AusBonsai

Whats so interesting about Gingko?
Plan on buying 1 starter but I don't know whats so interesting about it, is it due to its autumn colour from green to yellow?

http://bonsaitreesandpots.com/wp-conten ... biloba.jpg

Primarily the unique shaped foliage is what appeals to people.

The unusual leaf shape and awesome summer / autumn colour

Ken

As well as the above, Gingko is also an interesting plant:
Fossil records show that it (or close relations) existed way back when dinosaurs ruled.
Even though it has broad leaves it is actually a conifer (don't ask me why the botanists have it in that group though. No cones? no needles?)
Despite such ancient origins it is one of the most pollution resistant trees. They grow happily as street trees in major Asian cities where other species just curl up and die from the smog.
It is a revered and iconic tree in Asia. They have been planted at temples, etc for thousands of years.
Medicinal and food source. Look for gingko extracts in the herbal health section at supermarket and pharmacy.

As bonsai however they can be a bit disappointing. It is one of the slowest trees to develop. Painfully slow to ramify and leaves seem to stay large. If you want a gingko bonsai it is important to start NOW!
On the positive side they are stunning in autumn and are very hardy. Can be pruned hard, new buds on old wood, tolerates hard root pruning, will survive being a bit dry.....

Every leaf is different

my favourite tree
I have about 10 cultivars growing in my garden

lots of information here
http://kwanten.home.xs4all.nl/

however,
as bonsai
they are slow growing with very little, if anything, happening in the way of growth
then, for a season or two, they will grow quite quickly
then stop again

there are smaller leaf varieties so look for those
(the Japanese Garden at Dubbo has them so maybe ask nicely for a cutting)

Here is an old one in a temple grounds in Japan - to give you an idea of their natural growth habit(the one in the middle).

Ginkgo Mariken ( not sure on the spelling) is a round compact form of ginkgo biloba and is great for bonsai

After looking at some more Gingkos, alot of bonsai artist tend to go towards formal upright design.
Will definitely make a visit to Rays tomorrow