Tree | Gardeners Belfast

How To Grow Bonsai in The Most Popular Styles

Posted on Mar 01, 2009 under planting a garden | No Comment

: Image by jcolman via Flickr

by Andrew Perry

Simply put, the miniaturized versions of bigger trees are what we call Bonsai trees. They’re alive and they’re not plastics that look similar to each other. There are indeed different bonsai styles like the bigger trees. In fact, their shapes and forms are what please the bonsai tree holders. These styles are formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, slant and windswept. These are the different types of bonsai trees available for shaping, training or forming. Knowing the styles enable the bonsai lovers to choose specific pots for the specific style the bonsai tree is trained to be and decide which caring tips they need to grow the trees beautifully.

Upright styles: Formal and Informal

Formal upright style is the style where the trunk of the tree is straight upwards and the first lower branches are far wider than the rest. The preceding branches will then proceed to shape an overall triangular look for the tree. This is a great shape for beginners to practice with. Trees that are suitable for these types of bonsai trees style are Pine, Larch, Juniper and Spruce. The informal upright style is similar to the formal upright except that the top branch needs to be extended forward instead of upwards. This lends the tree an impression of motion.

Slant types of bonsai trees

If the Informal upright types of bonsai trees style are suitable for Beech, Japanese maple and Trident Maple trees, this slant style can be chosen for almost all bonsai trees. This is the style wherein the trunk extends to one direction while the lowest branch extends to the other direction. This style is quite common and very easy to shape and train.

Cascade style Bonsai

If they do not like the simple styles of upright and slant, then they can choose among the cascade and semi cascade styles. These styles have a sloping effect plus the trunk is vertical and turned to one direction. Aside from that, the branches are trained to slope or cascade lower than the surface of the pot. Sometimes, some people do not want the trunks turned into one direction so they choose the semi-cascade style, which is the same as the cascade style except the trunk gradually slopes.

Windswept style Bonsai

The windswept style looks like the bonsai tree has been beset by strong winds. It looks a bit unruly and beautifully unkempt. These are most of the common styles that bonsai plants are usually trained to be.

Prune to produce different styles of Tree

Getting the style of bonsai tree you want is easy. All you have to do is prune and trim. These styles have been practiced for centuries as an art form. This is one of the most important maintenance issues of this particular plant. Aside from shaping the bonsai into the desired form, pruning and trimming could maintain balance of the bonsai tree as you reduce growth taking place above the ground.

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Winter Landscaping - What You Need To Know

Posted on Dec 31, 2008 under landscape belfast | No Comment

photo credit: Kyknoord

by Andrew Caxton

While winter landscaping is not something that most people think about, it is an important part of taking care of your landscaping. Consider the benefits in reducing your costs.

While you may not have thought of winter landscaping, there are plenty of bnefits to doing it. One is to reduce fuel costs which are high enough today! The fact is, you can cut your cost by some 40 percent if you plan do take action. One way is to plan windbreaks around your property (on the west, east and north) to avoid wind blowing at the house. As these plants grow, they insulate your home enough to reduce your fuel costs!

What To Use

The best windbreaks available to you are trees and shrubs that have a low crown. To move the wind over the house instead of at it, plant an evergreen, along with a natural berm. Avoid planting on the south side of your home, though. You want the sun to be able to heat up your home whenever possible. You should also consider how tall the plants will grow. Plant them at least a foot from your home. In addition, plant them at between two and five times the grown height against the house.

Add Beauty, Too

Winter lawn care or john deere snowblowers can also add benefit to your home in looks. To make your winter landscaping look beautiful and even graceful, be sure that you take steps to make this happen. It can add interest and appeal to the landscape. Be sure that you manage your landscaping too. Taking the time to add a beautiful evergreen also means keeping the snow mounds off it.

You can also place specific plants and trees that will attract specific birds during the wintertime. Use those that produce brightly colored berries, for example. Choose a plant that has a unique color, style or shape. You may want a plant that has a unique bark texture to it to add even more interest. Consider a cranberry bush viburnum, which will have plenty of berries on them. It also has a beautiful flower in the middle of May and June. It will definitely add interest to your winter landscaping and provides something unique in the otherwise boring winter wonderland!

Alternatively, consider other bushes that work. For example, the Japanese barberry is a good choice. It will grow to four or six feet and will have amazingly colored red purple leaves during autumn. It also produces berries to bring the birds in.

Choosing the right plants for your landscaping will add character and plenty of fuel savings to your home!

Andrew Caxton is the copywriter of http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . Find more publications about john deere snowblowers at his website.