SISKIYOU GARDENS BONSAI NURSERY
Rachel Winters, owner

Our selection includes hardy outdoor finished bonsai in ceramic pots for gifts or yourself;  bonsai starts for the bonsai hobbiest; or trees for large containers. We have been told by visitors that our selection of outdoor bonsai starts is larger than anywhere they have shopped between the urban centers of California and Portland and that the prices are very reasonable. Rare and unusual trees and shrubs in larger sizes are available for planting in the garden. We do not ship plants at this time but welcome appointments to visit and check out our stock.

We have in stock:

• Japanese maple varieties including Acer palmatum, Acer capillepes (stripebark), Acer griseum (paperbark), Acer crataegifolium,  Acer japonicum:  Maples in all sizes from bonsai to specimen. Variegated forms, colored foliage and more.
• Montpelier maple (Acer montspessulanum) and hedge maple (Acer campestre) that have a 3-lobed leaf and are sun and cold tolerant.
• Hornbeams including Carpinus koreana, Carpinus turzaninovii, Carpinus betulus and Carpinus japonicum.  Easy, naturally twisty bonsai subjects.
• European beeches (Fagus sylvatica): Nothing beats the beech for beautiful form and exposed roots.
• Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicus):  The nursery cat is named “Katsura”, or “Katsy” for short. He loves friendly visitors.
• Spike winter hazel (Corylopsis spicata) has lemon yellow flowers in early spring. An easy to grow bonsai.
• Bamboo-leaf oak (Quercus myrsinifolia).  A beautiful evergreen for large containers.
• Good bonsai candidates for forests and groves:  European larches (Larix decidua), Dwarf arctic willow (Salix purpurea nana) and Japanese cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica ‘tansu’) and many more.
• Mini- bonsai:  Morris Midget and Kingswood boxwood and Tom Thumb cotoneaster are slow growing and make great gifts.
• Conifers:  Selection includes many varieties of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis sp.), Canadian and Japanese hemlock (Tsuga sp.) including starts of the naturally dwarf and twisty ‘Cole’s Prostrate’, Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria sp.) plus spruces, balsam fir and lacebark pines. These are also available in larger sizes to grace your entry way or water garden.

Rachel’s plants are either propagated from cuttings, many right at the Nursery;  or grown up from seedlings. Since they are not grafted they will not revert back to a different type and are usually hardier. Since they have not been shipped in from outside the area or raised in a greenhouse they are hardy and disease free.

Bonsai pot selection includes Chinese and Japanese ceramic, mica and plastic.  We also have ceramic pots handmade by Rachel and other local potters.

Here’s the list of dates and times for upcoming classes:

BONSAI WORKSHOP: Create a new bonsai or bring one you need help with. Rachel Winters can help you with pruning and all aspects of bonsai care. Friday May 25, noon-2:00 pm. $20.00. Pots and plants available for sale. Phone 541-476-6243 to sign up.

BONSAI BASICS: Introduction to the art and craft of bonsai. Rachel Winters, instructor. Learn the basics of design and bonsai care. Tuesday, May 29, 10 am-noon. $20.00. Pots and plants available for sale. Phone 541-476-6243 to sign up and get directions.

BONSAI WORKSHOP: Rachel Winters, instructor can help with repotting and pruning your bonsai or if you want to create a new one. Pots and plants available. Saturday, June 2, noon-2:00 pm. $20.00. Phone 541-476-6243 to sign up.

I sometimes run into a former student whose bonsai died when they were out of town. I am always happy to bonsai- sit your plants so that won’t happen. If you have empty bonsai pots and want to try again, I have lots of new bonsai starts. The Morris Midget and Kingsville boxwood trees that spent the winter indoors thrived with that arrangement and have lots of new growth. They have now been moved outside.

Private tutoring is also available if you have a bonsai that needs work or if someone has gifted you one of those imported bonsai with the rocks glued on and you need help repotting. I can also go to your home if you need help with a larger collection that will not easily transport. The charge for a private consultation at your house is $30 plus travel time.

You might want to give a bonsai class as a holiday gift for the favorite gardener in your life or come out and pick one out that I will gladly hold on to for you. Mother’s Day is not far off. It’s also fun to do a workshop with a group of your friends or family. Tuition would be $20 per person. How about a bonsai birthday party? Phone me at 541-476-6243 to register for a workshop or if you have other concerns.

rachel