The art of creating bonsai trees is making a shrub or small tree into a beautiful piece of living art. There are many different methods of keeping the specimen small and most are planted in ceramic pots. Some specimens are ornamented with small dioramas under the leaves and are displayed inside and outdoors. They are not grown for shade or fruit but, only for the art form they are.
The Chinese were the first culture to make bonsai, but they were much different than the ones in the modern world. They were clipped in shapes of dragons, animals and birds. Once the Japanese found the art form in AD 1195 they expounded upon it and made it something very special. Practitioners of Zen Buddhism created tiny trees as part of their meditation practice. Soon Japanese aristocrats hired specialists in bonsai and had valued collections. The first time bonsai was introduced outside the orient was in 1900 at the Paris World Expedition. The public was delighted and bonsai went international.
Plants that are used for bonsai are perennials that normally have woody stems and include small trees and shrubs. The criteria for the plant is that they have short needles or smaller leaves. Many times specimens can be found at the local garden center. The branches have to grow low on the trunk of the plant, grow slowly and textured wood brings more interest to the specimen.
One of the best types of plant to use is the juniper. Others include small pine trees, cedar and hemlock. A tree that grows slowly and is very easy to form is the Japanese White Pine. A deciduous type of tree suitable for bonsai is the Trident Maple. The oldest type of plant used is the Chinese Quince. This tree lives forever and is pliable yet strong. Other shrub-like plants like hydrangea, lavender and rosemary can also make great specimens.
Several techniques can be used to make a bonsai tree. Sometimes branches are removed entirely or clipped back and leaves are removed. In many cases stems that appear on the top of a branch are left to grow while the ones on the bottom are clipped off. Pruning off the entire upper part of a plant may be necessary to make the specimen smaller.
Branches are shaped and formed by wrapping them with wire. Aluminum wire can be used but copper blends in with the color of the tree and is not so noticeable. A deciduous bonsai can have the wire taken off in about six to nine months and evergreen specimens have to wait almost two years.
Bonsais are not easy to grow. It must be watched carefully mainly because it grows in a shallow container and dries out very easily. It should be watered almost everyday but care must be taken because too much water will kill the tree. Once the container gets too small to contain the roots, another must be found and the tree replanted. Container plants must be fertilized regularly because they cannot get nutrients from the earth. Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer frequently.
Regular garden tools are not adequate for bonsai. They are usually to large and hard to handle with such a delicate specimen. Needed are leaf trimmers, wire cutters, cutting shears and a small rack and brush.
Choosing a container is an important part of creating a bonsai tree. Pots can be unglazed or they can be glazed and often they are just as beautiful as the plant. They are generally shallow and have large holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. Holes can be covered with screen material to prevent planting medium from seeping out.
Fully grown bonsai can be purchased but they are very expensive. It is possible to purchase a regular plant and make one from scratch to be fully grown in a five year period. The old method of bonsai produces specimens that can be passed from generation to generation. They take a great deal of time and trouble but you get an art form that is desirable and unique.
Doc Number: 38573026583
