[Ellen]

I've been growing bonsai trees for at least as long as I've been growing orchids, but as my orchid collection has grown the bonsai have been more and more neglected. The bonsai stay outside all year round, and I consider them "outside plants" in the same sense as the trees that grow in the ground. This winter we had a few nights when the temperature got as low as 16 F (about -10C, very unusual for here) and it didn't hurt the bonsai as far as I can tell. Mine areon wooden benches between a greenhouse and the woods, so are shaded for a good part of the day. I started out growing them in an area with a full southern exposure but ended up losing some due to too much sun, heat, and drought in summer. I would think that if you lived in a climate where it rains regularly year round you could keep bonsai outside with virtually no care. During our winter wet season (now) I can totally forget about the bonsai. However, during the dry summer season they have to be watered on a regular basis. More than a week and they start suffering. Since they're outside, hosing them down only takes a few minutes - the key is remembering to do it. The only other care they get from me is maybe repotting once every few years and trimming/wiring once every year or two.

I have three jade trees, too, complete with treelike trunks, but they're incredible hulks, much bigger than any of the bonsai. Maybe it's possible to keep them small by regular trimming - I just haven't done it. They're just finishing blooming right now.