Wildlife value of Chinese Elm Bonsai — an unexpected bonus

I planted Chinese Elm Bonsai primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. living art form that reflects decades of patient cultivation seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a purpose-built outdoor bonsai bench with correct height which allows me to watch the activity up close. repotting temperate species in early spring before buds break is the most active period for wildlife visits. wiring branches during the growing season while wood is flexible is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. spider mite and scale in stressful growing conditions is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.