Bonsai Basics

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The Bonsai Tree

The bonsai tree is not 'just another house plant' and fans of Bonsai cultivation need to have great patience and perseverance because it can take quite a few years for a bonsai to fully grow and flourish. One thing is certain, though, given the right approach, the end result is very rewarding.

Bonsai history

The actual name 'bonsai' is made up of two Japanese words, the word 'bon', which translates as 'shallow container' or tray, and 'sai' which is a plant or planting.

China is the country where the art of bonsai actually originated, but it is japan that has really devloped the art of bonsai since the eighth century. There is also a theory that proposes that planting trees in small trays for artistic reasons may have started in india or pakistan.

Whatever the truth, it seems that the growth in popularity of Bonsai is linked with buddhism as zen promotes creating works of art as an essential extension of the self , and the artist's spirituality In fact, the care and growth of a bonsai is seen as a type of meditation.

Today, the care and growth of Bonsai trees is a very popular hobby that is practised throughout the world, and brings enjoyment to many millions.

How to start - the essentials

In bonsai you are actually miniaturising nature. This is done primarily by cutting back the roots of a very young tree..

Bonsai trees can be grown from seeds or cuttings, but that is usually quite hard and it is perhaps a better idea for the complete beginner to buy a 'ready grown' bonsai tree from a bonsai grower and continue with the artisitic work that has already been done.

There are a selection of essential tools and equipment that are vital to keep a bonsai tree.

Bonsai tools for trimming foliage and roots are obviously important. These tools are small, sharp and often expensive, so think twice before making any rash purchases and it would be worthwhile to consult a good book on bonsai tree cultivation before making any expensive purchases.

Copper wire is also essential. It is wound around the trunk of a sapling, so that the trunk can be bent into the required shape and style ( and there are many different styles). Copper wire is also commonly used around the roots of a tree to anchor it into a shallow pot.

The choice of pot or container is also essential as it should reflect the sort of tree or plant you have chosen as well as the style of tree you want to cultivate. Whatever you choose, the pot should not be glazed on the inside and should have good drainage.

Some popular choices of Bonsai are the Japanese Maple, Junipers, the Japanese Black Pine and Star Magnolias.

Ekaterina Wakefield is a staff writer at: Kyoto Bonsai Trees, offering a range of Bonsai Trees and Bonsai pots and tools.

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