Category Archives: Gardening

How to create an authentic Chinese bonsai look

Chinese Bonsai is a botanical art form that shapes trees as they would be seen in their natural environment, giving the viewer the idea that the tree was not shaped by human intervention. Typical trees used include the Chinese elm bonsai and the juniper variant.

When using the Chinese, or Penjing, form of Bonsai, keep in mind that its principles are far less demanding than those of traditional Japanese Bonsai. This article discusses guidelines that are perfect for the beginner to follow or to refresh the more practiced Penjing artist.

First, the trunk of your tree should measure thickest at the bottom and slowly taper down as it reaches the top of the tree. Second, use a shallow container so that the roots will grow side to side rather than up and down. This will force the roots to peek out from the soil. Many consider seeing the roots as an attractive feature of a miniature tree, since it gives the whole structure a more aged, wisdom filled look. A horizontal root structure also gives the entire tree more stability. Lastly, the branches should be pruned so that they are evenly spaced around the tree. Like the trunk, they should be thicker at the base and thin at the tips. They should appear light and delicate compared to the trunk and root system. Prune your tree so that the first branch is at about a third of the trunk’s height. This branch should be the strongest in appearance.

After designing the shape of the Chinese Bonsai itself, you can work on its landscape environment. Usually, the best view is towards the front of the tree, where it looks the widest. When you have established the most pleasing view, you can find a pot that showcases both the tree’s angle and the decor of your room.

Your pot should be shallow, only as deep as your tree’s base is wide. These pots are available in a large array of styles and colors so you can find one that suits the mood you would like to create. The arts of Penjing and Bonsai may have been born in the Orient, but you don’t have to have an Asian decorating scheme to enjoy them. You can embellish your tree’s landscape with stones, moss, or even a miniature village. Use your imagination!

Chinese Bonsai in the home is an excellent hobby for both the gardening and decorating enthusiast. Take time and patience to nurture your tree and it will be with you for many years to come.

Starting an Organic Garden

Guest Post:

Contrary to popular opinion, pesticides and man-made fertilizers are not necessary to create an attractive and productive garden. Commercialized gardening chemicals can be dangerous, especially if you are growing food in your garden. Organic gardening is much healthier both for the plants and for the gardener who is working with them.

The first thing to do is pick an area that gets at least half a day’s worth of sunshine. It will also need to have good access to water and be able to drain well, or you could raise your garden bed a few inches from the ground.

To prevent weeds you will first need to dig and pull out any ones that are remaining, rake out the debris after you are done to ensure that the area is completely clear, you can wait a little while to see if any weeds sprout again. Afterward you should add natural compost to the soil along with greensand. The sand will help supply your soil with phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen.

Dig up some of bed soil and mix it with the fertilizer, if the ground is clay you should add additional sand to it. Leave the soil for about a month so the nutrients can be properly distributed. During the meantime you can find organic mulch to place over the soil, ground bark or coconut husks work great for this.

You should also create a compost pile in the back of your garden. Any extra leaves, natural food waste, and anything organic can be placed in this pile. This will make for an excellent fertilizer with all the necessary nutrients. You will need to be careful when placing some foods on the compost pile as they may smell or attract rodents, some natural kitchen waste will be fine. Another great source of organic fertilizer is grass trimming from when you are finished mowing the lawn, they break down fairly quickly and are easy to handle.

Home Turned Green: resources for indoor gardens and outdoor gardens.