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Learn how to create and care for bonsai in Manitoba.

The Bonsai Society of Winnipeg presents an introductory course on Bonsai. More...

Supplies

Knowing what materials are useful and how or where to obtain them in Manitoba can be a challenge if you are not a member of a club, and don’t have someone experienced next door. Much of this is covered in our Introductory Bonsai Course, but some basic information is provided here, starting from the ground up, so to speak. Many of the materials are available either in small quantities at society meetings, or through group orders which are arranged at these meetings. As with many horticultural pursuits, a person can acquire trees and material as quickly or as slowly and spend as much or as little as they wish. We generally encourage patience in this regard as with all aspects of growing bonsai.

Pots
Pots are probably the most difficult item to obtain locally. One or two large garden centres in Winnipeg bring pots in occasionally. Finding the size, shape and color you want may be a challenge. It is recommended that when you see one that looks good for the kinds of trees that you grow, grab it. You will probably be glad that you have it later on. Groups orders for pots have been arranged occasionally at club meetings. It is best to have a list handy of what you desire for each tree.
An individual may order pots through various businesses elsewhere either by phone, catalog, or through various supplier web sites. The cost of shipping, and perhaps duty for foreign suppliers can be significant for small quantities, and there is always a risk of shipping damage and related concerns.

For training pot purposes, there are many options with inexpensive or home made pots or shallow wood boxes. Plastic training pots specifically for bonsai are sometimes found locally.

Don’t forget that slabs, either homemade, or stone slabs purchased at garden centres, make excellent bases for forest plantings and for some single or multi-tree compositions. See Bonsai Basics/Pots for details.

Soil Components
At least one large garden centre carries our standard mixed soil now. We also have the three main components available a most meetings and workshops. Materials can be purchased from local suppliers in bulk by the more serious bonsai grower. In most cases they are in 50 lb bags, and you may have to purchase more than one bag. See Bonsai Basics/Soil for details.

Tools
A few specialized bonsai tools are available at several local garden centres, but this may be hit and miss. Firstly, a new bonsai grower is cautioned to approach this aspect slowly. A great deal can be done with reasonable garden or floral shears obtained at local craft, home or garden centres, and fairly common tools found around the home. It is best to get a bit of experience before purchasing many expensive specialized tools. Then you will have better feeling for what size or quality to obtain, and which is most important.

Group orders are typically put together several times a year through the club. Typical samples are also available. This includes various pruning instruments, wire cutters and pliers, soil sifters and scoops, root rakes, potting tools, etc. Various ranges of quality are available from novice to professional. Similar options exist as with pots for individual orders, with similar concerns as to shipping costs as well as quality in some cases. See Bonsai Basics/Tools for details.

Other Supplies
There are many other devices that a person may utilize which you may already have for other horticultural purposes. This includes watering cans, misters and sprayers for water and chemical application, pruners and digging tools for large stock and to use during tree digs, and transplanting trays, etc. Garden centres, home centres, and craft stores are good sources depending on the specific items.

Group Purchases
The Bonsai Society does assemble a number of group orders during the year. These are advertised through newsletters and/or during regular meetings. These are generally timed so as to receive the material at the most useful times. This is one of the significant benefits of being a member. The cost per individual may be greatly reduced due to the group orders, and most of the arrangements are handled by the organizer.

Typical examples might be:
- tool orders several times through the year, one being near the end of the Introductory Bonsai Course in the fall.
- tropical tree orders occur two or three times a year; once during the course, and once or twice in late winter/early spring.
- Smaller quantities of wire are available at meetings, but full rolls may be obtained when the club places larger orders.
- pots may be ordered occasionally, but this depends on availability from suppliers
- occasionally, there may be special projects where small starter tree material may be ordered in bulk.