Australian natives as bonsai - Gardening Australia

Bonsai are miniature representations of trees, grown in containers and shaped to reflect natural forms. Someone might be interested in creating bonsai for relaxation, the joy of interacting with plants, and the creative challenge of modeling trees in miniature form.

Yes, Australian native plants can be used for bonsai, providing an untapped resource with species such as Callistemons, Melaleucas, Acacia, and Leptospermums being particularly suitable.

To create a bonsai from young plants, you choose a sapling with interesting movement or twists in the trunk, wire the trunk to shape it, trim the roots, and repot it into a shallow pot with well-draining soil.

Transplanting trees into pots depends on the type of tree. Deciduous trees smaller than you can usually be dug up and potted during dormancy in winter, while evergreens may require specific timing and knowledge about the variety.

Gardeners can control black aphid infestations by observing the plants early on and using a contact killer like pyrethrum. It's important to spray both the tops and undersides of leaves and reapply over a few weeks.

Biosecurity is important for protecting food industries, the environment, and ourselves from pests. Gardeners can help by observing their gardens, identifying pests, and reporting unusual sightings to the agriculture department.

To grow coriander successfully, you should never transplant seedlings since they're part of the carrot family and dislike moving. Instead, sow seeds directly in mild seasons like autumn or early spring for the best results.