Although winter naturally slows active horticultural work, the activities outlined in this section are not exclusive to the colder months. Many of them—planning, study, documentation, sourcing materials, and refining design ideas—can be done at any time of year as schedules allow. Winter simply offers a rare stretch of uninterrupted time, when trees demand less immediate attention and the pace of work becomes more deliberate.

With trees safely protected and growth paused, practitioners can shift focus from reaction to reflection. This seasonal pause encourages thoughtful assessment, long-term planning, and preparation without the pressure of imminent deadlines. Whether undertaken gradually throughout the year or concentrated during winter, this work forms the foundation for confident decisions and smoother, more effective bonsai practice in the seasons that follow.

Before winter sets in—and before placing trees in their winter quarters—document them with photographs and notes. This record will support everything from spring styling decisions to selecting an appropriate pot. Include a ruler or other scale reference in photos so accurate measurements can be taken later. Take inventory of soil components, wire, fertilizer, and other materials so you are prepared to participate in group orders.

Tropical Bonsai

Care for tropical bonsai indoors during winter is beyond the scope of this section. We hope to develop a dedicated tropical care section in the near future.

Assess needs and build knowledge

Review the condition, stage of development, and long-term goals for each tree in your collection. Identify which trees will require repotting, structural work, refinement, or simple maintenance in the coming year. Winter is also the ideal time to deepen design and horticultural understanding, allowing future decisions to be made with clarity and confidence rather than urgency.

Source soil components, wire, and pots

Use the off-season to source soil components, wire, and containers well before spring arrives. One of the greatest benefits of membership in the Winnipeg Bonsai Society is access to club group orders. By purchasing in bulk through the club, members benefit from better pricing, shared shipping and brokerage costs, and access to specialized tools and supplies that are often difficult to source individually. Bonsai Winnipeg organizes two group orders per year—spring and autumn—through trusted retailers and wholesalers.

Prepare soil and pots

Sift soil components into appropriate particle sizes and prepare pots by cleaning, descaling, and installing drainage screens. In Zone 3, spring is short and represents the most critical window for potting and repotting—whether working with newly collected material, nursery stock, or placing refined trees into final containers. Use mild winter days to complete this preparation so everything is ready when trees begin to wake.

Commission custom work and source display materials

Winter is an excellent time to commission custom display tables or pots. Several club members are skilled carpenters and ceramicists, and local makers can often produce pieces that complement individual trees perfectly. Antique shops, flea markets, and yard sales are also valuable sources for unique tables and containers with character and history.

Study and refine your understanding

With outdoor work paused, winter becomes the prime season for bonsai education. Bonsai Winnipeg maintains a substantial lending library of books and magazines, now searchable through the club website, with reservations available for pickup at general meetings. Make time to review trusted blogs, videos, and podcasts, always interpreting techniques through the lens of our Zone 3 climate. Members should also explore the Members Only area of the website, which includes white papers on topics ranging from pest management to advanced fertilization strategies. Building a personal reference library provides ongoing inspiration and practical guidance.

Develop design concepts

Winter is ideal for design exploration. Sketching trees—by hand or digitally—helps visualize future possibilities without risk. Experiment with alternative branch structures, trunk inclinations, pot choices, and anticipated foliage mass. Digital tools allow changes to be previewed and help clarify how time and growth will influence form.

Plan displays and narrative

Begin planning for upcoming exhibitions and club displays. Every bonsai tells a story, and winter is the time to clarify what that story is. Consider titles, interpretive text, tables, companion plants, and accessories that support the narrative. Thoughtful display elevates a tree beyond horticulture into expressive art and enhances the experience for viewers.

Organize records and reflect

Finally, use winter to organize photographs, cultivation notes, and seasonal observations. Create a chronological record for each tree and reflect on what worked—and what didn’t—during the past growing season. Understanding the reasons behind successes and failures provides valuable insight for future decisions and experiments. Clear records turn experience into knowledge and help ensure steady progress year after year.