Hi! I found a pretty little taramind tree, and bought it, thinking I could figure out a way to help it flourish outside. I live just north of Wilmington, near Surf city, and everything I have read leads me to believe I will not do well here in the winter. As I started researching options I found that tamarind trees are often used as bonsai trees, which is exciting to me, as I have always wanted a bonsai tree!
I have been reading online, but, of course, there is conflicting information, etc. Are there classes — in person or virtually— that one can attend to learn the basics of how to start this process? Or any experts who would be willing to meet me one-on-one for tutoring?
I really want to make it work!
Hi Sheila. Sorry for the slow response!
I's suggest starting with this link:
Ryan runs Mirai and was formally trained in Japan. His videos are very accessible and understandable. This is part one of his series that are free on YouTube. It starts with how to pick a tree and how to proceed.
We are in the slow part of the bonsai season right now of just keeping our trees alive in the heat. But fall presents opportunities.
Mirai offers online classes, but it is a little pricey? There's a lot of free material that you can wade through first and as you develop more formal classes can be of assistance. There are professionals in NC (for instance Asheville, I know a long way from you) that have direct hands-on classes at different intervals depending on the season and what's ready to be worked on. The majority of our members are in the Charlotte area. We occasionally have these professionals and others come in to Charlotte. They typically give a free seminar (2hr) and then afterwards we typically have a paid hands-on session (2-4 hrs).
More specific to your little tamarind:
Bonsai trees most typically are outside trees (in pots). That said, many benefit from some sort of wintering care. The main thing for your tree is to keep frost off of it. Some people watch the weather and bring the trees in any night that drops below 40 deg F (50 for tropical like your tree). Others place the trees near their house foundation and mulch them heavily. Others put them in the garage at first frost and bring them out after last frost. With only one tree you might be able to utilize a grow light and bring it inside.
I hope this is helpful to you. Please let us know how you are progressing, and we'll help however we can.
The Triangle Bonsai Society (Triangle Bonsai Society) might be closer to you if you are looking for direct participation.
Welcome to the world of bonsai!
Joe