If that little green plant is a weed (and it's likely) the root system will kill your nice berry plant (but you know about things like that!).

Yeah, I know I'm playing with fire ;)
I wanted to leave the weed as long as possible...before tugging it out of there.
It has a shallow root-system, sitting on top of the alder, but I don't want to lose
the berry (that's the primary "weed" in this planting ;) ).
Thanks!

Josh

I'm back with an update on my blackberry experiment! I've had some help in choosing a name for the berry, and I hope it is fitting and appropriate. It's certainly been fun. So, here are two views, both taken this morning, of Isagiyoi: loosely, 'The upright one.'

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Josh

Has anyone ever tried a blueberry bonsai. I live in southwest Florida and there is a wild variety that have the smallest leaves that are in such good proportion to the tiny fruit. I'm often out doors for work and I see these quite often. Just a thought.

Hi, blueberries are done often up north here, but don't know how they'd do there (with no cold winter dormancy), but if you have one to work on, with small leaves, go for it (and keep us posted).

It is a native type of blueberry, native to south west Florida that is ( i have seen them quite often in the wild and..well.. never outside of it.. I will try to get a picture or something. Maybe collect something this winter.

Well, it was certainly fun having this little vine on the deck this summer. Had a slow spring start, during which most of the first leaves developed an orange rust and died. But the vine took off once those leaves were gone, and grew about three feet total...no longer an 'upright' plant, due to the floppy length. So I gave it a bamboo stake.

First shot is from August 19th. Second shot of the neatly-colored leaves and bright red stem is from yesterday, November 14th. Next year, I'm hoping to photograph flowers....if the old vine survives, that is.

Look for the next update sometime in late March!
Cheers!

Josh
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Well,
I'm just a bit later on the update than I thought I'd be. Here are a few winter - spring shots:
New Year's
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Interesting tree. It will be great to have a nice looking bonsai that grows some delicious berries!

Here is a link that might be useful: Brian Hancock

Thanks, Brian.
It sure would be nice to have some fruit eventually.
I left the vine from last year, and it's leafing out.
I'll try to remember to post some current pics.

Josh

nice im doing this same thing but my bush a little older and ive trained it so its kind of a dense tangled mess.

they grow quick so dont blink!

You did a very good experiment.Your bonsai looks great.The color is also very nice.Good job.

Here is a link that might be useful: beth

Hi, Northwest!
I think I need to put my blackberry into a larger container.
What size container are you using?

Thanks, Beth!
I think I want to dig up a wild, invasive blackberry next. We
have this type with bright, light blue vines, smaller more numerous
thorns, and tighter, more dissected leaves. I think it's called the
Himalayan blackberry. I'm not certain.

Josh

Isagiyo, my blackberry, is doing well this year...!

This image is from May 5th:

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Josh

Green-

Looks Great!! Thanks for all the updates too. It is really helpful for someone like me--let's say I'm an early-intermediate bonsai enthusiast-- to see a project like this unfold.

Also, did you plant the moss? It looks great.

3rdYr

Thank you, 3rdYr!
I appreciate the compliments!
The moss came with the blackberry and the dead alder stick, and it's grown to cover the upper soil.
I have had very little to do with it.

Josh