which trees may be bonsai'd in winter months in S.A

hi everyone,

Does anyone know of any trees that may be bonsaai'd from the months of March until June in the south african climate?
your help would be much appreciated.. many thanks
sharon

It depends on what you mean about "bonsai'd." And your climate. And what you grow.

You CAN transplant some trees -- most conifers, and fast-growing deciduous trees -- in early to almost mid fall, provided that not too much root work is done. Roots continue to grow in winter except where the ground or soil freezes.

But that's about it -- unless you live where you never get freezing or frosts. If your weather is moderate all winter, you should be able to do some minor pruning, but growth will be slowed even in mild climates, so it puts much more stress on the tree than waiting for spring. If you prune in a cold climate, the new growth that the tree wants to put out for recovery will be nipped by the frost and you will be in severe danger of losing it.

Of course, there always are the more tropical trees that you can grow indoors. But even here, their growth will be slowed in the winter and extra care will be needed. I'm NOT a tropical grower, so I'll leve anything further to those who are.