Fertilizing

Because bonsai trees are cultivated in limited amounts of soil, adequate feed is very important. As a general rule, a small amount of feed is given in spring and a larger amount in fall. Feed for bonsai should contain three principle ingredients; nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. It is also a good idea to use a fertilizer containing "chelated" iron. Water before fertilizing your tree and then apply at half strength recommended by brand's manufacturer. Rotate use of brands since different manufacturers add different amounts of trace elements and minerals. You could also add Superthrive, which is a vitamin supplement to fertilizer mix. You may find it simpler and easier to use slow release fertilizer granules (placed over soil) whose nutrients are released with each watering.

Repotting

All potted plants will eventually outgrow their containers. While houseplants need to be "potted-up", that is, placed in larger and larger containers, miniaturization of a bonsai trees is maintained by keeping roots confined to small container. On average, repotting will be necessary every 3-5 years, but tree should be removed from its container and its root system inspected once a year. If roots form a circular ball around perimeter of pot, it is time to trim roots and repot.

When repotting remember to:  Use only bonsai soil  Remove air pockets by working soil down through roots  Do not remove more that 20% of root system  Repot during appropriate repotting season  Water well and keep out of sun for a week or two

Trimming & Pruning

The main objective of trimming and pruning is to shape bonsai into desired form and to reduce growth above ground in order to maintain a balance with root growth.

The process of shaping begins when tree is very young and is on-going as it continues its growth. Trimming is accomplished by using a sharp scissors or shears. This traditional tool is called butterfly shears or bonsai shears and is used for removing foliage and light branches. When heavier branches are removed, we call it pruning and tool to use is concave cutter, for which there is no substitute. The concave cutter allows you to remove small, medium and even large branches without leaving any visible scars. Some trees such as Juniper should be trimmed by using thumb and index finger to remove new growth and to prevent browning and a "sheared" appearance.

Pests & Diseases

As living trees, bonsai are susceptible to insect attacks and disease. Preventive and corrective measures include:  Keeping your bonsai in good health, since insects and bacteria tend to attack weak trees  Giving your tree ample light, fresh air and ventilation  Keeping soil free of spent blooms and fallen leaves etc. You may also use an insecticidal soap spray which is not harmful to humans or animals. This soap derivative, however, may require more than one application to control insect population. It's also a good idea to use this spray weekly to prevent any attacks.

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Other additional components were available, too, fabric drapes, or a swimming pool with slide, a white picket fence, yard toys. Mint in box, latter now sells for $100 or more.

It's easy to see how art imitated life in above house description of that era, but it's a bit sad and shocking when one learns that 1962 model replaced garage with a bomb shelter, although they also added new 'family room,' as well.

Marx continued to produce metal dollhouses, particularly spruced up Colonnade and Colonial models until end of 1970 when company went out of business. They'd provided sturdy, attractive houses at reasonable cost to at least two generations of American children. Today, they are readily available in secondary market at attractive prices.

Barbara Cohen, Littleton, N.C., owns a (mint in box) T. Cohn metal dollhouse, #66, 1950 model made for Superior Toys. It sold for $3.98. 'I can't decide to sell it or to build it,' says Cohen. 'It's a real treasure.' A metal dollhouse featured in 1948 Montgomery War Christmas catalog appears to be first modern metal design. Manufactured by T. Cohn in Brooklyn, N.Y., house had six rooms and sundeck with five windows and a front door that opened. Original price was $4.75. Most of early Cohn models had hipped gable roofs and were clearly labeled with company name--'T. Cohn Inc. Made in U.S.A.' They produced metal dollhouses from 1950s into early 1960s, almost as long as Marx, though not as successfully.

The Wolverine Supply & Mfg. Co., was founded in 1903 by Benjamin Bain. The Pennsylvania plant designed tools and dies, but got into toy business when a customer went bankrupt before he could take delivery on his sand toy manufacturing equipment.

Wolverine went from gravity-action sand toys (1913) to housekeeping toys (1920s) to Rite-Hite toy kitchens (1959) to dollhouses (1972-1990). They designed seven dollhouses, none of which was up to standards of very well-made houses bearing other name brands. Like those others, though, each sold complete with plastic furniture. Proud owner of small Wolverine Ranch House is Dorothy McKinsey of Bremerton, Wash. 'I got it a couple years ago at a thrift shop for only $5.' Present value is $30 to $50, so Dorothy bought a real treasure for pennies on dollar.

If child in you longs for a dollhouse, it seems as if an old metal dollhouse may be way to go. Because there were thousands produced, many are available on today's market. Besides that, all furniture in plastic awaits your interior decorating pleasure. But that's another story!