Lifetime tables as benches

[BB Brian]

Hello all,

First time bonsaing and have found out immediately that location and benches are crucial for the survival of certain trees if not all species of bonsai trees.

My first temporary table has already grown to 3 and also now using a seating bench.

Any idea if this is a good idea to use these outdoor tables temporarily as we are still renting and looking for a place around western Sydney at the moment.



Also are spacing in the trees substantial?
Tables run from east to west and are north facing





I also purchased my potting bench from IKEA (Hindo range) and have my first yamadori on the ground at this stage.

Happy to hear any of your thoughts and experiences.

Cheers [CLINKING BEER MUGS]


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[BB Brian]

This photo was taken roughly 930am this morning and sun reaches the tables on far left from about 11am.



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[kcpoole]

The sun will be blinding off those tables and heat up the trees in summer more than otherwise.

Ken

[shibui]

Reflected light from both tables and the fence behind could be an issue but I think most plants will cope with it.
Trees should be regularly turned around so that all sides face the sun. The light colored fence should help reflect light onto the south side of the trees but I think they will still need to be turned around for best health. If trees do not get turned the branches at the back tend to get waker and don't grow well.

Need to take some care with flat surface benches. trees in pots with no feet sometimes do not drain properly. Bonsai pots should have small feet to raise them up so water can drain, even on flat surface. Orchid pots have drain holes in base and at the sides so they are also OK but some pots only have holes underneath so may need to raise them up on small pieces of tile or something. You will probably find that roots will grow out the holes of plastic training pots and grow in the spaces under the pots. Does not really matter but you will need to cut roots to get the trees out of the pots.

Trees on the small table underneath will be in full shade most days so keep an eye on them. They will probably be OK but might just grow longer shoots than normal and desirable.
My trees are closer together (too close) it would be better if mine were spaced like yours. Just remember that some will grow bigger so you'll need to allow more space then.

[BB Brian]

Would bamboo mat help with reflection issue?


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[shibui]

Yes. Bamboo mat would cut down reflected light in summer, and also help lift the pots so there will be no problem with water.

[Raging Bull]

You will also have to teach your plants table manners

[NAHamilton]

I started with those tables but found they got pretty grubby and pooled water. I've ripped the plastic off them and sat old wire single bed bases on the legs (my kids like doing flips).

Cheers,
Nigel

[BB Brian]

Yes. Bamboo mat would cut down reflected light in summer, and also help lift the pots so there will be no problem with water.

Ok. Thank you Shibui. Btw visited your website and you have loads of info there. Will consider dropping in if we drive down to Melbourne. Cheers.


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[Max]

You will also have to teach your plants table manners

crack up

[BB Brian]

You will also have to teach your plants table manners

crack up

Haha love it


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[BB Brian]

Picked up a couple of sleepers to update my temporary benches to better temporary benches. Haha.
And no more issues with puddles on tables now.





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[Pearcy001]

The benches are looking great Banong, but be careful. In my experience when orchid pots are placed directly on the wood with no airflow between, a number of moulds begin to grow like crazy. I mean crazy moulds, all different shades of green and one I have at the moment is even a vibrant orange!

I have 3 - 4 pebbles beneath each of my orchid pots in order to lift them up and allow airflow between the timber and pot base.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[BB Brian]

The benches are looking great Banong, but be careful. In my experience when orchid pots are placed directly on the wood with no airflow between, a number of moulds begin to grow like crazy. I mean crazy moulds, all different shades of green and one I have at the moment is even a vibrant orange!

I have 3 - 4 pebbles beneath each of my orchid pots in order to lift them up and allow airflow between the timber and pot base.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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Thanks for the tip Pearcy,
i'm thinking a nice bamboo table runner that i can place on the benches.
will check Bunnings if anything like that exists.

[shibui]

Treated pine sleepers like these often twist as they dry out, sometimes they don't move much , sometimes quite a lot. I find it is best to screw the pair to something rigid to hold them flat while they dry out. A short board at right angles across the pair at both ends should do.