Don Ziemann cleans up one of his miniature bonsai grape vines Friday afternoon at his home in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Lodi man practices art of bonsai

The front lawn of Don Ziemann's Lodi home is like most other houses on the suburban street. It's his backyard that makes his home special. Ziemann's back lawn is a sanctuary where giant redwoods tower over nearly 50 bonsai trees.

His garden even includes grapevines.

Ziemann has been growing bonsai trees for about 17 years. At one point, his backyard contained over 350 mini trees. According to Ziemann, the way to keep the plants small and healthy is to periodically repot the plants, trim the roots, prune the leaves, keep them watered and pay them lots of attention.

"A lot of people can't have them, they're worse than having a pet." he said.

Ziemann got into the art of bonsai from his late brother-in-law, Ray Bender, who passed away from cancer a few years ago.

"Bonsai are like people, some die old and some die young." Ziemann said. "I've lost a lot of good ones. I wish I had some back."

Ziemann entered many of his trees into the San Joaquin Fair bonsai, container grown, cacti and succulents categories and took ribbons for many.

Ziemann can be found at the fair daily, watering his plants and keeping them looking healthy.

More photos and information on Don Zeimanns work can be found at http://www.bonsaiinn.com.