| The Bonsai Tree | | | | very young tree.. |
| The bonsai tree isnt 'just another house plant' and | | | | It is technically possible to grow bonsai trees from |
| lovers of Bonsai cultivation need to have great | | | | cuttings, but that is usually quite hard and it is perhaps a |
| patience and perseverance because it just might take | | | | good idea for the complete beginner to buy a 'ready |
| quite a few years for a bonsai to really come into its | | | | made' bonsai tree from a bonsai grower and continue |
| own. One thing is certain, though, given the right | | | | with the artisitic work that has already started. |
| approach, the rewards are huge. | | | | There are some vital tools and equipment that are |
| Bonsai history | | | | necessary to care for a bonsai tree. |
| The name 'bonsai' is made up of two Japanese | | | | Bonsai tools for trimming foliage and roots are |
| words, the first part, the word 'bon', which translates as | | | | obviously important. These tools are small, sharp and |
| 'shallow container' or tray, and the word 'sai' which | | | | often expensive, so think twice before making any |
| means 'planting' or 'plant' | | | | rash purchases and it would be worthwhile to consult |
| The origins of the art of bonsai are in china, but it is | | | | a good book on bonsai tree cultivation before making |
| japan that has really devloped the art of bonsai since | | | | any expensive purchases. |
| the eighth century. There is also some debate as to | | | | Copper wire is also necessary. It is wound around the |
| whether planting trees in small pots for artistic | | | | trunk of a sapling, so that the trunk can be bent into |
| purposes may really have started in india. | | | | the required shape and style ( and there are many |
| Whichever is the true history, it seems likely that the | | | | different styles). Copper wire is also commonly used |
| dramatic growth in popularity of Bonsai is linked with | | | | around the roots of a tree to anchor it into a shallow |
| buddhism as zen buddhism promotes artistic creation | | | | pot. |
| as an extension of the self , and the artist's spirituality | | | | The choice of pot or container is also required as it |
| Indeed, the nurturing and care of a bonsai tree is seen | | | | must reflect the type of tree or plant you have chosen |
| as a type of meditation. | | | | as well as the style of tree you want to cultivate. |
| Nowadays, the creation of Bonsai trees is an | | | | Whatever you choose, the pot should not be glazed |
| extremely popular hobby that is enjoyed worldwide, | | | | on the inside and must have good drainage. |
| and gives pleasure to millions. | | | | Some popular choices of Bonsai are the Japanese |
| How to start - the essentials | | | | Maple, Junipers, the Japanese Black Pine and Star |
| With bonsai you are effectively miniaturising a tree. | | | | Magnolias. |
| Basically, this is done by cutting back the roots of a | | | | |