Nursery Challenge 2026!!
My chosen specimen is a winter heather. I picked it up on the clearance rack at Lowe’s for $12.29! I got my pot at a bonsai silent auction two years ago for $35 and has been used for a tree previously. Total Budget Used: $47.29 😃
April 21st: Specimen purchased (see pic 8)
April 29th: Hard prune, cleaned up bar branches and crotches (pic 6). Then specimen set aside to allow recovery and back budding.
May 20th: Pruned back root ball and wired into pot (pic 4 and 3 respectively). Started wiring.
May 21st: Finished wiring and styling
This tree ended up far more thinned out than anticipated. I made the mistake of leaving it out in the sun yesterday in 65F and wind made it droop slightly, but it bounced back after being covered overnight (increased humidity). I’m sure I will receive many comments showing concern for this trees chance of survival, and that is okay. It was excellent practice and I still remain hopeful for its possible future. Thanks for the challenge! I wish there were more of these around~