| The Bonsai Tree | | | | With bonsai you are actually miniaturising nature. This |
| The bonsai tree is not 'just another house plant' and | | | | is done by trimming the roots of a sapling.. |
| lovers of Bonsai tradition need to have powers of | | | | It is possible to grow bonsai trees from cuttings, but |
| patience and perseverance because it might take a | | | | that is usually quite challenging and it could be a good |
| good many years for a bonsai to really come into its | | | | idea for the complete beginner to buy a 'ready made' |
| own. One thing is certain, though, given the time and | | | | bonsai from a bonsai grower and carry on the good |
| attention, the end result is well worthwhile. | | | | work that has already started. |
| History | | | | There are a few vital tools and equipment that are |
| The name 'bonsai' is made up of two Japanese | | | | vital to keep a bonsai tree. |
| words, the first part, the word 'bon', which translates | | | | Bonsai tools for trimming foliage and roots are |
| as 'shallow container', and the word 'sai' which means | | | | obviously important. These tools are small, sharp and |
| 'plant' or 'planting' | | | | often expensive, so think twice before making any |
| The art of bonsai was actually invented in china, but | | | | rash purchases and it would be worthwhile to consult |
| it is japan that has really devloped the art of bonsai | | | | a good book on bonsai tree cultivation before making |
| for over a thousand years. There is also some | | | | any expensive purchases. |
| debate as to whether transferring trees to small pots | | | | Copper wire is also essential. It is wound around the |
| for artistic purposes may have started in india. | | | | trunk of a sapling, so that the trunk can be bent into |
| Whichever is the true history, it is likely that the | | | | the required shape and style ( and there are many |
| dramatic increase in popularity of Bonsai is linked with | | | | different styles). Copper wire is also usually used |
| buddhism as zen buddhism promotes creating works | | | | around the roots of a tree to anchor it into a shallow |
| of art as an essential extension of the self , and | | | | pot. |
| one's own spirituality. In fact, the development and | | | | The choice of pot or container is also vital as it must |
| care of a bonsai tree is seen as a good form of | | | | reflect the type of tree or plant you have chosen as |
| meditation. | | | | well as the style of tree you want to cultivate. |
| In modern times, the care and growth of Bonsai | | | | Whatever you choose, the pot should not be glazed |
| trees is an extremely popular pastime that is | | | | on the inside and must have good drainage. |
| practised worldwide, and gives pleasure to growing | | | | Some popular choices of Bonsai are the Japanese |
| numbers. | | | | Maple, Junipers, the Japanese Black Pine and Star |
| How to start - the basics | | | | Magnolias. |