Bonsai in Harsh Climates
Russia
by WBFF Correspondent, L. K.
Mikhail Adamenko is a bonsai grower in Nakhodka, a major port in the Far East of Russia, on the Sea of Japan. It lies 120 miles to the East of Vladivostok. The climate is moderate/monsoonal, with relatively short, but cold Winters. Spring is a protracted affair, though, and consequently the growing season only starts in May, to finish in early September.
Mikhail became interested in the art of bonsai when, preparing for a trip to Japan, he read a few articles on Japanese culture, which included some information on bonsai. As he puts it, that was "a turn on".
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He has no contact whatsoever with other bonsai enthusiasts in Russia. Having heard that there was to be a bonsai show in Vladivostok, he wanted to go and see it, but could discover no contact address, nor any other details.
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In the relatively short time that Mikhail has grown bonsai, he has managed to accumulate an impressive array of stock. Apart from a range of common European deciduous trees and conifers, he also grows pomegranate, tangerine, almond, myrtle "…and maybe two-three others". Collecting in the wild, he acquired additionally birch, oak, maple, pine (local varieties), fir, yew, Schizandra, hawthorn, linden, wild rosemary and lilac. In Winter, he protects his trees by surrounding them individually with bubble wrap.
Mikhail purchased 3 or 4 books on bonsai in Russia and a 10 kilo box (!!) with bonsai literature in English was sent to him from the United States by a friend. Pots have to be ordered from China, Japan and the USA; currently, Mikhail is trying to acquire tools from China.
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In view of the fact that he works 10 hours a day and often takes on extra jobs, it is truly extraordinary what he has managed to achieve in bonsai. Moreover, he lacks the stimulation of sharing his efforts and enthusiasm with fellow bonsai growers.
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In the apst, he has not been optimistic about the near future of bonsai in Russia, generally speaking. Contact between bonsai clubs - wherever there are any - or individuals is minimal, non-existent in remote areas. Paraphrasing his summary of the situation: "At one stage, Japanese citizens and officials donated a number of bonsai to the USSR, which resulted in a brief surge of interest in the art. However, when people became aware of the fact that the hobby involves a lot of time and effort, bonsai lost its popularity. Moreover, the economic climate is not such that it encourages this kind of pastime; also, a relatively high percentage of the population lives in apartments, especially in urban areas, and does not have the facilities for growing plants."
Relevant URL:
Nakhodka http://www.ncsp.ru/index_e.html