Bonsai conifers in garden

[bobm]

I have a couple of Dwarf Blue Atlas Cedar . Cedrus atlantica "Hartsmann" that supposed to grow 6' - 10', as well as a couple Mugo pine Pinus mugo that are suppose to grow to 3' - 6' tall, planted outside on hills / raised beds surrounded by boulders. I bought them about 2 years ago in 1 gallon containers . Currently the cedars are 15-18" tall. the mugos are 12" tall and mounded. We want to shape them into bonsai / contorted Zen Japanese garden forms like one would view in Japanese gardens. I consulted the Master Gardeners at Washington State Extention Service ... the best that they have to offer is google sites for these trees which only inform one to trim back the candles 1/2- 3/4 of their length . Bonsai sites have little to offer other than trim and grow in pots. Anyone have any good ideas that will actually create this contorted form in the garden?

 

[thistlebloom]

I've never done that sort of thing Bob, so my advice is not worth much, but potted bonsai are shaped by wiring branches into the direction they are intended to grow.
Seems like you could do similarly with in-ground conifers. As well as pruning, and holding back any fertilizing and watering to slow the growth.

It's an interesting enterprise, I hope you keep us informed on how you go about it.

 

[canesisters]

Doesn't it have something to do with the restricted roots too? I thought that's why they grow them in those tiny pots.
... someone on TEG grows bonsai.... Jack B????

Are they still in the pots? Maybe if you planted them - pot and all - you could mimic that aspect of the little bonsai.
Like you, I couldn't find anything online about growing bonsai in the ground - but I bet that if you study traditional bonsai, you'll be better able to attempt the pruning on the big, outdoor plants.
Best of luck!
(and post pictures)


eta: found this... might be helpful
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bonsai/msg101122107446.html

 

[Smart Red]

You can grow them in the ground, but it would be best if you sunk the pots into the ground to grow the bonsai. They will need to be pulled and trimmed as they grow and digging into the ground will be harder and more damaging to the plants.