Slab Planting
Posted: March 18th, 2010, 6:26 am
This is a quick and simple method i use for slab plantings , it works for me others may use differing methods or materials ,thats O.K .
1/ First off i choose the slab , clean and wash then choose a front with the most character. 2/ Using a mixture of 2 parts clay and 1 part potting mix i blend together to make a stiff pliable mixture . To this i add coarse river sand usually 5mm minus until it becomes gritty to the feel and still pliable .
3 /Then i simple add an even amount of muck usually about 20mm thick around the perimeter of the slab leaving a margin of around 5-10mm of the slab edge exposed .Because the clay is quite sticky i then spray with a water bottle before pressing the mix down firmly . Using my thumb as a guage around the edge i smooth the muck down to a height of about 10mm and maintaining the profile of the slab for added character . 4/ Before i place the tree into the now created tray i mark 2-3 places into the created wall for drainage . Then pot the tree as per normal tray method .With the tree potted i sprinkle extra Bonsai mix over the wall and firm down , this blends the soil to the wall to the slab unifying the finished item .Add a rock or two , some moss and its as simple as that . .This was created January 09 , i will update the latest pic which shows a more settled look .Cheers and Happy Bonsai. Alpine
1/ First off i choose the slab , clean and wash then choose a front with the most character. 2/ Using a mixture of 2 parts clay and 1 part potting mix i blend together to make a stiff pliable mixture . To this i add coarse river sand usually 5mm minus until it becomes gritty to the feel and still pliable .
3 /Then i simple add an even amount of muck usually about 20mm thick around the perimeter of the slab leaving a margin of around 5-10mm of the slab edge exposed .Because the clay is quite sticky i then spray with a water bottle before pressing the mix down firmly . Using my thumb as a guage around the edge i smooth the muck down to a height of about 10mm and maintaining the profile of the slab for added character . 4/ Before i place the tree into the now created tray i mark 2-3 places into the created wall for drainage . Then pot the tree as per normal tray method .With the tree potted i sprinkle extra Bonsai mix over the wall and firm down , this blends the soil to the wall to the slab unifying the finished item .Add a rock or two , some moss and its as simple as that . .This was created January 09 , i will update the latest pic which shows a more settled look .Cheers and Happy Bonsai. Alpine
i am curious do you make these slaps yourself or are the found? i would be interested in knowing the process you use if you do make them, i have been thinking about trying to make one myself, i have seen techniques using cement fondue chicken wire and a cloth material, and also fibreglass aswell.
thanks for letting me know 