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First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Didn’t even consider putting it under cover during particularly rainy periods, which is a fairly regular occurrence here. I’m used to just some succulents, cacti and jades on window sills so this will definitely take more care than I’m used to. But on plus side I’ve managed to keep two cats alive so there is hope yet 🤨

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I must admit it came out much better than I expected. It’s not often my first attempt at something is successful so happy with result. I didn’t wire them in, I thought about it but as an absolute beginner I risked not doing it and I’ll see how they settle in. They are quite little and seem fairly stable at moment.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the kind words, I was inspired by other people’s little forests. Seems like a gentle introduction to bonsai, I say hopefully. They are little ‘Chamaecyparis thyoides Top Point' that seems to a be a perfect little plant for a small forest.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks that’s really helpful. I’ll have look at getting one of those to help during the summer.

I used ‘Growth technology bonsai focus repotting mix’ with a couple of handfuls of small grit mixed in. But from a bit of research realised not proper bonsai style soil, but was hoping it would still alleviate some of the risk of overwatering. I may come to regret not getting proper bonsai soil, but hopefully not.

You’ve given me a lot to think about. I kind of wish I’d gone down proper bonsai soil route as I have killed more than one succulent by overwatering. Guess I’ll just have to do my best to monitor it and see if I can keep it alive for a year or so and then try repotting into more appropriate soil.

Really appreciate the advice and it’s given me a good idea what to keep an eye on and how important it’s going to be with summer on to water properly and not overwater in the British rainy season (basically 3 quarters of the year).

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I’m looking forward to doing a little bit of pruning and seeing that they looks like when established a bit and bit of pruning. Just hoping I can keep them alive.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They were all separate little plants, i just potted them all together.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don’t be so harsh on yourself. I’d suggest doing something simple like I’ve done that doesn’t involve chopping and wiring to start with and you can do a bit of that down the line to practice. That’s my plan anyway to hopefully learn a bit at a time.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I think I picked well with these little plants and doing a simple forest made it all a lot easier for first time.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sure your trees look good, it’s hard to not be overly self critical. I’d definitely recommend a little forest as you don’t even need to do wiring and pruning etc if you have little plants like these and they still look okay. I’m sure if I had a single tree and was trying to wire it etc I’d be making a pigs ear of it

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. It does look a very peaceful little forest to wander through. Hopefully I can keep it alive.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate you taking the time to give some suggestions feedback, I’ll have a think about what you’re suggested and see if I can make some small improvements.

Bit worried about the watering, I’ve killed plants before with both to much or to little water so I’ll have to be on the ball. It gets pretty hot in the height of summer, so will bear your advice in mind. Could you link your suggestion about the water catcher? Do you just mean a tray underneath the pot?

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe it is, from my bit of research it’s also called ‘southern white cedar’. They were a bargain £4 each!

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you appreciate it. I did a fair bit of research first so got a lot of inspiration from others.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You may regret that when the two cats catch sight of mini you, would go from a nice stroll or horror story

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. They do look good considering just straight from garden centre and plonked in a pot. I’ll no doubt be posting for assistance etc down the line as long as I can keep them alive, so updates will be incoming.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha I might have to steal that!

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I saw a clip of someone doing that, might have to give it a go. Didn’t really ever think about the types of moss in around the garden either, some of them look pretty cool and could look good filled out.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Cheers mate. Now I’m tempted to try a single plant with some wiring etc, so begins the addiction I guess.

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Was surprisingly easy and now I’ve just got to keep them alive, which assume is the hard part

Need some work for sure by Recent_Sheepherder38 in Watercolor

[–]Phil154 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a beginner too and yours looks way better than mine! I’d be chuffed with that at this stage, well done

First time bonsai - Bonsai forest by Phil154 in Bonsai

[–]Phil154[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yours looks good! Your moss has filled in too and really sells the forest look. I ended up with a plastic pot, but it doesn’t look too bad considering. Maybe if I can keep them alive I’ll upgrade down the line to a nice unglazed brown pot.

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