The first ever appearance of the Bonsai plant was in China. A thousand years ago, the practice of growing specimen tree inside pots started. These were referred to as ‘pun-sai’. These plants had rugged foliage and the trunks were often mistaken as animals such as birds and dragons.
Because of these, the Chinese bonsai often inspired the creation of legends and myths. Since the shape is often associated to serpents and dragons, caring for the plant has become an esteemed hobby in China.
Japan adopted the Chinese practice in the Kamakura period. Zen Buddhism was spreading around Asia and this was also the time when bonsai was introduced in Japan. Over the years, the plants were no longer limited in Buddhist monasteries for the Buddhist monks to care for. They became a symbol of the aristocrats. Soon enough, bonsai symbolized honor and prestige in the Japanese culture.
Later on, the philosophy and ideals the bonsai held were challenged. Bonsai represented the mixture of ancient beliefs as well as the philosophies from the East that harmonizes man with his nature and his soul.
The Japanese elite brought the hobby of shaping bonsai indoors. It became a crucial part of Japanese culture. Bonsais were displayed on shelves inside households. These were no longer plants that were found in the garden. Pruning extended to the smaller trees.
In the 17th and 18th century, Japanese art reached its peak and was highly regarded by the surrounding cultures. Bonsai became an interesting collection for various races – not just the Japanese. This has established the art form all through out the other traditions and cultures around the globe.
Bonsai took on different styles. It varies from one technique to another but bonsai artists continue to take on the challenge by introducing a new concept one after another. It resulted to even small buildings becoming an art form. This is the art of bon-kei.
Bonsai exhibitions have been held in Vienna, Paris and London to name a few. This has surely made the world aware of bonsai art and culture. This phenomenal green movement also increased the demand for bonsai. Bonsai enthusiasts take on the study of pruning and shaping the plant.
Because of the changing times, bonsai has also reflected an evolution in its design to compliment the turns of modern times, as well as the bonsai enthusiasts’ tastes. Add to the fact that the great variety inspired from the cultures and conditions of the countries practicing it.
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Beginnig Bonsai:
Larry and Shirley Student
This book is one of the best for beginner bonsai growers and is authored by Northeast Bonsai Association charter members. Everything you need from buying your first bonsai to creating your own bonsai landscape is here. There are also important tips on how to find the right bonsai style, how and when to prune or pinch and anticipate potential problems. This is a practical book to have, especially if you're still unsure about handling bonsai.
The Art of Bonsai:
Yuji Yoshimura with Giovanna Halford
This book is in paperback and discusses the beginnings and nature of bonsai as an ancestral tradition. You get expert advice and lessons from Yoshimura, who travels the world to teach about bonsai and from Halford, a pupil of Yoshimura's.
Together, they bring together the eastern and western aspects of bonsai growing in an easy-to-read book that is filled with practical answers to the most common bonsai problems. Incidentally, Yoshimura owns the Kofu-en, a bonsai nursery near Tokyo, which is frequented by international admirers.
Bonsai Survival Manual:
Colin Lewis
Authored by the founder of Bonsai Magazine, this book will give you the most detailed advice on selecting plants for bonsai, assessing bonsai health and yes, ensuring its survival. From buying to shaping, from pruning to repotting to handling common pests and diseases, this book also contains specific information for each bonsai featured in its pages. Also with photographs, a good book to have if you're a beginner.
Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
Harry Tomlinson
The best 101 tips for bonsai growing and care are what you'll get from this book, authored by one of the leading bonsai instructors in Europe. The tips are practical, easy to understand and can provide the most comprehensive answers to the common (and uncommon) bonsai questions.
Bonsai Landscapes
Peter D. Adams
If you have enough bonsai experience, then you're ready to move on to the next level by creating landscapes for your bonsai. The topics are illustrated with photographs and line drawings and the whole book has easy to follow instructions for 13 styles of landscapes. Great if you plan to create miniature worlds in a small pot.
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Thrill junkies choose to have hobbies that can make their blood rise all the more. Others prefer hobbies that allow them to adhere to the status quo. Some, however, prefer to find a hobby that can sufficiently engage their interest and alleviate the stress from their lives. If you belong to the last category, do consider making bonsai growing as your hobby as it can provide you with all the benefits you’re looking for.
Benefits of Bonsai as a Hobby
Long-Lasting – Plants are living creatures just like us. Moreover, they can even live longer than we do as long as we continually care for them properly. If you choose a bonsai growing hobby, it’s definitely a hobby that can and will last a lifetime if you so wish.
Relaxing – There’s something uniquely soothing about caring for bonsai plants. As you go about your daily routine in watering and cutting bonsai plants, you’ll find your stress slowly leaking away from your body until all you’re left with is an overall feeling of contentment.
Profitable – Bonsai growing is definitely a profitable hobby if you care to make it. As long as you’re able to maintain the ideal appearance for your bonsai plants, many people will be willing to purchase them from you…for the right price, of course!
Tips
Grow bonsai plants from small pots if you wish to mold or cut them into a particular shape. Make sure however that you cut them properly lest you wish risk harming your plants. There are various styles of pots that you can select from, so do make sure that you buy the style that most appeals to your eye – and budget, of course!
If you don’t live in an area where bonsai plants aren’t native to, expect to see them grow yellowish leaves after two weeks. Although it’s tempting to pluck them one by one, don’t let yourself do it as this will only lead to more of these leaves growing.
Watering bonsai plants is a methodical process. It requires careful control of temperature and volume. To ensure that you’re watering your bonsai plants correctly, it’s best that you purchase and use a humidity tray. Remember to spray water on them approximately twice a day.
With bonsai growing as a hobby, however, you will have to dedicate a certain amount of space inside or outside your home for these plants to grow in comfort. But then again, since bonsai plants add beauty to anyone’s home, whatever space you contribute to it is space well-used indeed!
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