Project Bonsai

I know this little, tiny oak tree looks nothing special it has triggered a new project here at The Guide to Gay Gardening. I’ve wanted to try and grow my own bonsai tree from seed for years. I did in fact start a few years back with a tiny pear tree but alas, a day (or several) in the sun without water and I’m afraid I killed that poor little specimen. I’m hoping this Oak will do a little better.

I absoultely love Oak’s. There were a number of enormous, statuesque oaks on my grandad’s farmland when I was growing up. We never played in them….it was almost like they were to be respected and enjoyed for their beauty rather than to be clambered upon. Whilst they were warped and split and lightening damaged they remained beautiful trees. And surely, the mighty Oak is one of the beloved species of all England?

I have nowhere to plant a mighty tree but I do have the inspiration to grow a mighty yet minute Oak. Of course, this is a project which is going to take years, probably decades. You can grow almost anything tree into a bonsai, it’s just about patience and tending and trimming plants into the desired shape. I have several Bonsai books on my shelves to keep the inspiration flowing and there’s nothing like something new to invigorate the senses.