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