ALTHOUGH when you move abroad you can take your family and pets, you can forget about the plants. No matter how precious or extraordinary they may be, there are no exemptions for non- commercial owners moving from one country to another. This can be particularly painful for Bonsai plants which can take years to cultivate.
Bonsai is an increasingly popular hobby and art form in northern Europe. Much of its pleasure is derived from the growing of miniature trees and shrubs in a mainly indoor environment. People without gardens can enjoy a range of plants and, with the minimum of daily routine, these will flourish throughout the year.
Retirement abroad has meant the loss of beloved Bonsai plants to practitioners of this activity but the art of Bonsai can now be practiced in Cyprus. Commercial outlets are importing ready-grown plants and clubs, led by knowledgeable growers, have opened.
The climate in Cyprus differs fundamentally to that in the countries from which many Bonsai devotees have come. An understanding of the new local environment in terms of its humidity, temperature and wind patterns is implicit. An extreme example illustrating this is that the eastern end of the island has markedly different wind features to the western parts. Additionally the intensity of the sun is a major concern and most Bonsai plants will require considerable shade. The selection of a permanent summer and winter home for plants can be made with these facts in mind. The creation of a climate as close to that in wild can be made with shading, access to light breezes and even moistened pebble surrounds with a good movement of air at all times.
Specialist equipment needed; such as tools, pots and wires can readily be obtained on the island although many devotees have brought their tools with them in the hope of restarting the hobby. Bonsai soil is expensive wherever it is bought. But, with a little experience, making home-made concentrate becomes practicable since only small quantities are needed. Suitable types occur naturally in many areas and the soil needs changing infrequently. Pebbles and stones are readily collectable although it must be remembered that, in theory, collecting such things is forbidden and punishable by law.
Those familiar with the hobby will realise that this environment is the true home of many of the typical bonsai trees whereas in England, for example, many must be maintained indoors for the greater part of the year. Trees such as the olive, pomegranate and citrus are common. Shrubs such as lantana and ficus, and herbs like rosemary flourish. The choice of actual plants can still be difficult as the growth pattern of many species cannot be significantly reduced just by putting them in a tiny pot and cutting every branch. In effect the greatest success can probably be achieved with plants whose leaves are naturally small and waxy.
In essence; for those of you who, like me, had to give their plants away do not despair of getting restarted. For the new enthusiasts wanting to create these attractive gardens there is really nothing to stop you. Why not join a club, buy your first plants already started and just move into this art form? Like the trees that you will grow… siga siga… slowly slowly as they say in Greek.
