A bonsai tree is considered to be both an art from and horticulture. It is a way of training trees to achieve the artists desired shape. They are not specially bred dwarfed trees just trees trained to stay small. Bonsai’s can range from 5 centimetres to one metre in height, depending on the size of the container it is in.
Training a bonsai plant does not hurt it in anyway, contrary to some myths about bonsai plants. The art of bonsai started off in China and has links with Zen Buddhism. Bonsai connects man, nature, elements and change together in this method of meditation and expression. Over years bonsai has lost its original meaning and nowadays is considered to be a hobby or as something to display. Bonsai can be developed as already established plants or be grown from seeds.
You keep a bonsai plant small by a routine of pruning and cutting the branches and roots. Pruning the roots is very important so the plant does not starve to death or become too big for its container. When the tree reaches the size you want you must remember to prune off new growth. Wiring the trunk and branches will make the tree grow into the shape you desire.
The expression “heaven and earth in one container” is often used when talking about bonsais. This is because the container separates the bonsai from the earth, letting it be whole in itself yet still a part of nature. You should always position a bonsai slightly off centre within its container. This is because it is believed that it is the centre where heaven and earth meet, and there fore nothing should occupy this space. It also creates the traditional visual effect of bonsai.
Triangular patterns are also important in bonsai. Traditionally it is said that there are three basic virtues necessary to create bonsai; standing for truth (shin-zen-bi), beauty and goodness. The triangles can also represent the relationship between the artist, the tree and nature. If looked after properly bonsai can live for hundred of years. These would be passed down the generations as a reminder of the people that cared for the tree over the centuries. They would be admired for their age and the knowledge that would have been gained and passed down through the generations.
Age is not the most essential element in bonsai, the most important thing is the aesthetics of the tree and that it has the desired effect. It must also be in the right proportion to its container and be in excellent heath. Any type of plant can be used in bonsai regardless of the size it naturally grows to. Plants with small leaves are more ideal for bonsai.
In Japan the most common types of bonsai are pine, azalea, camellia, bamboo and plum. The artist must shape the tree into how they would want to see it, it is because of this that bonsai is considered not to be imitating nature but manipulating it. However the bonsai must look natural and untouched by human hands, part of the art on bonsai is finding this balance. Chinese bonsai however is different as it is more like topiary showing off symbols, dragons or other images related to their culture.
Bonsai are primarily kept as outdoor plants although some plants are more suited to be indoors, this does not mean they don’t need good light and air. They must be looked after and not just left to gather dust on your windowsill. In Japan bonsai are displayed in a special rooms called the tokonoma on special occasions. Bonsai is a personal thing; there are no set rules if you’re doing it as a hobby. It should be something enjoyable but it does take a lot of time, patience and skill as well as endurance. The important thing is to not give up if things go wrong, remember bonsai is a skill and takes a little practise the master it. Overall its about trial and error and finding out what works best for you.