Willow Glen, California Since 1992
Gardening
Dwarf Evergreen: Most cultivars of evergreen euonymus exhibit some degree of variegated foliage. The shrubs can be formally sheared individually or grown as a hedge. Bonsai can be challenging yet rewarding experience 
By Tony Tomeo My favorite event at the 1998 Kitsap County Fair in Washington was actually the free Steppenwolf concert. Of course, the horticultural exhibits were also interesting, particularly the bonsai exhibit. However, the results were too predictable. My father brought home most of the ribbons for a few of the specimens he grew at his nursery, Tomeo Nursery, in Poulsbo, Wash. (Bonsai, incidentally, is pronounced "bone-sigh" in Japanese. "Banzai" is an irrelevant exclamation that will cause bonsai artists to cringe!) My father, who is not a career horticulturist, established the nursery about 12 years ago. The majority of production is bonsai stock, which is basic seedlings or cuttings with which bonsai artists begin their work. Many other specimens in various phases of development are also available, including some very mature specimens. To me it seems that production of bonsai stock is similar to the production of other horticultural crops. Bonsai specimens, however, cannot be grown in crops, but require intense and individual attention. Bonsai is one of the ultimate forms of horticulture, as well as a highly refined and intricate art form. The word "bonsai" means "tree in a dish," a reference to the shallow containers in which the specimens are grown„often for centuries. Manipulation of the natural behavior of the specimens allows them to exhibit characteristics of maturity without attaining mature size. In small gardens or even home interiors, bonsai can portray large trees or trees growing wild in a forest. Although bonsai specimens do not necessarily require much care, they do require specialized care. Bonsai procedures are easily learned but may present challenges for novice garden enthusiasts. The intricate pruning and grooming requirements are the most obvious of these specialized procedures. Because the root systems are confined to small dishes for long periods of time, occasional root pruning is also necessary to minimize circling of roots. Confinement of the root systems necessitates specialized irrigation. Because evapotranspiration (evaporation of moisture from foliar surfaces) from the disproportionate foliar area can rapidly dry soil, frequent irrigation may be necessary. Soil must consequently be well-drained but also exhibit adequate moisture retention. To avoid disturbing the soil, which is usually deeper than the rim of the dish, the entire dish may be briefly soaked in a larger container of water almost as deep as the dish, but only until the soil is saturated. There are many more aspects of bonsai that cannot be adequately discussed in such minimal space. For example, the selection of dishes for the appropriate display of each specimen is very important. Likewise, the structure (shape) of each specimen is determined by specifications for each form of bonsai. Bonsai is an ancient art form that has been enjoyed by many garden enthusiasts for several centuries. Proficiency comes with experience and education, but perfection is never attained. The therapeutic qualities of bonsai seem contradictory to the slow gratification, which may take several decades or multiple generations. It is definitely a horticultural experience like no other. Shrub of the Week: Evergreen Euonymus Box-leaf euonymus is one of the two dwarf cultivars of evergreen euonymus, Euonymus japonica, commonly used for bonsai. The other dwarf is nearly identical but exhibits spotty white variegation. Otherwise, the various cultivars of evergreen euonymus may be eight feet tall and six feet wide, with one- to two-inch long glossy, round leaves. It is rarely available without variegation, yet quite common with edged or blotched variegation of bright yellow, pale yellow, pale white or silvery white. Powdery mildew is often a problem in humid environments, especially if the air is not well-circulated. Scale or mites may also become a problem, but healthier specimens are not as susceptible to infestation. Full sun exposure and regular irrigation are preferred, but established specimens can tolerate considerable shade and minimal irrigation, as well as heat and dense (not saturated) soil. Evergreen euonymus is one of the few species that is appealing when formally sheared, and it adapts well to hedging. Some cultivars are easily obtainable, but it is unlikely that any nursery would market a majority of the many cultivars available. Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408-358-2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com. |
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