AusBonsai

Well, I'm nearly finished my new bonsai bench, roughly based on the design Steven posted and reproduced with permission of Jerry Norbury (I'm new and don't know how to link other topics yet). The aim was to get the trees above our new puppies reach, until she learns some manners which hopefully won't be long.

I couldn't match the design exactly due to the space constraints and material available to me. I used hardwood instead of treated pine for the frame, upon advice from the bloke in the 'big boys toy shop', in order to increase the life of the bench. I have also concreted the posts into the ground for stability. Furthermore, I used the existing posts from the fence behind the bench to act as the rear posts, which saved some dollars, especially considering the price of the hardwood posts.

The first stage was far too high, so I lowered it (with plenty of cursing, and assistance from my wife). My lowest bench is now 600mm from the ground, and the top is at 1100mm. All I need to do now is wait for some dry weather, so I can sand back the timber and give it a lick of stain. I will post a final image, complete with my meagre collection when this occurs.

Cheers,
Damo

Very nice, mate.

Nice work man. Looks like it will work well

im building one for my year 12 project in timber, based off this sort of design but different i will scan some sketches up and put em up sooon

Looks good Damo!

I'll be taking some inspiration from all these benches and stands when I return home from work and I'll try get something of my own happening.

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys, unfortunately my wife now thinks I'm a handy man.

I forgot to mention that I am fortunate for the bench to be facing east to get the morning sun, but I do plan on building in some kind of an overhead shelter. I will also install a watering system, either drip or mist, I don't yet know.

Cheers,
Damo

damo19 wrote:will also install a watering system, either drip or mist, I don't yet know.

Damo I'm new to bonsai. However, gardening and alike is nothing new to me.
Everyone has their own methods, but if you install a ring main loop out of small poly pipe around each trunk and holes around to allow for even drips around the whole of the pot. You'll find you'll get an even spread of water and the whole of the soil will absorb this instead of just one side. This will also save water, but use what ever method works best for you!

Keep the pictures coming!

Hi Damo,

I like the second one I think it is very nice, and hopefully it should inspire you to do more bonsai

It hate to bring this one up, but since it is so close to the fence, have you considered security?

A few of us, myself included, have our trees stolen from us. I really hate it to happen to somebody else.

Best regards.

"if you install a ring main loop out of small poly pipe around each trunk and holes around to allow for even drips"
How's the aesthetics, not ruined by the poly? Do you cut it off when re-potting/moving etc?

I prefer misting at regular intervals, as well as drippers.



That bench looks awesome mate, post some more pics when you stain it, that'll come up a treat!

Hi Leevers,

I think your on the money with drip being the most efficient form of watering, and is definately a consideration. However, like Mitchell, I'm edging towards misters as I'm not sure about how many trees I'll end up with, and I guess you need to set a drip for each tree. But I think I need to leave the credit card alone for a little while, at least until my wife gets over the cost of materials for the bench.

Cheers,
Damo

Our trees need top down watering.
Drippers dont evenly spread the water and dont provide humidity which helps keep the foliage healthy.

damo19 wrote:Hi Leevers,

I think your on the money with drip being the most efficient form of watering, and is definately a consideration. However, like Mitchell, I'm edging towards misters as I'm not sure about how many trees I'll end up with, and I guess you need to set a drip for each tree. But I think I need to leave the credit card alone for a little while, at least until my wife gets over the cost of materials for the bench.

Cheers,
Damo

Setting up your own system only costs around $75 - $50 for the timer, and about $25 for the piping and bits and pieces for the misters/drippers etc. I was AMAZED at how simple it was to put together, and how cheap!

Glenda

Had a good day of sunshine yesterday and today, and was able to hit the bench with a coat of stain this afternoon. Here it is with my meagre collection, plenty of space to grow into. Just need to sort out the irrigation and throw some mulch onto the ground below.

Cheers,
Damo

Hey Damo,

Very nice, any thoughts of putting on a shade cloth for those hot summer days, if they come?

hey that looks great your bench has inspired me to go and build one this weekend but is it bad to build a bonsai bench next to a white rendered wall

Thankyou

Beaumatsu