My new (and first) juniper bonsai.

[Ashleypaine90]

Ok thank you shibui, that's really helpful to know, I'm going to get some fertiliser today I'm not going to need them just yet, but does anyone have some recommendations on tools that I'll need eventually, I've seen there is a lot, what is essential and what should be my first tool? I'd also like to keep with Japanese made, I know that's specific but I've been to Japan and love the work that goes into everything they do (I buy tea from there) and I'm not overly worried about what to spend, as long as they last, I'm in this for the long haul, if anyone recommends any good Japanese brands could you please provide a Aus retailer? If not available that's ok I can order and get them shipped.
Thank you for all your help


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[Ryceman3]

Ok thank you shibui, that's really helpful to know, I'm going to get some fertiliser today I'm not going to need them just yet, but does anyone have some recommendations on tools that I'll need eventually, I've seen there is a lot, what is essential and what should be my first tool? I'd also like to keep with Japanese made, I know that's specific but I've been to Japan and love the work that goes into everything they do (I buy tea from there) and I'm not overly worried about what to spend, as long as they last, I'm in this for the long haul, if anyone recommends any good Japanese brands could you please provide a Aus retailer? If not available that's ok I can order and get them shipped.
Thank you for all your help


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Check out Kaneshin. These are my tool of choice, but there are others. A branch cutter and some scissors are the two basics, can't remember exact model numbers off hand but if you do a search for Kaneshin on this forum you'll find great info. I ordered direct from them in Japan ... it was the cheapest option I found and the service I received was awesome. Christmas is just around the corner!!

Web link : http://kaneshin.shop.multilingualcart.com/

[Ashleypaine90]

Thank you very much ryceman, I had a look on the site, kaneshin make really nice tools, (adds to Christmas list) I'll need to do some research on what sizes I'll need to get, the black steel branch cutters (3A) look like an all rounder, quality looks great. Thank you again


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[peterb]

Hi ashleypaine90
The quality of kaneshin is probably only second to masakuni ( meaning it's right up there with the best ) , and delivery to Australia is often within the week. You can't go wrong with them
Cheers
Peterb

[Ashleypaine90]

Thanks peterb, I think I'm going to go with the kaneshin a lot of people say a lot of good things about them. I picked up some fertiliser, I'm hoping this is going to be right, any thoughts on anything else I should use instead of or as well as this? Thanks


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[Ashleypaine90]

I'm all in, hoping this feed and some good warm sun will do my bonsai good and allow it to grow nicely, along with a good watering, I've also removed the stones and moss for now until I'm better at gauging whether watering is needed or not, I'd like to grow a moss bed at some point, is it better to do this separately and then transplant? I will keep you updated with photos


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[Ashleypaine90]

I had to upload this, I'm so proud of this little one and I've only just got it (is that normal?...) my fiancé is a really good photographer so I thought I'd put her to good use and get some great "before" photos, this is just one of them


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[Raymond B]

Nice photos, I'm looking forward to seeing more, and I'm learning from all the posts on here too.

[Ashleypaine90]

Thanks Raymond, there will be plenty more don't worry, yea it's good to help everyone else I'm hoping the questions I'm asking are the ones that new bonsai enthusiasts like myself want to ask.


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[shibui]

I use osmocote but also use a soluble fertiliser every few weeks as well. My theory is that if one fert lacks something the next different one might have other nutrients to even out the plants diet - sort of like a varied diet for people. Powerfeed, Thrive or any other plant food that you mix in water will do.

BTW: osmocote works far better when it is IN the potting mix. They recommend that the best way is to make small holes on the mix and pour the prills in the holes - looks better too. It will still work on the surface, just a bit slower because it can only release nutrients when it is wet.

[benbonsai]

Shibui
Just a quick one on fertilizer while your on topic.
I was wondering what osmocote you use and what liquid fert you use?
At the moment I'm using Charlie carp organic once every 2 weeks or so and the soil had some sort of slow release osmocote in it (osmocote pro bonsai soil) but I was thinking I might get some osmocote pellets.
What would you recommend?

[Ashleypaine90]

Hey guys, just a quick question, turns out my spot on the verander doesn't allow for direct sunlight, the back garden has direct sunlight but it's for almost all day which I think may be too much for my little one, is it ok to put the tree out in the sun and then move it under the shade in the afternoon? I know it's not good to move them a lot but I can make sure I move it at exactly the same time everyday and from the same spots, would this be ok? Thanks


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[kcpoole]

Juniper should be in full sun all day
Ken

[Ryceman3]

Juniper should be in full sun all day
Ken

X 2

[Ashleypaine90]

Thanks guys, is it normal to see roots on top of the soil?