...by some miracle it would appear that we not only selected the correct runners from the strawberry plants we already had on site, but that we also planted and tended them just the right amount to keep them alive.
It's been a full two weeks now and we've only had to water them 3 times. And only one is showing any signs of distress/dying.
I'm guessing these puppies are now throwing much more of their own root, meaning that we probably wont need to water again now until the warm weather next year. One thing I've learned from being an amateur gardener and bonsai grower is that if you water too much, the plant has no incentive to throw out roots to go find water. This leaves plants less healthy and vigorous.
I guess the old adage of "let nature take it's course" is something we tend forget as growers - we want to fiddle, to nurture and to assist, when we should actually remember that the plants themselves have been doing this for themselves for millions of years. By interfering we are interrupting the natural processes by which things grow.
Sure, we can provide optimal conditions for things to grow, and protect our crops/flowers/bonsai from pests and diseases by using careful watering methods, adding some chemicals(where applicable) and by carefully observing what's going on, but ultimately these plants are here because of a long and rich evolution.
It's also good to see that the bonsai material I planted seems very happy. The butts they are planted in are still nicely damp. I really don't want to be overwatering these ones as roots get wet and rot....
The larch is yellowing as I would expect, the trident is turning a peach colour, which again, I would expect at this time of year, and the others look very healthy.
I'm going to leave more specific info about the bonsai material on http://dj-bonsai.blogspot.co.uk/ moving forward, and leave this blog to fruit, veg and flower growing.
So ultimately, I'm very happy with the early progress. Next up is to clear those raised beds.....
