Herb Gardening

Summer is the bloom time for Italian heather (Erica ventricosa).

Specifically, the exact months depend upon where the gardener and the plant are located. In the southern hemisphere, the plant's bloom time lasts from October to December. In the northern hemisphere, it is from June to August.

First of all, many kinds of trees and shrubs can be made into a bonsai. A bonsai is simply a miniature version of a tree, which is planted in a pot. Japanese maples are ideal for creating a bonsai. By selecting a nicely shaped branch, you can start a bonsai tree that will bring years of enjoyment. Here's how to create your own tree:

1. Select the species of tree. When selecting a tree species its important to consider your geographic location. Some trees lose their leaves in the winter, while some trees will not survive long in the freezing weather. Certain trees will require a lot of water during a hot summer while others are heat hardy. FYI.
2. Select the size of your bonsai. Bonsai trees can be as anywhere from miniature (6 inches tall) to large bonsai (up to 3 ft tall). Decide what size bonsai you would like to achieve before actually choosing the plant.
3. Select the plant. Once you have decided which kind and what size bonsai you would like, you can go to a nursery or a bonsai shop and select the plant that you will use to make your bonsai tree.
4. Select a pot. Select a shape and color that you personally find aesthetically pleasing. The pot must be large enough to allow enough soil to cover the roots of the plant. You do not want to have such a small amount of soil in the pot that the tree roots can not retain moisture. You will kill the plant if you do not have a large enough pot. The idea of a bonsai is to balance the pot with the plant and make the plant look like a miniature tree. Some bonsai pots do not come with pre-drilled drainage holes. If you do not have drill that will cut through ceramic, then make sure you purchase a pot with pre-drilled drainage holes.

Now you just trim and prune according to the tree you have chosen and the size you'd like to achieve! In order to assist you further, I have also posted a useful tutorial video. Happy gardening, and I hope you enjoy your bonsai! :)