Member News
April 2020
The April 2020 newsletter is now available. In the newsletter we have a "way back when" article written by Barrington Chee, a tongue in cheek interview with a Japanese Black Pine, detailing their life as a bonsai. We also have an article on Suiskei written by the President, Brenda Parker.
Handy Hints for April:
April 2020 Newsletter
The April 2020 newsletter is now available. In the newsletter we have a "way back when" article written by Barrington Chee, a tongue in cheek interview with a Japanese Black Pine, detailing their life as a bonsai. We also have an article on Suiskei written by the President, Brenda Parker.
Handy Hints for April:
- With the recent rains a lot of nutrients have leached out of the pots, so feeding all trees is very important to build them up in readiness for their winter sleep. Remember to use the specific food for the particular tree e.g. liquid potassium for fruiting and flowering trees that will ‘shine’ in spring. With all fertilizers that you may be using it is important to read the instructions on the container as to the amounts to use. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer on trees like pines so to not get long needles in the spring growth. When in doubt, halve the quantity and at least in that way they will get something to take them through winter.
- Remove any weeds especially near the trunks as this can cause the bark to soften and die and may cause the demise of the tree. Moss is also a culprit so use a dry toothbrush or similar to remove it. Take care with furrowed bark on older trees. Excessive weeds can also cause the potting medium not to dry out properly and this can also cause root-rot.
- Keep trimming the foliage – particularly on Chinese elms as they are going ballistic after the rain and then warm conditions during the days. I would have to say I have done this to my elms probably about 10 times since early spring but the ramification that has been produced is absolutely fabulous. The weather conditions have been excellent for this and other trees and have responded as well e.g. serissas, non-flowering azaleas (Sao-to-me), clerodendrons, cotoneasters, pyracanthas, Australian native trees, privets. Figs have loved this weather and I have pruned back each branch removing 2 to 3 leaves about 3 times as well. I rang Noel the other day to see how he was going (all well and good) and he told me to tell you all that figs have enjoyed the weather of late and he advised me to tell you to remove any large leaves and only trim back anyway wayward growth that protrudes the canopy.
- With all the dampness that is around at the moment, make sure any fallen leaves that are becoming ‘mushy’ should be removed to stop insects from harbouring in them and having a feed. On cleaning my benches recently, I found lots and lots of millipedes, ants, slaters, spiders etc. under pots and on the benches. This will inhibit the proper drainage of the pots. Remember to use rubber gloves in case there are some ‘nasties’ under them.
- With the sun starting to move its position in the sky, try to move and keep the trees in as much sun as possible except for the delicate ones.
- Apart from what has already been said there is not too much more to do but to feed and trim and some repotting of trees like – privet, non-flowering azaleas, black pines (with particular care to be taken with after-care) as with all trees, Australian native trees (also good after-care, obviously no figs at this time and definitely no deciduous trees until they lose their leaves in about July-August.
April 2020 Newsletter
