David WE Roberts writes


The point I am trying to make (which is probably politically incorrect
for a gardening group) is that I am nor really interested in anything
that requires specialised and constant care.
I have cats and children (in that order as the kids are out in the
great wide world) to fill any needs I have in that direction.

An automatic watering device is going to mar any visual appeal of the plant.

I was thinking it might be kinder to the Bonsai (which as far as I can
see is a plant tortured to the point that it cannot grow as nature
intended)

Oh, I don't know - haven't you seen trees growing in dry and
inhospitable lands, or in cracks on cliffs, or even on the Atlantic
coast of Cornwall and Devon ;-)

to pot it on and give it a better chance of long term survival even
though it is not suited to the UK climate.

Do enough to make it look nice, then give it away to someone or
somewhere the original donor won't see.

Next time you buy a plant you want, mentally dedicate it to the donor of
the bonsai - ie the plant equivalent of taking inappropriate gift
clothing back to the shop and exchanging it for something better.
--
Kay