My question is related to plants one can use to compliment a Bonsai tree. Moss is too common, what others can be used?

Thanks,

Nick Pech, Australia

Dear Nick,

I often receive similar questions from my other readers. There are heaps of different types of moss - but if you say that you are not content with that - you can try Helxine/Soleirolia solerirolii (commonly known as Baby Tears) or Ophiopogon Japonicus (commonly known as Kyoto Dwarf Mondo Grass). There are descriptions and pictures of these 'accent' plants here.

Depending on the actual size of your bonsai and bonsai pot, you can also use small bulbs which appear every spring with quite a magnificent show of colour - although you have to be wary that they do not take too much focus off the main plant. Some varieties you could try are Ipheion Uniflorum (Spring Starflower) which have triangular, white, light or dark blue shaped petals and multiply profusely; and you can also try Rhodohypoxis Baueri/Baurii (Rose Grass) which is a small tufting shrub with short, grass-like foliage and colourful pink, red or white flowers during spring and early summer. This plant is quite well known among the bonsai world - and you might be able to find it in pots at nurseries when it is in season - or order it from a bulb mail order catalogue.

Dan