Entry #3
"Little Ollie" Dwarf Olive (Olea europaea 'Montra')
USA
30.4cm (12")
Before
This species is a non-fruiting olive shrub that is considered an “easy care” plant. I chose this plant as my entry, because I live in a very hot and dry area, so I wanted something that can tolerate the extreme temperatures (olive trees grow well here). Also, this will be my first bonsai, I plan to style it after a very large olive tree that is growing in my backyard. From what I’ve read, olive trees can take some abuse, they are heat and drought resistant, so hopefully I can shape this little bush into a miniature tree. I bought the plant from a local nursery, it looks as if it has been growing in this pot for quite some time, and has a nice trunk and some exposed roots. The tree is in a 7″ plastic nursery pot, the canopy is about 12″ x 24″. I’m not sure what the finished size of this plant will be, but it seems to have good potential.