by Penny Pawl
Several years ago when UC Master Gardeners of Napa County was having a garden tour, I was working in the plant sales area of a garden in St. Helena. Master Gardeners had donated plants to sell to visitors taking the tour. Our then UC Extension advisor, Dean Donaldson, had donated a 5 gallon 6 foot tall Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum.) He came by the sales area and was sad to see this tree had not sold. I told him I would buy it, which I did and then watched the horror on his face when I proceeded to cut it back to about 15 inches tall. I explained to him that I could not take such a big tree home and I wanted to use it for a bonsai.
Over the years I have been training this tree and I think it's a very nice bonsai now. It has developed low branching and the leaves have become smaller. Bonsai is a Japanese word meaning tree in pot, but the art of bonsai must follow certain guidelines to make the tree appear aged and have the look of a tree in the garden or forest. I especially love the way the roots on this plant grasp the soil and hold the tree in place. Just a few days ago it had turned bright red with fall leaves. I noticed the scar where I cut the top off has almost completely healed.
Every time I look at it or work on the tree, I smile as the look on Dean's face comes back to me. It's one of my legacy bonsai, of which I have several, honoring memories and stories of other people.
Master Gardeners are following recommended social distancing guidelines that keep everyone safe. UC Master Gardeners of Napa County are available to answer garden questions by email:
mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org or phone at 707-253-4143. Volunteers will get back to you after they research answers to your questions.
Visit our website: napamg.ucanr.edu to find answers to all of your horticultural questions.
Information links: SF Bonsai Society https://www.bssf.org/
Trident Maple-Acer buergerianum https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b972
Photo credits: Penny Pawl
