In my view bonsai gardening is the one hobby you can take up and create something which can only be described as a stunning art form, even if, like me, you were born with as much natural flair for painting and drawing as Andre Agassi has for understated retirement speeches.
There is now doubt that a well kept Bonsai tree is a thing of beauty; a miniature version of a full size tree that replicates the full sized tree but is small enough to fit in a pot on a table.
Genuine living art at its best.
So, how easy is it to grow one of these magnificent, miniature plants? There is no doubt that it takes some skill, patience and a little luck but it is not in fact as difficult as it seems. Let’s find out a little more about the fascinating hobby of bonsai gardening.
There is not really a limit on what type of trees can be grown as a bonsai although the most popular varieties these days are pine, juniper and maple. The trees are trained into the required shape by wiring, followed by judicious and careful pruning. The idea is that the wiring and pruning will produce a tree that looks like a tiny version of what you would normally see in a park or garden.
Caring for bonsai trees is something which also requires a little knowledge and experience; some trees are hardy and can survive a winter outside whilst others will need a more protected environment. Other important considerations in bonsai gardening relate to the tools that you need to do the work. It is very important that you have the right equipment. Whilst a basic set of tools is not particularly expensive the correct equipment is essential if you are to make your new hobby a success.
With the right tools and a little training you can quickly learn enough to start shaping your own bonsai trees. The shape of the tree is crucial and there are a number of different recognized styles that you can use for your plant. It is always a source of great enjoyment when over time you see your tree slowly but surely taking on the shape you had envisaged for it. A true reward for your developing bonsai gardening skills.
The presentation of a bonsai tree is absolutely vital and to this end you do need to ensure that your tree is displayed in the most suitable container. There are a huge variety of containers available and you should always be searching for something that will complement and enhance your tree; something that will allow your living art to shine.
The scope of this introduction article is obviously very limited and you will need to look into bonsai gardening more deeply to decide if it is really for you. However, I do hope that I have managed to raise some enthusiasm in the reader for at least taking the next step to finding out a little more about Bonsai gardening.
A couple of plants, the right tools, a carefully chosen container and some loving attention over a period of time can combine to produce an exquisite item that will add a touch of beauty and graceful style to any garden.
Please give bonsai gardening a go. I am sure that you will not regret it.
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Have you ever heard of Bonsai gardening? If not, then realize that it is an ancient art form that hails directly from Japan. When you think of Bonsai gardening, you may picture an old looking tree. Bonsai gardening, in the Japanese language, means “tray garden.” This type of gardening is done by growing a plant in a small pot or tray, while taking care to frequently prune its branches and roots. By doing this, the plant grows in the shape in which you desire it to grow. If you plan to have a Bonsai plant, be prepared to spend a great deal of time taking care of it.
Bonsai plants are not naturally small. They are trained to achieve this appearance. It is after bonsai training, they appear to be dwarfs. They will range in height from 2 inches to 3.33 feet. There are basically two different types to buy. There are the type, which have been trained already by a genuine bonsai artist, or the untrained starter plant, which possess little or no training. It is important to find out the type of species you have purchased so you can research the care they require regarding watering, pruning and repotting.
The bonsai plant is not an indoor plant. Although it can be brought indoor on occasion, most of its life will be spent outdoors, if it is to survive. It should not be placed in direct sunlight. You should use a potting soil mix or you can buy a pre-made bonsai soil mix. The bonsai plant needs to be watered frequently, since its container is small, and therefore, only has a small water reservoir. It will need more water in dry, hot weather and less in cool, rainy weather. It also requires fertilizer to restock whatever gets washed away during frequent watering. Feedings usually take place in early spring to late summer.
Regular repotting is also necessary with bonsai plants. This will promote its growth and maintain its health. Repotting is best done when the plant is most dormant, usually in early spring or late autumn. Younger plants will require this every two to three years and older ones less often.
Pruning is what will give the bonsai plant its desired look. This should be performed during its growing season. This is done with the fingers, by pinching new growth to develop more bushiness, with scissors by trimming new shoots or with leaf pruning by removing bad looking leaves.
Aluminum wires are used to guide the tree’s branches and trunk in different directions. It is loosely wrapped around the desired part so as to not damage the bark, and then gently bent into shape. Once the tree is trained to grow this way, the wire is removed.
When looking at a bonsai plant, you will see that it is truly a work of art. It has been shaped through years and years of care to accomplish a desired look. Through this time the grower has expended a great deal of patience and care during their plant’s life. The resulting beauty is a true testament of an artist and one that should be admired.
