ALDEVAUX

Must have been a case of wishful reading. Have you had much luck in Zone 4 with palmatum? I'd imagine that St-Hyacinthe on average a little more humid than Calgary, which helps. I was in the area once years ago when I was kid and remember it being fairly windy.
I have feeling that my balconey is going to be too blustery but I'll think of something. Thank you again, M. Devaux.
JD Wolfe[/QUOTE]
Since I lost my palmatum from winter killing, I have not tried to bonsai any other japanese maples because I find it too much trouble to overwinter them in a cold room, more so, as they would take more space when they get older. I try to bonsai only native trees, and so far, they do very well with very little winter protection. I also have many species of tropicals and semi-tropicals that spend the winter in my house under fluorescent lights and humidity trays.
St-Hyacinthe may not be more humid than Calgary but certainly very windy during certain periods, but my house is well protected with many tall trees, and this, certainly helps for growing bonsai trees.
Concerning your palmatum, make sure that it stays outside from spring to fall because it will not survive indoor environments for a long time.