A
bonsai tree is a miniature tree. It requires constant care that demands an
ever evolving process. A bonsai tree is often referred to as a living miniature tree.
A common misconception related
to bonsai trees is that they are actually dwarf trees. Not so. It is only through careful
manipulation and planning that a bonsai gardener can cause a normal tree to stay
a tiny tree.
In ancient times, the shaping of bonsai trees was more about sculpting these small
tree trunks into the forms of animals or mystic figures. Originating in
China, the practice of cultivating
bonsai trees quickly spread to Japan. Today, Japan is most responsible for
the increased popularity of Bonsai. Note that in earlier years, the containers they used
were quite large in comparison to modern day bonsai tree containers.
As stated earlier, bonsai trees are not inherently miniaturized; in
other words, you cannot find a seed that will produce a dwarfed tree.
But herein lies the challenge of bonsai. If you are clever enough and patient
enough, you can take almost any tree and create a bonsai tree. This artistic miracle
is achieved by manipulating the tree’s habitat through pot
confinement and pruning. Which tree you choose to use is dependant on
what you are looking for in a bonsai tree. Some species of trees are more sought
after than others because of their natural characteristics that make them
better suited to particular design arrangements.
A quick clarification is needed now. To say "Bonsai" often conjures up an image of a tree in a
tray, but shrubs are included as well. Many an interesting variation in beauty
displayed by bonsai is accomplished by species of shrubs as well as trees.
It takes much time, care and pruning to create a bonsai tree.
Techniques can be as simple as pruning the leaves and roots and using wires to direct the
trunk in forming a shape and keeping it small. Caring for a bonsai tree is
a concentrated art form which demands
great sensitivity. The confined space alone can make it difficult to
care for your miniature tree. Sometimes bonsai gardeners rate their
challenges the same as someone building a ship in a bottle.
Bonsai trees are a great novelty item because of their size. They make
unusual conversation pieces. They can be shaped to your own design. Usually a
well-crafted bonsai tree will increase in value with age.
So, with a
little research on their care and how to assure the miniaturization and
shaping process, you can have your own bonsai tree. As with many other forms of
horticulture, it does require attention to thrive. To master bonsai can mean
mastering yourself.
January 27, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- The Chicago Botanic Garden is celebrating winter with its latest exhibit, "Three Friends of Winter." The silhouette bonsai show features a bonsai display, an interpreted display of the "Three Friends of Winter," family ...
Orchids of every color, shape and size are joined by miniature versions of tropical plants in Phipps Conservatory's annual Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show, which opens today and runs through March 4 at the glasshouse in Oakland. For the show, some rarer ...
I spent a couple hours in between appointments at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens enjoying the Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show. The beauty of orchids is unparalleled and what makes this show special are the masses of plants displayed, it's a ...
LIVE OAK - For Vietnam veteran Pete Logan, practicing the art of bonsai has been therapeutic, helping him deal with some of the problems of his post-traumatic stress disorder. Logan, who lives in the Felton area, has been working with the ...
The Kawa Bonsai Society did small trees in a big way during the 10th annual Joy of Bonsai event at the Flagler Extension Office, drawing people from all over Florida -- and the U.S. Before a demonstration Friday by Suthin Sukosolvisit, who owns ...
Sacramento has been chosen for Monday's first day of issue for new postage stamps with a bonsai theme. The city was chosen as the stamp dedication locale because it has the oldest bonsai tree clubs in the country, said Ralph Petty, spokesman for ...
Sacramento has been chosen for Monday's first day of issue for new postage stamps with a bonsai theme. The city was chosen as the stamp dedication locale because it has the oldest bonsai tree clubs in the country, said Ralph Petty, spokesman for ...
Clive Edwards shares the secrets of the art of bonsai BONSAI is a combination of two words “bon” and “sai” and simply means plant in a tray. People often mistakenly think that bonsai is a separate species but it is actually an art form involving ...
Cost: Members $200, Non-Members $250 (Separate materials fee of approximately $125 - $150 paid to instructor) This course will be taught by Michael Pollock and follow the general outline of the American Bonsai Society’s Introduction to Bonsai course.
Wandering through this majestic garden a sense of peace prevades the air as the wind gentle rustles the canopies of the Bonsai. Bonsai or 'tree planted in a tray' as it translates from Japanes into English is hardly a fitting description for these elegant ...