Winter in the refrigerator

Gang, my brother-in-law Guan [ Anthony ] thought it would be important for those in the tropics who just love trees, to have this bit of information.

The next stage is a large room, using solar power, to grow temperate or other cool weather trees.
Ultimately, the idea is one of a centre where folk who can't afford to travel, can at least see trees from all over the planet using the techniques of Bonsai.

So for the tropics, a possibly new form of employment, and career.
Best.
Khaimraj

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Hey guys, just sharing.

Normally, on my side, trees that need some dormancy - say Ginkgo - will slow down from October and by December will show no signs of growing and may drop a leaf or two.

By December our nights are longer and cooler, and the tree/s are placed on the north side of the house where there is no sunlight. Wetting the stone layer of that area and the retaining wall will keep the area cool,damp, but no water pools anywhere.
Anyhow by January 31st the dormant tree/s are placed into the refrigerator set to crisper temperatures and left there until April 1st.

Every two weeks they have to be watered if needed, and checked.The root balls of some are in plastic bags, some the pots are small enough to just place in the fridge.

Upon removal [ April 1st ] they are placed for a month northside again, and allowed to develop buds. This happens naturally.
When with buds, they are moved to morning sun, and after a week moved to dappled shade.
By the third week, it is full sun if needed.

Altogether a cycle of wintering that lasts 7 months or so [ depends on when growth stops.]

Hee hee, two heads chatting and only realising the above after about 30 years or so of doing in.
Amusing isn't it ?
Have a good laugh.
Good Afternoon.
Anthony

Khaimraj/Anthony,

Very interesting............Can you give some more info on the dimensions of the fridge, the size of the plants that are placed in it, as well as the species that are being grown this way. I'm also curious about your temperature setting etc. and how long have you been doing this?

Nigel

I sure wish I had that much spare time and spare money to screw around with!

Russell,

it takes 30 to 45 minutes to water the trees in the morning, and the same in the evening if I need to.
The refrigerator that I am using presently is an old refurbished, given to me as gift. Before that and I still have it, it was my dad's old fridge.
I only use it for 2 months, and it runs on 110.

Plus, as an oil painter, I did plan out my life to work with family, friends and hobbies, so I have the time and don't need a lot of money.

Hey you could always move to down here, we have no winter expenses, and with your currency, you could get a nice little 1/2 acre, with a 22 x 22 foot, taken twice plus garage [ 2 or 3 bedroom.]
Would you like me to build it for you, and take a look at my avatar, that's the design on the floor in my bedroom at the beach house.

Will work for Bonsai pots and maples.
Stay Well.
Khaimraj