It's been a weird summer-weird in that we have had few days where it was above 90F. Which is is ok for the bonsai, but in years past, it's been hotter. Spring was just flat out unproductive garden-wise, as we would have a few warm days, then it would cool off, then back to warm, then cool off again. The peppers were struggling, along with other things planted.
I went out to water this morning because it should hit about 90F today, and as usual, I looked at each tree as I watered it. But today was different-I realized I had so many different types of trees just a couple years ago, and now, I was down to my core of basic trees I should be growing. I think when you first start growing bonsai, you want one of everything; which is fine, it's what most people I have talked to do. Then, as trees start dying, you shrink down to your core of species that are really going to thrive in the area you are growing in. I'm glad I have the trees that I do, being Junipers and Pines really grow well where I am. Trident maples also grow well here, though they do get leaf burn badly some years. I'm a little disappointed in myself this year, as I didn't plant seeds from pines in the area, but I will this year. I ususally wait until Oct/Nov, and find the trees I want to take from, then collect cones. In the past I have used cones from the pines near the San Rafael bridge, which has worked out well. I will be wiring some younger pines today, not only for the practice of wiring, but because some of the younger 2 and 3 year olds need some direction. I won't be wiring branches, just trunks-now is not the time to worry about branches, that will come later for these youngsters.
The peppers have been producing pods well, and I'm looking forward to them ripening up-last year, I had a steady supply by this time, but it's the first time I've had to wait for salsa ingredients. I'll post some pics later today.