically impossible to maintain trees outdoors during the winter. In fact, I was told not to bother with the hobby except for a couple of ficus or something along those lines. I have found, however, that most species native or invasive are much happier heeled, mulched And left to outside all year. Species that I’ve treated this way: white spruce (not Alberta dwarf), englemann spruce, Lodgepole pine, Siberian larch, Amur maple, amalanchier, Tamarack, Manchuria elm, hedge cotoneaster, juniper horozontalis and silver buffalo berries. I’m sure there are many others that would work, and my climate is much more harsh than the OP’s.

 

[wireme]

Yep, here’s my collection in winter. Zone 3-4.



They are easier to look at in summer but somehow they survive. Here’s just a few.

 

[Tycoss]

Yep, here’s my collection in winter. Zone 3-4.

View attachment 308648

They are easier to look at in summer but somehow they survive. Here’s just a few. View attachment 308649View attachment 308650View attachment 308651View attachment 308652View attachment 308653View attachment 308654

That last little spruce of yours has improved a ton since I first saw it on here.

 

[Melendwyr]

When I first became interested in bonsai here in southern Alberta (zone 3), I was told our climate made it basically impossible to maintain trees outdoors during the winter. In fact, I was told not to bother with the hobby except for a couple of ficus or something along those lines.

Sounds like the traditional, Japan-specific methods wouldn't have worked, but you found Canada-specific methods that did. That seems to be a recurring theme here: the most highly traditional rules and methods are unnecessarily limiting or even wrong, outside of their original contexts.

The few books on bonsai growing I've read are at least thirty years old, and they seem to draw heavily on the experience of the experts in Japan. The possibility that expertise might not apply outside of that specific doesn't seem to have occurred to the authors.

 

[River's Edge]

I’m sure there are many others that would work, and my climate is much more harsh than the OP’s.

But you are using igloos packed with sled dogs for extra warmth, right

 

[River's Edge]

Sounds like the traditional, Japan-specific methods wouldn't have worked, but you found Canada-specific methods that did. That seems to be a recurring theme here: the most highly traditional rules and methods are unnecessarily limiting or even wrong, outside of their original contexts.

The few books on bonsai growing I've read are at least thirty years old, and they seem to draw heavily on the experience of the experts in Japan. The possibility that expertise might not apply outside of that specific doesn't seem to have occurred to the authors.

Have you tried purchasing new up to date material? Lots available, that blends knowledge and experience world wide. Valuable foundations from China and Japan have led to improved results for those open enough to accept older methods and adapt for their own circumstances. There is a brand new book out called " Bonsai Heresy" 2020 publication. Not expensive, suggest you give it a try! Author is Michael Hagedorn.

 

[Melendwyr]

Alas, this has not been a good time for non-online shopping. But I'm actively seeking expertise outside the traditional bounds, which is how I found this site in the first place. I'm hoping to pick up some pointers and inspiration!

 

[Mary Katherine]

If you start with native species from that area they have a much better chance of surviving Canadian winters. There is lots of info on the R value of snow and how to use it .

 

[River's Edge]

Alas, this has not been a good time for non-online shopping. But I'm actively seeking expertise outside the traditional bounds, which is how I found this site in the first place. I'm hoping to pick up some pointers and inspiration!

It is readily available on line from Stone Lantern Plenty of pointers and inspiration within its covers. if you want native species inspiration. Here is one to ponder and consider a vision. Sub Alpine Fir collected 2018. Spends most winters under the snow pack at high altitudes.

 

[LemonBonsai]

Yep, here’s my collection in winter. Zone 3-4.

View attachment 308648

They are easier to look at in summer but somehow they survive. Here’s just a few. View attachment 308649View attachment 308650View attachment 308651View attachment 308652View attachment 308653View attachment 308654

You have beautiful trees

 

[wireme]

You have beautiful trees

Thanks.

I’m considering repotting this today. Obviously this doesn’t overwinter outdoors and not a bonsai either but given your screen name you might like it.

It’s an orange, seed from grocery store fruit that I planted at age 3ish. 1975ish. By some miracle it’s still alive, crazy.

 

[LemonBonsai]

Thanks.

I’m considering repotting this today. Obviously this doesn’t overwinter outdoors and not a bonsai either but given your screen name you might like it.

It’s an orange, seed from grocery store fruit that I planted at age 3ish. 1975ish. By some miracle it’s still alive, crazy. View attachment 309116

Thats awesome! The first seeds i worked on germinating were lemon seeds haha thats why my screen name is what it is. Looks very healthy!

 

[Mara of dragon clan]

Sorry about that. I just updated my profile. Im in ontario, cambridge zone 5b

I thought Tri city area is 6a. Can you please show me your reference, just trying to learn

 

[LemonBonsai]

I thought Tri city area is 6a. Can you please show me your reference, just trying to learn

I believe its because the USA and Canada have different levels. To america tricity and toronto are zone 5 and to canada we are zone 6.

 

[Mara of dragon clan]

I believe its because the USA and Canada have different levels. To america tricity and toronto are zone 5 and to canada we are zone 6.

I live in waterloo ontario

 

[LemonBonsai]

I live in waterloo ontario

So yes were 5b i think according to USDA zones. But in canadian zones I think were 6. I go off of 5b because when I google hardiness zones it mostly goes off the USDA zones so its just more common.

 

[Forsoothe!]

The best advice for everybody in the entire world is to look around the landscapes where you live. Almost anything can be bonsai with the general exceptions of cactus and walking catfish.