Bonsai Widow

This is a term that I’ve been introduced to recently, a bonsai widow. I did not know what the meaning of it was. In short all bonsai enthusiasts are married to bonsai widows. Seems a bit odd, but it’s true. We are consumed by bonsai and without realizing it we are absent at home.  We work during the week from 09:00 – 17:00, after 17:00 it’s bonsai and the weekends are there for… bonsai. There are meetings, demo’s, workshops and shows to attend. It’s so easy getting lost in it all. To make up for time away from my family I drag my wife and daughter with me to all my bonsai related affairs. A lady married to one of our club members asked my wife if she is a bonsai widow as well? This was meant as a joke but to me it was an eye opener. My wife did not just marry me she also married my bonsai trees. I would like to thank my wife for all the hours she spent watering my trees and looking after them when I am away for work.

Here are a few things that I put in place so that taking care of my trees is not too time consuming for my wife:

• I covered my trees with a 40% and 80% shading net. 80% for newly replanted trees or trees in need of a bit of TLC. The other side is just to keep out the harsh sun.
• I placed my trees close together on the benches so that he pots are covered with shade throughout the day.
• I arranged the trees so that the pots that dry out quickly are closes to the entrance of the enclosure.
• I mark trees with tooth picks if I see that they need water. She would then only water the trees with tooth picks.

There are a few more points that I could mention but these are the ones that I think are worth mentioning. If you plan to start this hobby, please make sure you understand the commitment and time you will need to put in to produce healthy and good looking bonsai.  It is always a good idea to look at your schedule ahead of time to plan watering, fertilizing, repotting and pruning.