Tommy Lee McCurry was a great influence on the growth of bonsai trees in Louisville, Kentucky. Born in 1947, he was the son of Kenneth Howard McCurry and Marie (Sizemore) McCurry. He and his wife, Helen, were married for 52 years. He was the owner of the Okolona Fence Company and a member of the City Sales Club. His passion for bonsai trees was apparent, and he devoted over 40 years to the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. Not only was he an avid bonsai enthusiast, but he was also a member of the club’s board, and served as a teacher as well. He also owned the only bonsai store in the Louisville area for several years.
Pre-bonsai plants
If you’re looking for a fun, low-cost way to learn more about the art of bonsai trees, you’ve come to the right place. A three-hour bonsai class provides a comprehensive overview of the art and horticultural techniques. After the class, participants receive a pre-bonsai plant and instructions for caring for it.
A pre-bonsai plant costs anywhere from $40 to $70, depending on the type of tree and design. Pre-bonsai kits usually include the tree, trimming tools, wire, fertilizer, and watering can.
If you are new to bonsai and are unsure of how to start, consider a retail store that specializes in pre-bonsai plants. You can order a plant via mail, or purchase one in person at a specialty store. Some stores even offer shipping by pallet.
Another great option for pre-bonsai plants is a local nursery. These nurseries can provide you with a variety of varieties and cultivars. There are even workshops offered. Most workshops also offer online education. The website offers a library with technique videos and a live stream of weekly webinars.
Growing bonsai trees
Growing bonsai trees is an excellent hobby that offers a wide variety of benefits. Bonsai trees are tropical plants that can thrive both indoors and outdoors. During the winter, they can stay indoors in a cool room, while thriving outdoors during the summer months. A class is a great way to learn about the art and techniques of growing bonsai trees. Those attending the class will receive a pre-bonsai tree, a bonsai pot, premium soil, and instruction. The three-hour class will provide a thorough understanding of the art and horticulture.
It is important to water your bonsai trees regularly. The soil and water retention in the bonsai pots must be adequate. Repotting the trees is an essential step in keeping them healthy and flourishing. Depending on the species, you can use solid or liquid fertilizers. However, it is important to apply fertilizers in smaller amounts than for normal plants.
Repotting is essential for both young and mature bonsai trees. Repotting should be done at least every two years. The first sign that repotting is required is when you see exposed roots. When repotting, it is best to do so early in the spring when the tree is dormant. Moreover, be sure to check the soil’s condition periodically. Water the bonsai tree until the water drains through its drainage holes. If excess water is present, it must be disposed of as soon as possible.
When choosing the right kind of bonsai tree, make sure to take into account the climate of the area. Certain types of trees, like Japanese maples, cannot survive in cold climates. They require consistent moisture and can die if the humidity level is too low.
Taking care of bonsai trees
The environmental conditions of bonsai trees vary throughout the year, depending on the type and season. For optimal growth, bonsai trees require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If possible, move your bonsai from low light to direct light gradually. Avoid using artificial lighting because it will not provide the full spectrum of light your bonsai needs.
While many people enjoy growing and caring for bonsai trees, they also need to keep in mind that these plants are subject to the same pests and diseases as larger varieties. A common problem is mealybugs, which appear on new growth. Scale insects are another problem and typically look like small, black or brown bumps on leaves. Aphids, which appear as tiny white insects on the tips of the plant, can also be a problem. Aphids can be removed by using a systemic insecticide on the affected area. Overwatering is another common problem with bonsai trees.
Aside from ensuring the trees receive ample sunlight, it is also important to ensure their safety and wellbeing. You should place bonsai trees outdoors when nighttime lows do not drop below 40 degrees. In the summer, it’s best to place bonsai trees in a sunny spot that receives bright sunlight during the morning and shade during the afternoon. However, you should take special care to protect the tree from freezes during these months because sudden freezes can damage the new growth.
The first step in caring for your bonsai tree is monitoring the soil’s moisture content. You need to check the top soil daily. Water the top one to 1.5 inches. Watering frequency will vary depending on the plant, but generally, watering should be done in the morning hours. In warmer months, watering should be more frequent.
Overwatering bonsai trees
Overwatering your bonsai trees can severely damage your plant. It can cause your tree to die if the roots are too shallow. Watering your bonsai tree should only occur when the top half-inch of soil is dry. The rest of the pot should be kept moist but not soggy. If you see that your soil has dried out, you may want to repot it.
The amount of water a bonsai tree needs will depend on the type of bonsai tree you have. Some trees require daily watering, while others require twice-daily watering. To ensure that your bonsai gets the proper amount of water, check the soil daily. When the soil begins to feel dry, it’s time to water.
To check whether your soil is dry, you can use a soil moisture indicator. This tool measures soil moisture on a scale from one to ten. A soil moisture measurement of three or less is acceptable. If the soil is too wet, it will stunt the plant’s growth.
Overwatering your bonsai can damage it over time. It can also cause your bonsai to develop brown or black tips on its leaves. You can also notice wilted leaves and rotting roots. While this may be attractive, overwatering will wreak havoc on your plant’s health.
In addition to overwatering, a healthy tree will protect you from insects. If you notice your tree’s foliage has a gray or black spot, it could be infested with spider mites. Spider mites prefer junipers, so you should treat your tree for this problem with an insecticide to control the problem. Generally, these bugs will appear during May or June.
Keeping bonsai trees away from cold drafts in winter
During the winter months, it’s very important to keep your bonsai tree away from air drafts and heating vents. Heat from the vents can scorch the tree. And since air vents turn on and off so frequently, their temperature can change drastically.
The first step to protecting your bonsai in winter is to figure out your climate zone. The US Department of Agriculture divides the country into climate hardiness zones, which are based on historically low temperatures. You can find this information easily, so you can determine which plants are best suited for your area.
Another step in protecting your bonsai from cold drafts is to place your bonsai in a plastic or ceramic pot that is raised above the base of the plant. Fill the container with permeable mulch, bark, or leaves, and make sure the soil covers the root ball. If you plan to leave your bonsai outside, keep an eye out for mice or rodents. Apple, Japanese maple, linden, dawn redwood, and other spiny trees are preferred by mice.
Another benefit of keeping your bonsai tree away from cold drafts is that it protects your tree from embolisms, which are a result of freezing water expanding. Cold temperatures can also keep tree infections at bay. Temperate trees can survive temperatures below -2 degrees Fahrenheit, but trees from colder climates will need protection. Different bonsai species are different in how they react to cold, and they may need extra care.
As long as your bonsai is not too sensitive to frost, you can keep them out of the cold for winter. You’ll need to carefully monitor the outside temperature. You’ll want to keep your bonsai away from drafts and heating vents so you can make sure they’re not damaged.