The shedding of leaves, fruit, flower or seed from parts of a tree.

Abscission normally occurs in deciduous trees in the autumn. Some trees also abscise limbs as part of the reproduction process e.g. Willow. Fruits may be abscised from trees to benefit the remaining fruits allowing them to come to maturity.

Are pesticides that kill members of the arachnid subclass Acari, which includes ticks and mites.

Miniature pot designed to accommodate an accent plant and enhance the overall image of the tree.

The process by which plants are accustomed to growing conditions other than those they have previously become used to. This may involve temperature , air humidity, seasonal conditions and can take anything from a few days to an entire growing season.

ACCRINGTON, LANCASHIRE

Venue: Hippings Vale Community Centre, Oswaldtwistle, Lancs

Day: First Tuesday of the month 7.30pm

Web Site: www.accringtonbonsai.co.uk/

Contact -

Name: Ray Couldwell 

email: contact.us@accringtonbonsai.co.uk

Tel No: 01254 383654

The genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as Maple, from the Latin word ācer meaning sharp. There are approximately 128 different species.

There are thousands of different varieties/cultivars worldwide. Acers are popular deciduous specimens for bonsai being very "showy" trees both in the spring and autumn. The most popular are the red varieties of the Palmatum species, Deshojo being one that is widely available.

See seperate entries for the most popular bonsai species:
Acer Buergerianum (Trident Maple),
Acer Campestre (Field Maple),
Acer Platanoides (Norway Maple),
Acer Palmatum also known as Maple - Japanese (Acer Palmatum).

See MAPLE - TRIDENT (ACER BUERGERIANUM/ACER TRFIDUM).  

See Maple - Field (Acer Campestre)

Also known as -  Maple - Japanese (Acer Palmatum).

This category covers a wide range of cultivars including : Deshojo, Chisio, Ukon, Dissectum Atropurpurium and many others. originating from Japan they exhibit a wide range of leaf and bark colourings.

STYLE : Upright tree suitable for most styles except literati.

WARNING : Prefers dappled shade. Needs protection from scorching by exposure to the hottest summer sun. Susceptible to aphids and scale insect.

See Maple - Norway (Acer Platanoides)

Maple-like leaf form

Needle shaped leaf - e.g. as seen on pine trees

A term describing soils with a pH content of less than 7.0. Although most trees will grow in acid soils some including field maple, and beech do better in more alkaline conditions.  Others particularly azaleas, rhododendrons and some heathers will thrive only acid soils. These are called calcifuges (lime hating).

Tapering to a long point.  The emphasis here is on "long" as a leaf tapering to a short point is termed "Aristate".

Ending in a narrow angle of less than 90%, usually referring to leaf shapes.

Specialist suppliers of indoor & outdoor Bonsai Trees, tools, pots, wires & accessories. All our goods are expertly packaged & insured against damage.

All our items are available to buy, collect or view at -
All Things Bonsai,
Godfreys Garden Centre,
Hardwick Lane,
Sheffield,
S26 2BE

Open every weekend and other times by appointment.

Contact Adam

Tel: 07903 406 373

Tiny aphid-like insects attack conifers and can seriously affect young tree producing tufts of white wool on the leaves.

Spraying twice with Malathion 2-3 weeks apart is best treatment for serious infestation.

A term applied to shoots or roots which emerge from part of the plant other than the growing points, usually from older wood such as the trunk or wound scars.  Adventitious growth can be encouraged by heavy pruning . It may also be induced when the normal sap flow is interrupted by injury, disease or careless wiring.

Roots which grow from the stem or branches of a plant. The most familiar aerial roots are those found on the Swiss Cheese plant ( Monstera pertusa). Many trees not normally noted for growing aerial roots will produce them from sections of the plant which are kept constatnt;y damp and cool  for example surrounded by moss or leaf litter. This phenomenon is used in  the method of propagation termed air layering.

See "Horse Chestnut".

The process by which roots are developed on a stem or branch which is above the ground.

Primitive plants that form a green film on surfaces which are more or less constantly damp. Although the presence of algae on the trunk of a bonsai can impart a feeling of age it is generally considered to be unsightly. If left unchecked algal growth can build up to a comparatively thick, bright green coating which can harbour fungal spores and small insect pests. Careful application once per year of a proprietary winter wash (tar oil or similar) diluted to half strength should be sufficient to keep it in check. Good ventiliation especially under winter protection, will also help.

A term describng soils with a pH content of more than 7.0 , or calcium rich. Many trees will grow in alkaline soils but some (referred to as calcifuges) will not tolerate alkaline soil at all.

Site offers a range of bonsai products either on-line or via personal visit. Fortnightly beginers classes and fortnightly workshops also offered.

All Things Bonsai can be found at:
Godfreys Garden Centre
Hardwick Lane
Sheffield
S26 2BE

Open every weekend and other times by appointment.

Contact : Adam 

Tel: 07903 406 373

Leaves or buds which arise first on one side of the stem and then on the other alternately - as opposed to being directly opposite one another.

Leaves which form on alternate sides of a twig e.g. elm

Winners of RHS Gold Medal in 2011 and Best National Plant Display at BBC Gardeners World Live in 2010 and 2011. Meets last Thursday of every month except June and December.

Membership £20 p.a. Visitors £2 per meeting.

Meetings 19.30-22.00 at :

Hatters Space Community Centre,
Upper Abbey Street,
Nuneaton
CV11 5DN.

Contact : George Cox (024 7634 6277) or David Cheshire (07708 918847).

This is the term used to describe flowering trees or bushes where the seeds are enclosed in a soft fleshy body e.g. hawthorn, apple.

See also Gymnosperm.

The process of softening aluminium/copper wire by heating and then allowing to cool before applying to bonsai.

As copper is worked it becomes progressively stiffer. Most copper wire used as a conductor in electrical cables has not been annealed and is relatively stiff. To allow the wire to be used as bonsai wire simply heat with a blowlamp until it is red hot (which happens quite quickly) and allow to cool. The wire will now be much more supple. If you take a piece of the wire and bend it a few times it will become progressively stiffer again.

The layer of new wood formed by the cambium layer laid down on the stem and brnches of trees during the growing season each year thus increasing the diameter of the tree.

The top of the tree.  Trees are described as apically dominant when the growth energy of teh tree is focussed towards the top branches as at the expense of lower branches.

These come in a variety of colours : greenfly, blackfly, whitefly or gall aphid. They colonise plants and suck the sap from the stems , leaves and fruit.

The first indication of an infestation is the curling and distortion of leaves. The woolly aphid can be a serious problem on pine, larch and beech, manifesting itself as a white, fluffy, sticky mass.

The Gall aphid can result in development of galls on leaves.

In all cases the application of a systemic insecticide should be sufficient to deal with the problem.

The end or terminal bud on a branch or on the apex of the tree's trunk.

Apical buds tend to absorb more of the energy on the branch of the tree than buds found closer to the trunk.

Describes the concentration of energy at the top of the tree, usually resulting from the sun's impact.

This results in more vibrant growth at the apex than elsewhere and often requires action to ensure that energy is more evenly spread throughout the tree.

A good example of an apically dominant genus of tree is Pinus.

The opposite effect i.e. more growth in the lower branches, is displayed by some trees and bushes and is known as lateral dominance. An example of a laterally dominant tree is Rhododendron.

The aim in bonsai  is to decrease either of these dominant tendencies so that the subject looks more like a mature tree rather than a bush or a sapling.

Also termed "inarching", this is the grafting process where the exposed cambium of the scion (branch of the same tree) is fixed to the exposed cambium of the trunk at the location where a new branch is required. In time the scion grafts (or merges) to the wood of the tree.

Describes a bud which lies flat against the shoot

Also referred to as Japanese Flowering Apricot. Deciduous tree with oval, taper pointed, mid-green leaves producing blossom, fruits and large blooms of fragrant flowers on bare winter branches.

STYLE : suited to every style, except formal upright and broom.

WARNING : Do not allow soil to dry out while in bud, otherwise buds will drop. Protect from frost to avoid die-back or flower damage.

Spiny leaf form.

Classic example is leaf of the holly (ilex aquifolium).

A place where trees are cultivated for scientific, aesthetic or educational interest.

Leaf vein pattern where secondary veins emanating from a central stem bend towards the leaf apex in a wine glass type of profile.

A fleshy cup formed from fused cone scales and enclosing a seed.

Rounded shoulder with short spine-like tip.

See entry for : "Honey Fungus"

Author : Andy Rutledge

Available only on line as far as we know.

This book is an effort to help bonsai enthusiasts understand how to use time-honored methods—artistic methods—for producing more successful and meaningful bonsai designs and displays. The text will examine in some detail the language of art as applied to bonsai. This examination of what some perhaps mistakenly call the rules of bonsai is meant to explain and expound upon the commonly cited fundamentals of bonsai styling that are referenced in other texts.

This book provides some relevant, important insights into human psychology and perception, but only to a point. The reader should understand, though, that and understanding of psychology and behavioral science is necessary for effective artistry.

Japanese term for Apex.  See also " shin " and " ten " which appear to all have the same meaning.

An ear shaped extension at the base of a leaf.

Any of several plant hormones that naturally promote cell elongation.

Synthetic auxins have been produced that can be used as herbicides and can target single groups of plants such as dandelions but do not affect others e.g grasses.

The angle between the petiole (leaf stalk) and the stem of a plant. Hence axillary describes growth from this point.

Group of approximately 25 bonsai enthusiasts who meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month in

Alloway Village Hall,
Alloway,
Ayr. 

KA7 4PY

Contact : Jeff Banning (Convener) 07799477895 or jeffbanning@btinternet.com

See Scottish Bonsai Association website for details - click Web Link button.

Annual flower show event held in Ayr every August.

Attended every year by the Ayr Bonsai Group who put on a fabulous stand winning not only a large gold but also the Best Display Stand in Show. Held 2nd-4th August at Rozelle Park, Ayr.

The show ceased in 2016 after the Ayrshire horticultural Society withdrew its support.

Azaleas and rhododendrons are the same plant, both ericaceous (lime-hating), with thousands of cultivars. They are noted for the wide variety and vibrancy of colours of flowers which bloom mostly on "garden" specimens in mid-spring.

Most popular for bonsai are the Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron Indicum) which are distinguished by often having multiple different coloured blooms on the same tree.

Also popular although less well recognised is the Kurume Azalea which is a hybrid of R. obtusum and R. kiusianum both native to the island of Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan.

STYLE : Best in all sizes and all styles, except broom.

WARNING : Some fertilizers can be slightly alkaline so ensure truly ericaceous fertilizer only is used.

This disease causes the leaves to thicken and become misshapen, like "ear lobes" which are, at first, covered by a pale green powder, later turning white.

The treatment required is to cut off the stricken leaves and treat the plant with Zineb or Captan preparations.

Image shown is by kind permission of RHS/Tim Sandall.

The visible root spread at the base of the tree.  Ideally they should radiate evenly but not uniformly all round the base of the trunk. They should emerge gradually from the trunk and should enter the soil in a natural manner.

The branch is weakened by cutting a V-shaped wedge across it though not all of the way through the branch. Then using coiled wire, or a guy wire, the gap is pulled shut. Protect by sealing with waterproofed tape. The procedure is best performed in early spring, or in late summer during the quiescent period when there is less bleeding and less heavy callousing.

http://www.happybonsai.com/bending-big-branches-notching

Berried or berry-like

Nearly forty years in making bonsai pots which are currently included in collections in Britain, Europe, Japan and North America and feature regularly in major exhibitions at home and abroad where they are used to compliment quality trees.

All pots are hand made and fired to stoneware temperature of 1260 degrees C so are frost proof. Ian's speciality is round pots thrown on the wheel but rectangles, cascades, slabs, crescents and freeform containers (and recently a new range of mame and shohin (size) pots) are also made, all with a range of subtle glazes specifically developed for bonsai.

Pots can be purchased at Bonsai Traders Association events and British Shohin Association events. Orders can also be placed by phone or email. A Facebook page has been started and can be found below and on the Web Link button.

Contact details:
Tel:01875 852 887
Email: ianwbaillie@aol.com
Facebook: Click (you will need a Facebook account to see the page)

Relates to fertilizers with equal proportions of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK)

Bonsai style: a tree with a twisted or coiled trunk

See : Sterilized bark

Basically this is the outermost layer on the trunk and branches of trees.  

The Inner Bark is alive while the Outer Bark (termed rhytidome) includes dead tissue along with some elements of the live inner bark.

See also cambium, xylem, and phloem.

These are black or brown, cylindrically shaped beetles which burrow under the bark and are particularly prevalent in conifers.

Fungus developes in the tunnels and the holes of emerging beetles appear. Bark may fall off and branches die.

Treatment involves removing and destroying infected branches, enriching the soil with phosphorous and potassium and spraying with lindane and parathion based insecticide in spring to kill beetles and at the end of winter to destroy larvae.

Applied to a tree whose growth has been stunted by drought or starvation, and whose bark as a result has become hard, thus inhibiting growth. The problem can be alleviated by slitting the bark vertically with a very sharp knife and growing the tree in open ground for at least one season.

Keeping old bark in pristine condition is a perennial problem, especially in the U.Ks damp climate. Because of the damp weather and regular watering, bark, which is very absorbent tends to be the perfect place for green algae to colonize.

After time this can become quite thick and if not cleaned away will progress to a lush carpet of green moss, under which the precious old bark will be decaying.

Bark Cleaner and Algae Remover solves this problem. The product harnesses the power of sunlight to lift algae away from the supporting surface, it then simply dries up and blows away.

Treatment involves spraying the affected area until it is evenly damp and putting it in the sun to take effect.

As its name suggests, used for stripping bark when creating sharis or other features.

May also be used for removing wood, thinning jins and clearing soft or rotten wood.

Deciduous tree which according to Wikipedia has ten species of which 2 variants are most popular for bonsai : European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Japanese white beech(Fagus crenata), the latter distinguished by narrower, darker and more pointed leaves than the former.

In both types the leaves change to russet brown in winter and remain on the tree until displaced by new buds.

STYLE : Best suited to medium/large size specimens (because of leaf size) in formal/informal upright, slanting, twin trunk, clump and group styles.

WARNING : Easily scorched by drying winds.

The tree commonly referred to as the Southern Beech because of its southern hemisphere origins is related to the genus "Fagus" but is now treated as a separate genus known as Nothofagus (see entry under this name for details).

Benomyl (also marketed as Benlate) is a fungicide introduced in 1968 by DuPont.

It gradually became ineffective and ceased production in 2001. However, as DuPont's patents expired long ago and in some countries benomyl's registration has not been revoked, other manufacturers still produce it.

Commercial names for products containing benomyl are Agrodit, Benex, Benlate, Benosan, Fundazol, and Tersan

A shrub which grows no higher than 12 feet in the wild. May be deciduous, evergreen or partially evergreen depending on species. Evergreen leaves are green while deciduous leaves may be purple/green with bright autumn colours. Leaves can be prickly or smooth edged,. Flowers are yellow and berries come in a variety of colours.

STYLE : Suitable for most styles with exception of formal upright.

WARNING : Berberis flowers off 1 year old branches coming off 2 year old wood. If pruned too early it will not flower.

Soft fruit containing one or more seeds which does not open on ripening, such as the fruit of the hawthorn or cotoneaster.

Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid insecticide previously used in bonsai against red spider mite. Its use was banned in the UK during 2011.

Brands including bifenthrin include : Bayer Sprayday Greenfly Killer Plus, Bayer Multirose 3-in-1, Bayer Bug-Free, Bayer Bug and Disease Killer, Doff All in One Garden Pest Killer, Scotts Rose Clear 3, Scotts Rose Clear 3 Gun, and Scotts Bug Clear Gun

Leaf divided into two lobes.

Home of the Scottish National Bonsai Collection. 

Binny Plants is a specialist nursery and plant sales dealer who have kindly donated some space in a public area to allow the erection of a secure display area for the National Bonsai Collection. This enables wider viewing of the National Collection to members of the public during normal business hours.

Contact Details - Binny Plants,
Binny Estate, Ecclesmachan,
West Lothian,
Scotland,
EH52 6NL

Email: contact@binnyplants.com

Biochar is charcoal which is being investigated for its properties in carbon capture and health improvement in trees.

Investigations have shown that Biochar applied in the soil around Ash trees in the UK has "immunised" those Ash trees against Ash Dieback. Current thinking is that the trees are more than healthy enough to fight off disease and virus attacks.

Biogold is a world-famous Japanese organic slow-release Bonsai fertiliser.

Biogold pellets can be placed on the surface or inserted in the soil just below the surface around pot edges. Every time it rains, or water is applied, some of the Biogold will be dissolved and the feed become available to the roots. They last for several months, depending on the weather.

Biogold pellets give off a faint smell until watered the first time, after that they are odourless.

Hardy deciduous tree with thin peeling white bark and medium sized "inverted teardrop shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges.

Prevalent all over Europe - in mountains in the south and in the lowlands further north.

STYLE : Suitable for most styles except literati but particularly good for group diplays. 

WARNING : Needs light and water.  Never allow soil to dry out

Hardy deciduous tree shiny, copper coloured trunk and small "inverted teardrop shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in July.

STYLE : Suitable for most styles except literati but particularly good for tray landscape (saikei) styles. 

WARNING : None recorded.

Hardy deciduous tree shiny, silver coloured trunk and medium sized "inverted teardrop shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges.

Prevalent in many areas of Scotland and sometimes referred to as "Scotland's Weed Tree" as it is a pioneering species in poor quality soil and will establish itself before other trees.

STYLE : Suitable for most styles except literati but particularly good for tray landscape (saikei) styles.

WARNING : None recorded.

Birch is a hardy deciduous tree belonging to the genus Betula which contains more than 30 species.

They are typically rather short-lived pioneer species, the most common of which in bonsai are the Silver Birch ( Birch - Silver (Betula Pendula) ) and Arctic Birch ( Birch - Dwarf/Arctic (Betula Nana) ). (See these individual entries for detail).

Often known as Scotland's weed tree since there are so many of them in areas of poor soil conditions e.g. peat mosses.

A term used to describe a leaf that is divided and then sub-divided into units of three.

This is a sooty, black deposit on leaves, often affecting elm species and usuallly restricted to one side of the plant. The condition can be treated with Ortho-Phalton 50.

Meets at the Silver Band Hall, Bleke Street Shaftesbury, Dorset, England.

"Enjoy the company of like minded Bonsai growers. No matter if you are a beginner of advanced, one tree or many you will be assured of a warm welcome. Our Meetings are informal and informative.  We are here to help."

Meets on : Second Friday of month Starting at 7.30pm,  finishing at about 9.30pm.  The charge per meeting is £3.00.

Contact via phone on  

- Geoff  01373 823820

or

- Pat 01747 853475

or

email  - m5eay.geoff@btinternet.com

Deadwood is bleached to a silver-white patina, naturally in nature by the effects of sun and rain.

In bonsai lime sulphur is applied to deadwood to mimic the effect and also act as a preservative to the deadwood. When applied the lime sulphur is yellow and smelly but it dries white and the smell disappears. The white then weathers to a more natural shade. (See also Lime Sulphur).

The excessive loss of sap from the newly cut surface of a plant. This natural protection is unsightly on bonsai and can be minimised by avoiding pruning susceptible species when the sap is likely to be rising such as in spring or soon after watering.

Applied to a shoot without a terminal bud, usually the result of disease or damage.

An alternative name for the trunk of the tree

Also known as "spongy caterpillars.

Signs of infestation are silken threads between needles or leaves and appearance of a sponge looking nest in the foliage.

Best treatment is to spray with contact insecticide.

Japanese term for the ceramic container or pot in which a tree is planted to create a bonsai (tree in pot).

Tree size sub-classification in the "Large" bonsai range, measuring 100-150 cms.

A potted landscape consisting of rocks , small trees and other plants and always with miniature, figures, houses or bridges, usually planted in a very shallow dish of tray.

Literally “plant in a pot” the term has come to mean the traditional Japanese art of creating in miniature the splendour of a fully grown tree by careful and meticulous pruning and shaping of a tree growing in a (usually shallow) container.

Author : Peter Warren

This brand new guide to an ancient art offers inspiring images of top trees from around teh world and practical advice on everything from choosing specimens - and how to style them - to what to do to keep your bonsai at its best for a lifetome of enjoyment.

Suppliers of hand selected imported bonsai trees and quality accessories based in Cornwall.

Has a number of web presences at Facebook (link above), ebay (here) and a web site (here).

Supplier of British made annealed copper wire keeping the costs down due to reduced shipping and import costs.

Contact - Marcus
Mobile -  07855 300789

Unit 16
Dunveth Business Park,
West Hill,
Wadebridge
Cornwall

Described as Bonsai Community, Marketplace, Reference facility.

Basic Membership of Bonsaibasho.com is free to everyone; private members and traders alike where they can list and advertise trees and goods for sale.

Appear to offer full range of bonsai trees and equipment, plus some services like re-potting - both on site and at home.

Contact - Court Farm Garden Centre
Old Kingston Road
Worcester Park
Surrey
KT4 7QH

Tel: 07740 203602

On line site. Wide range of products - including extensive "gift" bonsai.

Contact - Bonsai Direct
Upcott Barns
Morchard Bishop 
Devon
EX17 6NG

Tel: 07815 836533

Professional and interesting Northern Ireland based Bonsai blog but which also contains some trees for sale.

This site shares information about Bonsai tree care covering the origin of bonsai, the most used techniques to grow a bonsai tree and general care guidelines.

Internationally acclaimed online, Lindsay Farr's World of Bonsai video series, available exclusively at this site.

Bonsai Farm is a bonsai nursery in Victoria, Australia.

Bonsai Focus is the prime magazine for the bonsai world, published 6 times per year, with a worldwide circulation.

Their website also includes special features, advice, galleries and offers of bonsai tools and supplies. Their website is available in several languages.

Author : Harry Harrington

Orderable on : http://b4mepublishing.com/

Bonsai Inspirations 1 and Bonsai Inspirations 2 have been written to provide interest and inspiration as well as information to bonsai enthusaists of all levels, whether they are novices looking to learn how to look after their first trees, experienced growers or bonsai professionals.

4.9 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.com

"This book and Naka's 2 books are a necessity for any advanced beginner looking to take it to the next level..." 

"After being disappointed by a lot of bonsai books in my local library I bought this book. It's such a rarity to see something so thorough. I definitely recommend picking this up for anyone past learning the very basic aspects of bonsai."

"This book delves into the specifics of working on pre-bonsai and shows, very well, how these techniques need to be adjusted for each species needs."

"I read a ton of bonsai books and this book has the best section on building out branches and ramification................ Overall one of the best bonsai books out there."

An essential part of the overall bonsai image. Pots come in all shapes and sizes but part of the art is selecting the pot which does the tree justice.

The most sought after pots are hand made and tend to come from Japan although there are a number of European pot makers.

The pot in the photo is from the hand of Dan Barton to be awarded for the "Best Accent" Award at the Shohin UK Exhibition - 24th march 2013 - Failand Hall.

Paul Goff; artist, photographer and video producer provided advice, services and products designed to enhance display quality of bonsai trees. Sadly deceased in 2014.

See Soil Mix.

Different tree types require different types of growing medium. Also different climates will also influence the soil mix with mixtures in wetter regions required to be freer draining than in drier areas.

Main components of any mix would be loam, sphagnum moss, peat, granite (or grit) and could also include any one of several growing mediums available as imports from Japan and the Far East (e.g. Akadama or Pumice).

Bonsai growers are notorious for having their own recipe for the "best" mix which is developed through trial and error and the bonsai grapevine. The truth is plants do not need "soil" to grow well, modern hydroponics grow plants in nutrient rich water. Subtrates range from peat through to crushed granite lumps and really depends on your regime of fertilising and watering your bonsai.

There is an excellent article on the Kaizen Bonsai web site which you will find liked from the Web Link above.

Author : Colin Lewis

Providing detailed profiles of 50 popular varieties of bonsai plants and trees, Lewis offers expert advice on selecting suitable species and step-by-step guidance on feeding, watering, shaping, maintaining proper temperatures, and troubleshooting common problems.

An essential guide to buying, maintaining and problem solving. Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.  

The Bonsai Traders Association was formed in 1995, to promote bonsai in the UK and to organize shows for the benefit of both the traders and the public.

Contains listing of shows and of members.

Contact -

Email: info@bonsaitraders.org.uk

Chairman : Corin Tomlinson.

Tel: 01159 205757

See "Wire (Types)"

A bonsai can be any size as long as it is potted and has the appearance of a full-size specimen tree. Sizes of bonsai can range in height from no more than 2.5 cms (1 inch) up to about 2.2 meters (4 feet) although, in reality, there is no prescribed limit.

There are 4 general classifications (Large, medium, small, tiny) and each of these size classifications are split into several sub-sizes.  However, not all sources agree on the exact sizes and names of the individual size categories, so you will find many variances in published sources and on the web.  Below is a sample but be prepared to come across other variants.

Large Size Bonsai (Dai or Daiza)

Sub-classification : Imperial - Up to 200cms,  Bonju - 100cm to 150cm tall, Omono 80-120cms tall. 

Medium Size (Kifu)

Sub-classification : Chu/Chuhin - medium to large, 40 to 60 cms tal, l Katade-mochi, up to 40cms 

Small Bonsai (Shohin)

Sub-classification : Myabi - 15 to 25cms. Gafu - 13 to 20cm Komono - up to 18cm 

Tiny Bonsai

MameShito - 2.5 to 7.5 cms tall. Keshi - tsubu, up to 2.5cms.

This is a list of tree species provided by Wikipedia which are regularly used in Bonsai.

Most tree species can be used as bonsai to an extent. There are varieties that lend themselves more readily to living in pots and succumbing to the bonsai reduction techniques.

Located near Swaythling Station, Southampton, offering trees, tools, equipment and lessons.

The Southampton Nursery is usually open from 10am till 5pm every day.

Contact - 

Tel: 023 8049 5729

Please call before travelling any distance though just in case.

Online supplier of full range of bonsai trees and associated tools, pots etc.

Contact - Bonsai UK
7 Gaywood Road
Ashtead
Surrey
KT21 1BL

Tel: 01372 272802

Author : Peter Adams:

Bonsai with Japanese Maples covers methods and development of many trees enhanced by his wonderful drawings.

Author : Francois Jeker: Bonsai, a practical guide to aesthetics. Some artistic rules for making better bonsai, and critiques of several trees.

In two volumes, these are books dedicated exclusively to the major principles of Japanese aesthetics as applied to bonsai. It is practical and simple, yet full of ideas which will inspire and challenge your bonsai skills and understanding.


It is important to read Volume one before you tackle Volume two, which carries aesthetic principles to even higher levels.

Author : Deborah Koreshoff

This book has won acceptance as a standard on bonsai throughout the English-speaking world. It delves into the art and technique of bonsai styling, the text enhanced by line drawings and photographs.  It contains an extensive chapter on variations of form for many of the classical styles. A great source of bonsai horticultural knowledge.

SUPPLIERS OF HAND SELECTED IMPORTED BONSAI TREES AND QUALITY ACCESSORIES.

Bonsai@16 offer a mixture of styled trees and pre-bonsai part trained material. The pretrained material is still imported from Japan so offers the best quality species and varieties that have been given many years of expert growing and training.

Starting with the right material makes the path to creating a mature bonsai both quicker and easier, while avoiding the frustration of trying to work with inferior material.

The retail outlet is based in the Cornish town of Wadebridge which has an ever changing selection of trees and a small but growing range of essential and useful accessories. The unit is just behind the town Tesco and well sign posted. There is ample free parking for customers.

For details of stock, opening times or to book workshop time -

Contact - Marcus

Tel: 07855 300789

Email: info@aqualabs.co.uk

Active practioner of the art of bonsai.

A landscape created with mini figurines , non-living foliage and the appearance of water created with a mirror.

Invented in the Bordeaux region of France in the late 19th century this mixture of copper sulphate and slaked lime, is used as a fungicide to prevent downy and powdery mildew and other fungi.

Its function is preventative as it is ineffective after a fungus has become established.  

Botanic names are usually quoted in the following format : Genus, species, sub-species,variety e.g. Juniperus chinensis sargentii "Shimpaku"

Sometimes termed "Latin Name" or "Scientific Name", this is the name which is unique to the individual plant.  

The botanical names have two main parts : genus (generic) and species (specific) name e.g. Acer Palmatum.  They are descriptive of the characteristics specific to the plant.

The botanical name is closely followed by the variety or cultivar name e.g. Acer Palmatum "Deshojo"

Various aspects of a tree have standard botanical descriptions e.g. aquifolius leaves refers to spiny (holly type) leaves.

The attached document from the web lists the terms for colours, scents, leaf forms, plant peculiarities, plant shape and origin of species. A handy reference table.

A climber with oval, light green leaves and coloured, flower-like bracks (a modified leaf that supplements or takes the place of a leaf).

STYLE : Best suited to full or semi cascade, or literati.

WARNING : Insufficient light and too much or too little water may deter flowering.

The two Buxus species that are commonly seen as bonsai are Buxus microphylla/Japanese Box and Buxus sempervirens/Common Box. Pale, yellowish-brown trunk with fissured bark supports dense cover of small, oval, smooth-edged leaves.

STYLE : Informal upright but also good in groups and compositions.

WARNING : Avoid exposure to direct sunlight in summer and protect in a cold greenhouse in winter.

A modified leaf at the base of a flower stalk which may be thin and papery or leathery. Many are small and brown or green but others can be large and highly coloured.

A thin papery, seed bearing structure or wing, specifically on conifers

A clamp or jack used to bend branches or a trunk

Branch bending jacks are specifically designed to enable thicker branches to be bent when even the thickest wire will not do the job.

Also termed Branch Bending Clamps.

A branch or jack used to bend thicjk branches or trunks

Describes the process by which branches grow (or extend) if left unpruned.  Branch extension may be desirable where a new branch is being grown or an existing branch needs to be fattened.

Selective removal of branches to improve the overall image of the tree.

The guidelines attached under the More button are taken from cutebonsai.com (see link).

Similar to a knob cutter but with straight, sharp edges.

Used to split branches or trunks lengthwise in order to make them more amenable to bending.

Also useful when creating large jins or cutting heavy roots.

Describes the overall size, placement and form of the branches on a tree.

In bonsai there are some simple generic rules : branches should be evenly distributed around the tree, emerging from the trunk in a natural way, with the heaviest branches being the lower ones.

The Japanese term is Eda Bone.

See also Branch Pruning.

To grow out from an auxiliary bud. This growth pattern is often natural , but in bonsai is normally the result of pruning or pinching current shoots, and forms the basis of most refinement techniques as well as the Lignan, or “clip and grow” method of development.

Vigorous straight shoots arising from adventitious buds on mature branches usually resulting from hard pruning or damage.

An appreciation society to promote the cultivation, aesthetics and display of the smaller sizes of bonsai and to let people know just how wonderful and enjoyable this side of bonsai is.

The Association's goal is to promote the cultivation, aesthetics and display of the smaller sizes of tree. 

The Association is open to anyone with an interest in Shohin (size), Mame or Chuhin sizes of bonsai. 

A regular British Shohin Association newsletter is published to members and the Association holds an annual show/exhibition as well as exhibiting at major events in the UK.

Foliage which is not a needle shape or scale like.

Bonsai style generally based on the natural growth habit of the Zelkova where all the branches arise from the same point at the top of a straight trunk.  All branches are more or less equal in weight and sub-divide at diminishing intervals forming a regular dome shaped crown.

A tightly condensed shoot normally protected by closely overlapping scales. They contain tiny, immature leaves or flowers containing everything necessary for the first flush of growth in spring. 

Types include : adventitious, axillary, crown, dormant, terminal.

A tightly condensed shoot normally protected by closely overlapping scales. They contain tiny, immature leaves or flowers containing everything necessary for the first flush of growth in spring.

Also known as Shield Graft.

In this process the bark of the tree where the graft is to be applied should be first well-soaked with water and a "T" cut should be made through to the CAMBIUM in the location where the new branch is required.

With shield/bud GRAFTING, instead of a SCION, just a small piece of bark with a well-formed heel is cut from the scion and inserted inside the "T" of the stock. This heel is the dormant bud lying at the join between the trunk and the leaf AXIL. The wound is bound with RAFFIA and coated with wax.

Cutting a small crescent of bark from above a bud to stimulate growth from that bud and to encourage a wide angle between the resulting shoot and the main branch.

Known in Japan as Koeda Kiri Hasami. The long reach on these shears makes them ideal for trimming buds on needle junipers and pines. They are the best shears for very small bonsai.

The beginings of a shoot which may develop into a branch, leaf or flower. There are many different classifications of bud type although the most commonly used terms in bonsai refer to their location : Terminal bud (located at the tip of a stem), Axillary ( located inside the axil of a leaf) and Adventitious bud (occuring elsewhere on the branch or trunk).

The only named bonsai style to originate in China, with Japanese name Bunjin ( sometimes also spelt as Bunjingi).

The Chinese word "wenjen" means "scholars practiced in the arts". Japanese bonsai growers translated this as "bunjin" which has no English equivalent so western growers use the name "literati" which derives from the Latin word for "literate" or "educated" people.

This style breaks many of the bonsai "rules", usually with several twists and curves in the trunk. In nature, Scots Pines often grow in this form.

Large roots on all sides of a tall or shallowly rooted tree.

Large surface and  shallow roots spreading out widely from the tree to provide stability in areas where the soil nutrient levels are poor and concentrated in the upper soil levels.

The branches at the top of the tree that defines the shape of the tree.

See also: Tree Apex

A tree which will not thrive in acid soil.

A tree which will thrive in acid soils is known as a calcifuge.

See also Calciphobe.

A tree which will not thrive in alkaline soil. These plants are also described as ericaceous.

These plants require an amount of iron in their diet which is present in less quantity in alkaline soil, consequently, calcifuges grown on alkaline soils often develop the symptoms of iron deficiency as can be seen for example by the yellowing of leaves of Azalea (Rhododendron). Many bonsai growers add sequestered iron to the soils of calcifuge plants.

A plant that thrives in lime-rich alkaline soils is known as a calcicole or calciphobe.

A plant not suited by calcareous soil, that tends to avoid calcareous soils, that grows best in acid soil.

A tree which will thrive in acid soils is known as a calcifuge.

See also calcicole.

For information of club meetings, venues and times,

Contact -Telephone Roger on:07944 518617

Lochgelly Meetings are held at the
Salvation Army hall,
Auchterderran Rd,
Loghgelly.

Cupar Meetings are held at:
Cupar YMCA,
Bonnygate,
Cupar.

The raised roll of bark tissue that forms on the side of a wound to the tree.  

The raised roll of tissue that forms as a wound heals and closes.

Located between the xylem and the phloem, the cambium in the bark (tree) is the green material which shows if a twig is scratched.

During the growing season the cambium cells constantly divide, producing new xylem on the inside and new phloem on the outside. This process creates the annual rings inside the trunk of the tree.

Use to protect tools, clean and polish pots and clean away pine sap.

A traditional and organic way to to protect tools which come into contact with live tissue on a bonsai tree. Is also used to give a shine and polish to bonsai pots before the go onto a bonsai show display area.

Three main varieties : Japonica (Common Camellia): Shiny, oval, dark green leaves with red/white/pink flowers March to May. Reticulata: Long, narrow dark green leaves and big, funnel shaped pink/red/purple unscented flowers with 15-20 petals. Sasanqua : Drooping habit with lighter green, small, oblong, blunt-ended leaves with white/pink scented flowers with 6-8 petals.

STYLE : suited to every style, except formal upright and broom.

WARNING : Branches are brittle so protect with raffia. Do not leave wire on the tree for more than a month or two.

A fungal disease contracted when the airborne spores enter damaged tissue causing swelling and discolouration. This swelling spreads and in most cases eventually surrounds the branch , killing it in the process.

All of the uppermost branches that make up the top of the tree.

The action of liquid being drawn up a fine tube or through miniature pore spaces due to the effect of surface tension.

A microfine, wettable powder used in water as a spray to control certain fungal diseases in fruit and ornamental trees.

Captan has been cited as a probable human carcinogen by the US authorities.

Fleshy roots such as found on a Yew (Taxus Baccata).

Designed specifically for use with cascade style trees which are grown in a downwards direction.

They can be a variety of shapes (square, round, hexagonal) but are generally quite tall and slim.

Caterpillars are butterfly or moth larvae which weaken the tree by feeding on tissue. These pests can do a significant amount of damage to the leaves of a tree if not effectively controlled.

Generally, the easiest method is to pick them off by hand and destroy them or alternativelty the application of a contact spray can also be effective.

There are several different types of larvae which are listed separatly under : bombycoid moths, goat/leopard moth, leaf-roller, leaf miner, geometer moth, and small ermine moths

Artist Peter Kleboe is a long time Catrine resident. A member of The Glasgow Group of artists his striking paintings and pottery are much sought after both locally and internationally.

No website available but can be contacted at :

email: peterkleboe@hotmail.co.uk.

Tel : 01290552596

Evergreen conifer with 5 common variants used in bonsai: Blue (glauca), Atlas (atlantica), Cyprus (brevifolia, Lebanon (libani) and Indian (deodara). Distinguishable by softer, droopier needles.

STYLE : Best in formal/informal uprights, groups and twin trunk, but deodora and atlantica can make striking semi-cascades.

WARNING : Protect from extreme temperatures.

Picture is : "With the permission of the Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew"

Very tall evergreen native to Japan distinguished by red-brown string bark and blue-green foliage which changes to a bronze/brown tint in winter.

STYLE : Best in formal/informal uprights, groups and twin trunk.

WARNING : Clean out old foliage, spray daily with cold water and monthly with insecticide to prevent red spider mite infestation which can cause die-back.

Picture shown : "With the permission of the Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew"

The basic usint of all plant tissue consisting of a nucleus embedded in protoplasm and cell sap which is in turn surrounded by the membranous cell wall. Plant growth is caused by the division of cells at the growing points. There are thousands of different kinds of cells , each modified to perform a specific function and each unique to its own species.

A Bonsai display group. Contact via website only.

Bonsai of mostly native trees in southern England.

See Hinoki Cypress

Describing a leaf whose margins curl up at the edges forming a channel.

Charcoal is a porous form of organic matter primarily composed of carbon. It is used as a soil conditioner to improve soil drainage. (See also "biochar").

Ornamental tree with small oval, pointed, serrated edged leaves and spectacular pink/white blossoms. which unfortunately last only a few weeks in spring.

STYLE : suited to every style, except broom.

WARNING : Do not water blossom to avoid damaging the petals.

A fungicide, which some consider as an organic treatment but which is now withdrawn in the U.K because of its high copper content  (although can still be found on some websites).  Used to protect seedlings from fungal attack.

Tree style with a straight upright trunk, known as a “formal upright” style. The ideal chokkan will have a perfectly straight trunk with uniform taper and branch structure and an overall concise shape. The roots should also spread evenly around the base.

A small family business established 1987, run by Alan Harriman & Steve Kitchman, producing high quality, handmade Bonsai dishes, with the trade name of "China Mist". Sells online.

Located at :
Bonsai Pottery
58 Station Street
Misterton
Nr Doncaster
DN10 4DE

Tel/Fax: 01427 890434

Email: alan.harriman1@btinternet.com

Of Chinese origin e.g. as in Juniperus Chinensis

Japanese name Enoki. This is a small deciduous tree bearing shiny oval leaves and small bright orange fruits, which can be grown as indoor or outdoor tree.

STYLE : Well structurd branches and a fine tracey of twigs make this ideal for broom style.

WARNING : Must have a dormant period during winter or will die before spring. If kept indoors then move to a sheltered outdoor position for winter.

Small deciduous tree with shiny oval leaves and small bright orange fruits.

This plant is fully hardy but often sold as indoor where it will thrive if a dormancy period can be engineered.

STYLE : Best suited to formal/informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, broom, root-over-rock, clasped to rock, twin trunk, clump, or multiple trunk.

WARNING : Needs a dormant period when kept indoors, otherwise tree will become exhausted.

Also known as Jade or Money tree. Succulent plant, originating from South Africa, with rounded to pear-shaped grey/green leaves which sometimes are edged with a red tinge.

STYLE : Best suited to informal upright or clump.

WARNING : If leaves begin to wrinkle then soil is too dry.

Tree size sub-category in the "Medium Bonsai" range, measuring 41 to 91 cms. Referred to in Japan as a "2 Handed " bonsai indicating the number of men required to handle one.

Green pigment in leaves which allows plants to absorb energy from light.

Formal upright style with a straight trunk and regular positioning of side branches.

The main root of a tree that grows straight down from the trunk. correlates to "tap root" in English. (Note : not to be confused with "chokkan" which is the term used to describe the formal upright style.

The minute rod-like bodies within the nucleus of a cell , which carry the genetic information and control of the hereditary characteristics.

Tree size sub-classification within the "Medium" bonsai range, measuring 40-60 cms.

Tree size sub-classification in the "Medium Bonsai" range, measuring between 41 and 91 cms.  Also referred to in Japan as a "2 Handed" tree indicating the number of men required to move one.

Term used to describe a leaf fringed with hairs.

A flattened leaf-like stalk containing chlorophyll which performs the function of a leaf, as in Butchers Broom(Ruscus) or common Broom ( Cytisus).

The internationally recognised system of classifying plants. Latin names are used as many plants dio not have common names. All plants are grouped according to : 1. Family, 2. Genus, 3. Species and 4. Variety.

Also termed the Ling Nam method "clip and grow"  is the term used to describe the bonsai styling proces where the approach is to allow growth to occur before pruning back to a bud facing the direction in which you wish it to grow.

Identical plants from a single parent and reproduced vegetatively . All Lombardy Poplars are male clones and therefore all offspring of one original male parent.

See Sprout Style. Also known as Kabudachi or Miyama Kirishima

Clustered group with multiple trunks springing from one tree.  In Japanese : Tsukami-yose.

With a spiralled trunk. In Japanese : Bankan.

The point where the bark thickens when a branch emerges from the trunk or from a thicker branch. If this collar is left intact when pruning it will attempt to prevent die-back and disease of the exposed tissue. However, in bonsai this generally causes unsightly snags and swellings.

Descibes a tree which is tall and narrow with straight, more-or-less parallel sides.

A leaf consisting of two or more leaflets.

Known in Japan as Mataeda Hasami.

These are used to cut a whole branch at the trunk, leaving a concave cut to foster healing with minimal scarring. As the wound heals the edges will roll over to fill the the hollow and heal flush with the trunk.

These cutters are available in different sizes but as a general rule a cutter should not be used on branches with a diameter greater than half the width of the blades.

See "conifer cone"

Describes a tree whose outline tapers evenly from base to apex.

Cone bearing tree usually with needle like or linear leaves.

A cone borne on conifer trees, the function of which is to facilitate reproduction.

The "female" cone (familiar woody cone) produces seeds. The "male" cones, produce pollen, and are usually much less conspicuous even at full maturity.

The individual plates of a cone are known as scales.

The female cone itself can take two or three years to reach maturity on the tree at which time it will split open and spill out the mature seeds. The cone having passed it's usefulness will then fall from the tree.

Trees which bear cones encased in a hard outer shell are members of the Gymnosperm family.

Young nursery stock which has been raised in pots of one form or another.

Wire is used to wrap around branches or used as a guy wire attached to the pot in order to allow them to be shaped and held in position while the form of the tree is stabilised.

The most common type of bosai wire used (for cheapness) is anodized aluminium wire which is brown on the outside with a silver "core". Alternatively annealed copper wire, which is heated red hot to soften it before purchase and is more expensive, is used by the more experienced growers.

Copper is naturally stiffer and when worked becomes stiffer again, continual bending of copper wire will quickly introduce that stiffnes which creates kinks in the wire that cannot be removed until the wire is re-annealed. There is therfore a little more skill required to wire with copper rather than aluminium and getting it right first time becomes paramount. Copper however "case hardens" to a much greater extent than aluminium.

Copper wire comes in varying gauges the most common being : 0.8mm, 1.0mm,1.25mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm and 3mm. It is generally sold in 1 Kg rolls because it is heavier than aluminium and so there is less length per gramme. However, because of its greater stiffness once applied smaller gauges can be used. It can also be obtained (less commonly) in 500gram rolls.

The practice of cutting trees back to their base in order to encourage the growth of several new stems , almost invariably carried out on deciduous species.

Heart shaped with stem entered in the cleft at the base of the leaf.

Group of  enthusiasts based in the rugged county of Cornwall UK, that make up the Cornwall Bonsai Society (CBS). Individuals of all levels are welcomed to the club which prides itself in having a friendly and varied group of  members.

The meetings are held on the fourth wednesday of the month, January to November, at the Grampound community hall. Setting up from 7pm, running until approx 9.30pm. Car parking is free, right by the hall and all access is flat. 

All members pay a £10.00 per annum subscription and the meetings are £2.00 per person. (tea, coffee & biscuits are included). Members voluntarily bring items for a raffle to each meeting, adding a little more fun to the evening.

For further information please send an email to:info@cornwall-bonsai-society.co.uk

Cotinus (common name SmokeTree) comes in many varieties although it is Cotinus Coggygria which is used for bonsai.  It is a deciduous tree which takes its name from the flowers it produces which resemble a smoke halo. There are several varieties of Cotinus coggygria available with different coloured flowers including Cotinus coggygria Purpureus that has purple/pink blooms.

Style : Large/medium sized informal upright or multi-trunk.

Warning : Purple variety susceptible to mildew. Also susceptible to Verticillium wilt generally.

Location : Ful sun or partial shade.  Protection required below -5 degrees C

Repot : Every 1 to 2 years.

Soil : Basic soil mix.

Pruning : Trim to shape in growing season .  Branch prune early spring.

Common garden shrub with small, dark, glossy green leaves, pink and white flowers and orange/red berries in succession. There are two common varieties : horizintalis and microphyllus. They are evergreen in milder winters and deciduous in more severe winters. Picture courtesy of Dan Barton.

STYLE : Good for informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, cascade, root-over-rock, clasped to rock, twin trunk and clump.

WARNING : Protect from temperatures below -7C. Clean tools with meths after use on cotoneaster, which contains a toxin that is highly poisonous to some other plants.

The seed leaf or leaves which are pre-formed in the seed and are the first to emerge on germination. Many cotyledons contain sugars which support the plant until it is able to manufacture its own food. Normally the shape of the seed leaves bears little or no relation to the eventual shape of the true leaf.

Craig Coussins started Bonsai in 1974 and spent the next 20 years studying under the UK's leading Bonsai artist. During this time he travelled to the home of the late John Yoshio Naka in Los Angeles to learn from this Bonsai Master who not only was a great teacher but always gave generously of his time to Craig. John also visited Craig in Scotland.

He began teaching in June 1978 when he founded the Scottish Bonsai Association and soon after in 1983 he was a founder committee member of the UK Federation of Bonsai Societies, FOBBS.

Deciduous tree with many varieties producing blossom coloured from white through to pink. Fruit can hang on the tree until some time after leaves have fallen.

STYLE : Suitable for informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, twin-trunk, and clump.

WARNING : Crab Apple prefers deeper pot than normal.

More or less rounded with narrowly toothed edges.

A hybrid derived from cross-fertilisation  between species or varieties.

These are the small tertiary veins which connect the secondary veins of leaves.

The branch formation at the top of the tree.

See also Apex

The series of branches at the apex of a tree that form the shape of its silhouette.

The large central flower bud at the tip of a shoot surrounded by smaller flower buds. Removal of this bud at an early stage can sometimes have the effect of encouraging the smaller buds to open simultaneously forming a more acceptably uniform cluster of blooms.

A Crown or rind graft enables the formation of multiple trunks, or the restructuring of elderly trees with a sound root system.

Also an inferior or damaged crown can be repaired by removing the crown of the tree from the stock and inserting new branches. The approach is generally appropriate if a trunk is more than 3cm thick.

The process involves the "squaring off" of the main trunk and the creation of several vertical slits in the bark. The sections of bark between the slits is then prized away from the cambium. The scion is then inserted between the bark and the cambium with its single chamfered surface facing the cambium. The graft is then bound with raffia and wax applied.

Any named variety of a plant generally, but not exclusively, developed via propogation to develop unique colours or features.

Any named variety of plant with charactersitics distinct from the species.

Wedge shaped - acute at the base.  Almost like the shape of a goldfish without the tail.

Describes a leaf which narrows to a point at both ends.

Leaves which are shaped in very distinct segments e.g. beech

Billed as "Bonsai knowledge website" with guidelines for various aspects of bonsai activity.

A waxy coating on a leaf which reduces moisture loss and helps to prevent damage by exterior factors such as insects or frost.

A piece of a plant that has been cut and rooted. A means to propagate new plants.

A piece of a plant which has been removed from the donor plant and rooted in growing medium to produce a new plant.

Also termed "False Cypress" with most common variant being "Hinoki Cypress" with most common bonsai variants Nana Gracilis and Yatsubusa. They have fan shaped branches with evergreen, scaley, wax coated leaves edged in silver/blue which form in "clouds" on the branches. The overall shape is conical.

Other Chamaecyparis include Pisifera (Sarawa Cypress) which has dark green , scale-like leaves with white markings.

STYLE : Suitable for every style, except broom.

WARNING : Never allow to dry out. Foliage easily dislodged when wiring.

See entry for : "Eelworms"

A bonsai tree over 60 cms in height.

Tree size sub-category in the "Large Bonsai" group, measuring between 76 and 122 cms.  Also referred to in japan as "4 Handed" indicating how many men it would take to move one.

The parent plant - or parent tree in bonsai.  

Offer a wide range of goods for sale on-line from their web site and "Ebay" but also from callers at their two centres within Hillingdon garden Centres.

Contact - Hillier Garden Centre,
Priors Court Road,
Hermitage,
Newbury,
Berkshire,
RG18 9TG.

Tel: 01635 200667

Contact - Hillier Garden Centre,
Henley Road,
Mappleborough Green,
Studley,
Redditch
Warks.
B80 7DR

Tel: 01527 850202

Daiza is a wooden base carved to fit a specific suiseki viewing stone.

A group of fungal diseases which attack seedlings causing them to rot at the base, collapse and die.  May be combatted by spraying with copper based fungicide.

This is a particular type of cat litter sold under the brand names Sophisticat and Tesco's Low Dust Lightweight Cat litter (small granules).

Not all cat litters are safe for bonsai as they may be impregnated with harmful chemicals. However, these brands above are widely used in bonsai - see cat litter in the "Growing Mediums" section.

The attached weblink provides info on sources and also some bonsai articles about its use.

This is a type of "trademark" used to describe unique works by Dan Barton - generally to his pot styles but it has also been used with specific reference to a Scots Pine grafted by Dan from a witches broom found in Ashdown Forest, Sussex (Scots Pine var. "Dansai").

This is a deciduous conifer native to Sichuan and Hubei provinces of China where it was discovered in 1941.

It is a fast growing tree (over 100 feet in the wild) with thick, spongy bark and bipinnate  leaves which are bright green in the summer turning to red in autumn before shedding in winter.

Style : Most suitable styles for bonsai are formal or informal upright.

WARNING : Dawn redwoods grown in the ground thrive in full sunlight, but as a potted bonsai, they will dry out too quickly if placed in direct sunlight. Place the bonsai in dappled or filtered sunlight. Be extra vigilant in the summer: Check the soil every day to make sure it is moist. The tree will quickly perish if allowed to dry out.

Areas of dead wood on trees which immitate the action of nature where lightening strikes, heavy winds or storms have damaged and killed off a part of a tree.

Jins and Sharis are examples of deadwood. Some trees, especially old junipers can be almost all deadwood with foliage carried on a single live vein.

Describes a tree or shrub which loses its leaves at the end of each growing season

A tree that loses its leaves at the beginning of its dormant season (Abscission).

Sometimes referred to a "broadleaf" trees but there are exceptions (like Larch) which have needles which are lost during winter.

Refers to a plant whose stem is prostrate but whose shoot tips ascend. Many junipers grow naturally in this habit which should not be confused with a raft planting or sinuous style bonsai since they seek to recreate abnormal growth habits.

This is the process used to improve the density of growth and assist in the size reduction of leaves on a deciduous tree.

The defoliation process involves the partial or total removal of the established leaves normally in late spring or early summer in order to allow time for the new leaves to develop before autumn.

Complete defoliation should only be carried out every other year at the most, in order not to stress the tree too much.

The leaves should be removed by cutting with trimming shears at their base, leaving just the petiole (the stalk on which they grow) so that any goodness within the petiole can drain back and feed the dormant buds at their base.

Broadly a triangular shape with rounded tips.

The study of trees

Toothed form , such as Castanea (chestnut)

Meetings offer a varied programme of hands-on workshops plus talks and demonstrations by members and guest speakers. Open to all ages and abilities.

Meetings on last Wednesday of every month except December from 19.30 to 22.00 at :
Grange Hall Community Centre,
Park Lane.
Littleover,
Derby,
DE23 6FX.

Contact Tony (01332 679584) or Rod (0115 9727141).

This is an organically derived, short persistance pesticide, otherwise known as "rotenone" used to combat, greenfly, blackfly, sawfly (gooseberry, pear & rose) raspberry beetle, flea beetle, small caterpillars, thrips, wasps and red spider mites.  It was made illegal to use this after October 2009.

Organically derived pesticide, rotenone (Derris) withdrawn from use is Oct 10, 2009.

Brand names included : Bio Liquid Derris Plus (spray), Doff Derris Dust and Vitax Derris Dust.

See full list of withdrawn chemical treatments under "Withdrawn Chemicals".

A state of extreme dryness which in bonsai relates to soil condition and has the impact of severely weakening and even killing the tree.

Neil Hutchings opened Springfield Bonsai Nursery in December 2009. In the heart of Devon, just north of Dartmoor. The nursery is easily accessible being just a quarter of a mile from Woodleigh Junction on the A 30. Less than 10 miles from Exeter. Junction 31, M5.

Advertised as having 1,000 trees in stock.

Contact

Neil Hutchings
Springfield Bonsai Nursery
Cheriton Bishop
Exeter
EX6 6JN

Tel: 01647 24866
Mob: 07833 247442

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. There are a number of varieties, one freshwater diatomite mined in Denmark and often referred to as Danish Pink is used in cat litter which in turn can be used as a bonsai growing medium.

It is also used as a growing medium in other potted plants.

Bonsai enthusiasts use it as a soil additive, or may even pot a bonsai tree in 100% diatomaceous earth. Like perlite, vermiculite, and expanded clay, it retains water and nutrients, while draining fast and freely, allowing high oxygen circulation within the growing medium.

A highly absorbent and water retentive rock used as a component of bonsai growing medium.

See also diatomaceous earth.

A highly absorbent and water retentive rock used as a component of bonsai soil ( substrate)

Veins branching symetrically in pairs

When shoots, leaves and sometimes whole branches wither and dry out. Major causes include drought (birches, willow), late spring frosts (Japanese Maple, Chinese Elms), and severe winter weather (most imported plants. Root damage or disease can also cause die-back. All dead or dying wood should be removed without delay to prevent the spread of any resulting infection.

With finger-like lobes spreading from the stem.

Plants with distinct male and female sexes, requiring one representative of each to set fruit or viable seed. e.g. Japanese holly

This is a type of plant with distinct mail and female sexes which needs the presence of both to generate seeds or fruits.  Examples include : Yew and most Juniper and Holly and Ginkgo.

Removal of unwanted buds in order to direct the plants energy into the remaining ones.  This is often used in bonsai as a shaping technique especially with shohin (small size) bonsai. Unwanted buds if allowed to grow will have the beneficial effect of thickening the branch between it and the trunk. Their removal however, leaves scars which are unacceptable on a small tree, so by careful removal of unwanted buds from the front this risk can be eliminated.

Display stands or tables are used to enhance the overall image of the tree.

It is important that dimensions, shape and overall visual weight of the table synchronise with the tree itself, and its pot.

Describes a leaf shape which is deeply divided or cut into lobes e.g. sycamore

Describes leaves which are arranged in flattened ranks along either side of the stem in a fan-like manner.

Leaf formed by seperate section emerging from a common base.

A method or propogating shrubs by carefully dividing the root ball and replanting the seperated sections.

The period of the year when little or no growth occurs - usually late autumn and winter

A bud which did not produce growth during the season following its formation but remains sometimes invisible to the naked eye on or just beneath the surface of the bark. Dormant buds can be stimulated to grow after a great many years by such things as damage or removal of the upper parts of the tree or by a sudden increase in sunlight as when a neighbouring tree is felled.

The time when the tree has naturally stopped growing due to low temperature and short day length , normally winter in the United Kingdom.

Dormant trees may be kept inside for example a garage with no heating and little light as the tree does not require any. Make sure however that the roots of the tree are kept moist as the roots will dry out completely and the tree will die.

As soon as temperatures rise the tree should be removed from the darkened place as they begin to grow.

In recent years, Scots pine has been badly affected by Dothistroma Needle Blight disease.  This can form needle discolouration and a significant slowing of growth, almost to the point of stand-still.  

Diagnosis of DNB can be tricky as many other factors can cause temporary or permanent discolouration, so Forest Research has produced this useful field guide to help with identification and it also gives details on where to send samples for diagnosis.

Japanese term for new growth on a trunk or branch caused by pruning.

Branches (called "dou-nuki eda") growing from the middle of the trunk should be removed from your bonsai tree. It blocks good growth conditions.

See Branch Pruning.

Two trunks attached to each other in the bottom quarter of the tree. The larger trunk is displayed slightly forward of the smaller trunk. In Japanese : Sokan.

Doug offers a worldwide service supplying high quality hand made bonsai display tables in hardwoods which include mahogany, cherry, rosewood walnut and more.

All the unique tables are supplied with a protective plywood case.

Contact -

Email: dugmud@hotmail.co.uk

Eastbourne bonsai nursery with over 40 years of experience offering the complete service for every bonsai grower with friendly advice and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Bonsai tools
• Bonsai pots
• Japanese soils
• Starter bonsai trees

Weekends & Bank Holidays: :12 - 6pm (dusk in Winter)

Weekdays: Visitors welcome visitors throughout the week with no obligation to purchase, but need to call to confirm visit prior to arrival

This is the free passage of water downwards through and out of the compost. Poor drainage will give rise to waterlogged soils providing ideal conditions for root rot and prevent vital air supplies to the roots.

Bonsai style comprising large areas of of bare , bleached wood often carved and shped into detailed abstract designs.

Highly regarded maker of Bonsai pots. Product sold via dealers rather than direct.

Dundee and District Bonsai Society has been in existence for over 10 years.

The object of the club is to further interest in the hobby of Bonsai within Dundee and the surrounding areas. The society holds regular workshops, talks and demonstrations by Bonsai experts.

Dundee and District Bonsai Society is affiliated to the Caledonian Bonsai Society which is a national group of bonsai clubs throughout Scotland. Annual membership fee is 15 pounds.

This is a cross between the Japanese Larch and European Larch which was found growing naturally in Dunkeld Scotland at the turn of the 20th century. Known as Larix Eurolepis the hybrid grows faster than either parent and can be found at higher elevations on poorer soil.

See Larch (Larix) for details

A fungal disease spread by the elm bark beetle (Scolytus destructor). This is not considered a threat to bonsai.

A variety or cultivar that is smaller than the species tree but which retains all of the characteristics of the full sized species tree such as the Sekka Hinoki Cypress shown in the image.

Sea also the Japanese Bonsai Term Yatsubusa.

Japanese word for branches.

This propogation technique involves removing a small section of bark from a low growing branch and anchoring it to the ground so that roots will sprout from the exposed area.

When this happens the branch can be cut away from the main tree and allowed to grow as an independent plant.

This is the propogation "method of choice" for sprawling plants like low rhododendron and creeping juniper.

See entry for : "Eelworms"

Japanese term for branches

The overal branch structure or skeleton of a tree.  See related terms describing the position of individual branches : mae eda, ushiro eda, uke eda, kuitsuki eda and sashi eda .

Japanese term for the process of removing unwanted branches.

Japanese term describing a ramified branch forming a foliage pad.

The hamonising effect of branch structure.

Japanese term for a tree exhibiting several branches/foliage pads (see "eda tanya")

Japanese term for the the process of removing unwanted branches.

Edinburgh -
Currie Scout Hall,
Lanark Road,
Currie, EH14 5JX

Convenor - Janice Tel No - 01620 825187.

Meetings - First Wednesday of the month 8pm . Member of Scottish Bonsai Association (SBA).

These are worms which inhibit growth by attacking plant roots. 

There are several types :  Cyst eelworms : which pierce the roots creating galls which protect them.  Ectoparasitic eelworms : these may carry viral deseases resulting in yellowing of foliage from the base up.  Root-lesion eeelworms : these build nests which cause canker in the roots causing yellowing of foliage and possible fungal development.

Treatment requires removal of yellowing leaves and spraying of remaining foliage with a parathion based wash, plus mixing nematicides with the soil which should be prevented from excess wetness. 

Oval (almond) shaped

Small, round tree with a variety of bark types ranging from smooth, grey to cork bark, both bearing small, dark green, glossy leaves with serrated edges.

Claimed to be the most popular /best for bonsai. May be grown indoors, when they will not drop leaves in winter, or outdoors, when they will drop leaves.

STYLE : Suitable for all styles but delicate twigs and stout, long, flexible roots make it especially suited to broom and root-over-rock styles.

WARNING : Systemic insecticides and fungicides cause defoliation in Chinese elms. Fleshy roots need some protection from frost.

Small, round tree with a variety of bark types ranging from smooth, grey to cork bark, both bearing small, dark green, glossy leaves with serrated edges.

Claimed to be the most popular /best for bonsai. May be grown indoors, when they will not drop leaves in winter, or outdoors, when they will drop leaves.

STYLE : Suitable for all styles but delicate twigs and stout, long, flexible roots make it especially suited to broom and root-over-rock styles.

WARNING : Systemic insecticides and fungicides cause defoliation in Chinese elms. Fleshy roots need some protection from frost.

Small, round tree with fissured, grey-brown bark bearing dark green, glossy leaves with serrated edges which are somehwhat larger than the Chinese elm. Foliage turns bright yellow in autumn.

STYLE : Suitable for all styles but delicate twigs and stout, long, flexible roots make it especially suited to broom and root-over-rock styles.

WARNING : Systemic insecticides and fungicides cause defoliation in Elms. Fleshy roots need some protection from frost

Strong growing deciduous tree with long erect branches growing from a short straight trunk. In winter the elongated, serrated edged, leaves turn from deep green to crimson/bronze, orange/yellow.

STYLE : Suitable for all styles but especially suited to broom and group styles (especially if trunks are not straight enough for broom).

WARNING : Keep the structure light and airy as congestion of fine twigs can cause dieback - sometimes of whole branch.

Japanese term : Goza Kake.

Distinguishing feature of this style is an exaggeratedly long number one branch.

This style is often placed over water in Japanese gardens

Native to East Asia and Himalayas.

There are 2 main varieties :
Campanulatus : Upright form with red branches and eliptical, acute, dentate leaves which are green on top and red underneath.
Perrulatus : Eliptical, acute, oval leaves which are bright green on top and with long veins underneath. They bear hanging, white, umbellate flowers in April/May before leaves form.

STYLE : Suitable for most styles with exception of formal upright, cascade, broom.

WARNING : Do not spray the tree when in flower.

Western name Hackberry (Celtis) or Chinese Hackberry (Celtis Sinensis). This is a small deciduous tree bearing shiny oval leaves and small bright orange fruits, which can be grown as indoor or outdoor tree.

STYLE : Well structured branches and a fine tracey of twigs make this ideal for broom style.

WARNING : Must have a dormant period during winter or will die before spring. If kept indoors then move to a sheltered outdoor position for winter.

Describes the margin of a leaf which is entirely smooth.

Erin Bonsai specialises in high quality hand-made Bonsai and accent pots made for bonsai enthusiasts by Vic & Glyn Harris, a father & son team who have been selling bonsai pots professionally for over 12 years.

All pots are hand-made by us and are individually glazed, so that every pot is unique.

Mr Victor Harris,
41 Savoy Road Bristol,
BS4 3SZ,
UK

E-mail : mail@erinbonsai.com

A shrub with small, glossy, green leaves and small pink and white flowers.

STYLE : best suited to informal upright, slanting, cascade, semi-cascade, twin trunk, clump and group styles.

WARNING : Deadwood prone to rotting.  Treat with wood hardener..

Picture courtesy of Peter Thorne, Ayr Bonsai Group.

Esprit Bonsaï is a bonsai magazine which was founded: to speak of bonsai, but also to look at other related arts such as pots, companion plants, ikebana … and all in relation to the people, the artists who shape them and who, through their work, express their own sensibilities and their respect of and love for nature and the world around them. A philosophy and a vision of the art of bonsai that it wishes to share with the bonsai fraternity..

Describes long, thin, pallid growths which result from a lack of light. Shoots arising from the centres of dense trees or below soil level frequently become etiolate. They usually contain a large amount of water and are brittle and difficult to shape by wiring.

Larix Deciduaor the European larch,  is distinguishable by its pale, straw-like coloured twigs from the Japanese larch's red/orange new twigs which darken to almost purple in winter.

See Larch (Larix) for details

A tree that retains its leaves throughout the year.

To peel away in strips as in the bark of trees such as eucalyptus or paper bark maples.

With exposed roots and air space under roots suggesting erosion. In Japanese : Neagari.

A Japanese volcanic pumice with a very attractive buff colour.

Good moisture-holding capacity and frost proof so, long lived. Low C.E.C. Moderately heavy and very expensive due to transport and import costs. European produced pumice is every bit as good and much cheaper.

Taken from Kaizen Bonsai - see weblink for full advice on growing mediums.

Refers to a leaf which is crescent or sickle shaped, the curve being sideways.

With hundreds of sprouts  growing from one vicinity. In Japanese : Yama-yori.

Branches erect and close together at acute angle to the trunk e.g. hedging yew.

A process by which young saplings are allowed to retain their lower branches for a few years in order to thicken and strengthen the trunk. These branches are then removed in stages first cutting back the lowest in half, then in the following year removing them completely and cutting back the next lowest by half. This process is repeated until the clean trunk reaches the required height and girth.

Those finer parts of the roots which collect the nutriets from the potting medium. Normally the fine roots at the ends of the thicker roots.

Part of the technique used in bonsai is to encourage the growth of fine feeder roots closer to the main trunk of the tree. This is achieved by cutting back some of the main roots to stimulate new growth closer to the main trunk and may take place piecemeal over a number of repotting sessions across a number of years..

Some planning and care must be taken in root pruning to achieve the desired effect since the nebari of the bonsai tree is also a major consideration, and the main roots are also used naturally as support and anchorage for the tree.

Supplier of miniature ferns suitable for accent or under planting.  Sell by mail order but not on-line.

Write : Fernatix,
Stoke Ash,
Suffolk,
IP237EN

Email: mail@fernatix.co.uk

Sold in powder, granule or block/cake form.

Applied to the surface they provide a gradual feed each time it rains and their visibility on the surface helps decide when a new application is necessary.

In order not to detract from the tree image or be eaten by birds, these fertilizers can be housed in specifically designed fertilizer baskets.

Used to enclose solid fertilizer in order to prevent disturbance by birds.

Each time the tree is watered a portion of the fertlizer is washed through the soil.

There a number of designs : some (as illlustrated) are placed over the top of the solid fertilizer and some have lids on top and spikes on the bottom so that the fertilizer is self-contained while the spike keeps the basket firmly positioned in the soil.

Small maple variety native to Europe with fresh green, three lobed leaves in spring changing to bright yellow in autumn.

STYLE : Upright tree suitable for most styles except literati and are good for shohin sized specimens.

WARNING : Needs protection from scorching by exposure to the hottest summer sun. Also, small specimens require frost protection in winter.

Fife Bonsai Society meets on the 1st Friday each month 7pm to 9pm in Cupar Baptist Church Hall. 79 Bonnygate, Cupar, Fife KY15 4BY

Fife Bonsai Society website: http://www.fifebonsai.org.uk/

Varieties used for bonsai include : retusa and benjamina (weeping) in temperate climates and microcarpa and microphylla in warmer araes. Originating from South East Asia and Australia, with leathery pointed oval leaves and aerial roots, they are more closely related to the rubber plant than the large tree with edible fruits.

STYLE : Suited to all styles except literati and the aerial roots of the "banyan type" make them very good for root over rock.

WARNING : Figs dislike draughts or sudden changes in temperature or humidity.

Fireblight is caused by a bacteria (Erwinia amylovora) which first attacks  the blossoms  progressing to the twigs and then the branches.  Flowers turn brown and wilt; twigs shrivel and blacken, the ends often curling.  In advanced cases discoloured oozing red/amber patches, form on branches.  The translucent amber or reddish ooze (see image) contains masses of bacteria.

Most susceptable are : varieties of pear and apple trees (including crab apple), mountain ash, hawthorn and cotoneaster. 

Treatment involves sparaying shortly after bud break, with systemic fungicide. Repeat the spray at one to two month intervals, more frequently in high disease situations.

Prune out infected branches 12 to 16 inches beyond the last visible signs of the disease on the branch. It is critical that the pruning tools be sanitized after each branch is pruned, so as to prevent spreading the disease form branch to branch.

Species of Pine whose needles grow in clusters of five. Most common is white pine (Pinus Parviflora).

A grouyp planting of 5 trees. In Japanese : Gohon-yose.

Fan shaped

Provides workshops and trees for sale and a re-potting service.

Web site offers information on the history of bonsai, different species and how to propagate them, and care of bonsai.

Trees which normally flower as part of their reproduction process will flower when grown as a bonsai.

The flower of the bonsai will reduce in size as the leaves of the tree/bush reduce in size although the size of the flower is not normally proportionate to the size of the reduced tree i.e. the flower seems disproportionately larger.

Flowers are the precursor to seed when the flower is pollinated. Flowers and seeds are sometimes left on the tree but sometimes they are removed. Some trees benefit from the removal of the flowers/seeds to direct most of the trees energy into producing wood and foliage.

A surge of new growth . All trees produce a flush of leaves in spring, some earlier than others and most, after a rest, will produce a second flush during mid-summer. (Note: certain pines are an exception).

Describes the shape of a trunk which has rounded vehicle grooves, usually emanating from the root buttress and going up the tree. Most common examples in the UK are Lombardy Poplar and hornbeam.

A mass of foliage on a branch, often referred to as a cloud.

With a straight vertical trunk and regular branch placement. Japanese name : Chokkan.

Deciduous shrub bearing bright yellow flowers on bare branches during spring which develop into dark green, lance-shaped, serrated edged leaves in late spring/early summer. It has pale brown bark and a stiff and compact nature when pruned.

STYLE : Ideal for formal and informal upright, slanting, cascade and semi-cascade and group styles.

WARNING : None recorded.

Club - Forth Valley Address -

Mayfield Centre,
FK7 0DB

Convenor - John Bannockburn. Tel No - 01295 731094 Email - rjohn-morris@lineone.net

Meetings - First Tuesday of the month 7.30pm

A series of YouTube videos from American bonsaist Frank Dowlat.

Explains many of the often asked questions about bonsai posed by people new to the hobby. The lectures are delivered in an informal and relaxed style but impart a wealth of bonsai experience.

A feather-like leaf such as those of ferns or palms.

This is the part of the tree that contains its seed in the form of pods or berries.

There are approximatly 110 recognized species of Fuchsia mostly from South America, but with some occurring up through Central America to Mexico, and also several from New Zealand to Tahiti. Small leaved varieties such as Mycrophylla and Tom Thumb and Lady Thumb are best for bonsai.

STYLE : Suited for informal upright, cascade/semi-cascade, slanting and root over rock.

WARNING : Although they can be wired at any time, branches are brittle and easily snapped. Best wiring time is winter after soil has been allowed to dry out a little, making branches a bit more flexible.

A tender, evergreen shrub with buff to brown bark bearing a dense canopy of shiny, dark green leaves and also tiny white flowers all year round, if sufficiently high temperatures and humidity can be provided.

STYLE : Best suited to informal upright but prolific shoots mean that almost any shape can be obtained.

WARNING : Will die if exposed to any frost at all.

The windswept style of bonsai. Although this is one of the most dramatic of all bonsai styles it is one of the most difficult to achieve convincingly.

Virus infection exhibited by leaves or flowers that are distorted or discoloured.  Examples include mildew, rust, black spot and others.

Fungus gnats are small, dark, short-lived fliesthe larvae of which feed on plant roots and fungi. 

Fungus gnats are typically harmless to healthy plants but can inflict extensive damage to seedling.  Their presence can also indicate more serious problems, particularly overwatering; they may be feeding on roots that have sat in drain water too long and are thus rotting, or the gnats may be attracted to fungus growing in saturated topsoil. Consequently, allowing the soil to dry may reduce their numbers.

Shrub originating from South and Central America now grown widely as garden and greenhouse plant for their colourful flowers. Only small leaved varieties such as macrophylla are suitable for bonsai.

STYLE : best suited to small/very small size specimens in informal upright, cascade, semi-cascade, slanting and root-over-rock styles.

WARNING : Branches can be brittle and snap easily.

Describes the shape – usually of a bud – which is wider in the centre than at either end.

Tree size sub-classification in the "Miniature" bonsai range, measuring 13-20 cms

Bonsai sized under 25 cms.

Bonsai under 25 cm in height.

Shohin bonsai exhibition held annually in Kyoto in January.

These are swollen, mis-formed leaves caused by a variety of pests of fungi.

Some are specific to tree types e.g. oak apple or azalea gall.

They are generally harmless in themselves and should be removed and burned.

See also "Yew tree gall"

Tender, evergreen shrub with strongly fragrant flowers which appear in early/late summer. Leaves are glossy green and lance shaped, borne in whorls of 3.

STYLE : Suited to informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, root-over-rock, twin-trunk, clump and multiple trunk.

WARNING : This lime-hating plant needs lime free water and ericaceous soil and fertilizer.

Venue for the largest exhibition of Bonsai in the Scottish Calendar. Gardening Scotland is Scotland's National Celebration of Gardening and Outdoor Living.

If you want to find the best plants, catch the latest gardening trends, find a designer to transform your own garden or ask the experts about anything from growing vegetables to keeping bees, then this is the one Show that you won't want to miss!

A group of closely related species e.g. all chjerries, plums, apricots belong to the genus Prunus.

These caterpillars eat foliage leaving holes in the buds and silken threads between the foliage and the soil, via which they climb down.

Treatment includes treating with oil-based products at winters end in order to destroy any eggs and applying lindane or parathion based insecticides in spring.

The point of growth initiation of a seed with the seed developing initial roots.

The process by which a seed leaves the dormant state and issues roots and shoots

Japanese term for a sacrifice branch - a branch grown with the intention to thicken the trunk and then to be removed

Term used to describe a branch left to grow with the purpose of promoting overall growth of the tree as part of the development of a bonsai.  Also known as a "sacrifice" branch, this would be removed or pruned once its purpose was served.

This is a deciduous tree, once thought to be extinct but re-discovered in China in the 17th century.

Columnar shaped tree with dense upright branches which bear distinctively shaped leaves which turn from green to pale yellow in autumn. Although the Ginkgo is more like a conifer than a deciduous tree it is neither.  Recent research suggests that it has a unique position which is much closer to the cycads than to either conifers or deeciduous trees.

STYLE : best suited to formal upright and clump styles. 

WARNING : Keep tree from prolonged freezing. Fleshy roots can "explode" as a result of excess water expanding when it freezes.

Also referred to as "ring-barking". The removal of a band of bark (which can vary in width) from all around the trunk of a tree or branch when air-layering or trying to encourage new roots to form at the point of the girdle.

The circumference of the tree trunk as measured just above the root base.

This is the Japanese term for a sacrifice branch e.g. a branch grown specifically to help thicken the trunk of the tree but which will not form part of the final image and so will be removed when the desired trunk thickness has been acheived.

Smooth - without hairs

Glasgow Group not currently running.  Nearest groups are Ayrshire and Lanarkshire.

Grey-blue. Often used to describe foliage e.g. Cedrus glauca atlantica

No specific site. Looks like this may now be closed.

Location : Glenbrook Garden Bonsai Centre
Stone-Edge Batch,
off Clevedon Road
Tickenham
Clevedon
BS21 6SE

Tel: 01275 858596

A bonsai style with five trunks. The individual trunks may be upright, slanted or curved.

Name given to a planting of junipers donated by John Naka to The Washington Collection - considered a masterpeice.  The term means "guardian of the spirit".

Also known as Leopardmoth. These are red or yellow caterpillars that burrow into bark or leaves, tunnelling upwards and leaving a small mound of sawdust at the entry point.

Treatment involves cutting away the infected part of the tree and insertion of iron wire with carbon disulphide soaked cottonwool attached.

Japanese term for tap root.  See also "chokkon".

A group planting of 5 trees. 

Denotes a "5 trunks on the same tree" style.

Isn't a larch (larix) at all and is more closely related to Keteleeria, Abies and Cedrus.

Officially known as Pseudolarix Amabilis it is the sole member of the species.

The leaves of Pseudolarix are larger than Larix (Larch).

Called the Golden Larch because of its autumn colours which helps lead to the confusion.

The coarse bonsai medium used at the bottom of the pot to provide good drainage and aeration.

Five-color suiseki stones (Traditionally a mixture of red, yellow, and green with either gray, blue, purple, white or black.)

Other classifications of suiseki by colour are :
Kuro-ishi Black stones
Maguro-ishi Jet-black stones
Aka-ishi Red stones
Ao-ishi Blue stones
Murasaki-ishi Purple stones
Ogon-seki Golden-yellow stones
Kinko-seki Yellow-red stones

Japanese term for Japanese white pine (pinus parviflora).

"Matsu" means pine, “Goyo” means “five-needle"

The Latin name for Japanese white pine (aka Japanese five needle pine) is Pinus parviflora. The Japanese name is Goyo Matsu. Matsu is pine,  “Goyo” means “five-needle”.

See Pine - Whiter (Pinus parviflora, pinus pentaphylla) for details.

Referred to as "Elongated style" in the West. Distinguishing feature of this style is an exageratedly long number one branch.

This style is often placed over water in Japanese gardens

To join a stemof one plant with another so they grow together. Grafting is used both to propogate plant species and to add foliage where none previously existed on a bonsai.

When a stem of one plant is joined to another to grow then this is termed a graft.  There are various methods of grafting , see : thread grafting and approach grafting

Sharp knife use seperate stems from one tree and for cutting a notch in the beneficiary tree in which to insert the cutting.

Slow release compound fertiliser with an analysis of N.6% - P.5% - K.7%, containing only natural ingredients (organic matter from blood meal, feather meal, cocoa shells, dried organic seaweed and vinasse).

Applied to surface soil, providing season long nutrient release without risk of scorching.

Available in different varieties : Original/Seaweed/Fish Emulsion, Liquid Organic and ericaceous.

Photo courtesy of Kaizen Bonsai where more info is available.

In operation since 2000 and now has a large indoor area for Bonsai trees, pots, tools and other merchandise. No online offerings.

Contact - Green Lawns Bonsai
Hadleigh Road
Boxford,
Nr Sudbury
CO10 5JH

Originally established by the renowned bonsai artist and author, Harry Tomlinson, in 1978 and now run by his sons Corin and Paul providing the bonsai community with quality trees and bonsai care / styling advice.

Contact - Greenwood Bonsai Studio
Ollerton Road,
Arnold,
Nottingham,
NG5 8PR

Tel: 0115 9205757

This fungus (Botrytis cinerea) appears on the leaves of plants and is caused by high humidity.

Treatment: increased ventilation around the plant and the application of a systemic fungicide are the recommended remedies.

Image shown by kind permission of RHS.

Horticultural Grit is a grit with neutral pH which is used for improving soil drainage, top dressing lawns and as a planting base for alpine, cacti and rock plants.  It is used also in bonsai but has tended to be replaced by lighter materials (such as pumice/moler clay) which do the same job.

This is the process of creating new plants by lowering branches of existing plants down into the ground and pinning them in place so that they will root at that point and can then be separated from the parent tree.

This is most suitable for plants with low hanging branches e.g forsythia, pyracantha, and pine

Any odd number of trees more than 9 in number planted as a grove or group rather than a forest.

Bonsai trees can be grown in almost any type of soil but to keep them in the best of health they must be grown in a suitable soil mix.

The soil's function is to hold sufficient nutrients, water and air to provide a regular supply of these three vital components to the roots of the tree.

In order to achieve the optimum conditions to match tree requirements and local climatic conditions the growing medium is often a mix of two or more key ingredients with growers developing their own special recipes. The basic consituents potentially include grit (which can come in several grades), loam and humus - or one of several different mediums imported from Japan (Akadama, Kiryu, Kanuma).

Given that these imported mediums can be quite expensive, a number of growers have developed the use of alternatives, one of which is cat litter (see cat litter for more information).

There is an excellent article on the Kaize Bo9nsai web site which you will find linked from the Web Link above.

Branches (called "gyaku eda") growing in the opposite way (i.e. backwards) to the branch they are growing from should be removed from your bonsai tree.

See Branch Pruning.

A tree or bush where the seeds are encased in a hard outer shell e.g pine

Japanese term for leaf pinching.

Japanese term for moistening leaves with water - or misting.

Japanese term for leaf pruning.

The natural shape or growth pattern of a plant often referred to in its botanical name e.g. procumbens – flat or  procera – tall.

Tree size classification within the "Large Bonsai" category, measuring between 102 and 152 cms.  

Also referred in Japan as "6 Handed" indicating how many men it would take to carry it.

Term used to describe the situation where the tree and the pot are in perfect harmony, each complementing the beauty and charm of the other.

Japanese for "pinching", the process where growing tips are removed by pinching and seperating from a branch.

Japanese for the "misting" of bonsai trees

Bonsai style known as semi-cascade. The most commonly accepted definition is a tree whose leader or most dominant low branch cascades below the rim of the plot but not lower than the base of the pot.

Aims to provide a one off selection of Quality Hand Made Bonsai Pots. Each one is unique and can not be recreated. You will find Handmade pots created by: Bryan Albright, Derek Aspinall, Ian Baillie, Dan Barton, Gordon Duffett, Erin Pottery, John Pitt, Tongre Ceramics, Wallsall Studio Ceramics amongst others.

This site provides a selection of Quality Hand Made Bonsai Pots, each of which is unique.

Many pieces are Ceramic Art and can be enjoyed either with a tree in or in their own right for decorative purposes.

You will find Handmade pots created by: Bryan Albright, Derek Aspinall, Ian Baillie, Dan Barton, Gordon Duffett, Erin Pottery, John Pitt, Tongre Ceramics, Wallsall Studio Ceramics amongst others.

The progressive adaptation of a tender plant to the full brunt of outside conditions.

The process of gradually introducing a plant which has been grown in sheltered or protected conditions to the rigours of the outside environment.