Introduction to Bonsai

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Bonsai is a Japanese term applied to dwarf trees grown in shallow containers. By pruning the roots as well as the branches, these trees are trained into the same stately shapes of their gigantic counterparts. Bonsai may consist of a single specimen tree, two twined closely together as if growing from the same stump, or a group of trees growing in a dense clump. They may have high, exposed roots, or the tree may be drooping down as if over a cliff. Another popular bonsai style is for the tree to grow on the top of a rock with the roots coming down over it, as is sometimes found in ancient rainforests.

The special shallow dish in which they grow is an important part of bonsai. While this pot can be any shape, it’s sized must be in proportion to the tree grown in it. It must also have a central hole for drainage so that the roots don’t rot. The vacant space in the pot is meant to represent plains or distant mountains.

Let's take a look at the basics of what you will need before you begin to create a bonsai.

Pick a tree that you really like. You may have access to tiny tree seedlings that would be ideal for bonsai. Maples and conifers are both suitable for bonsai. Japanese maples are particularly good for leaf colour, some turning brilliant red in fall. Deciduous or evergreen trees may be used for bonsai.

If you can’t germinate your own seed, start with pre-grown nursery stock of about two years old, then choose your bonsai pot. A lot of Bonsai masters will tell you that you need not even use a proper bonsai pot until you have trained your plant for a few years. This will give it time to grow in a much larger pot and attain some good structure in the roots, trunk and limbs. This larger form of bonsai is actually called ‘hachi-uye’ meaning ‘pot-planted’. However, if you want a true, dwarf bonsai go for the smallest you can find.

Trim the plant down in size by pruning the roots and limbs back where and when necessary. Once you have it in a preferred bonsai style, transplant it to your selected bonsai pot and continue to train it in the style that you like. You may need to wind special wire around the stem to create an interesting shape. Don’t expect it to be finished in a few weeks. It will take some years to achieve, as trees are slow growing at the best of times.

The art of growing miniature trees is a fascinating hobby that can be pursued by anyone. If you are serious about doing bonsai, it’s best to purchase a book to give you more comprehensive instructions.

Beverley Boorer is a freelance writer and gardener whose articles on a wide range of topics continue to be published both online and off. Her gardening website may be found at http://www.top-garden-tips.com.

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