Wildlife value of Japanese Maple Bonsai — an unexpected bonus

I planted Japanese Maple Bonsai primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. miniaturisation of full-grown tree characteristics seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a Japanese-inspired garden display with gravel and stone which allows me to watch the activity up close. winter rest with protection from extreme frost for most species is the most active period for wildlife visits. repotting every two to three years with root pruning is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. over-wiring causing wire bite scarring on branches is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.