The cultivation of bonsai is considered by many people as a serious hobby. For others, creating and maintaining a nice bonsai garden is a good reflection of their lifestyles. But unlike other types of houseplants, bonsai requires deep commitment and creativity.
It is typical for bonsai enthusiasts to desire building their own bonsai garden. But fascination for this potted dwarf trees is not the only factor needed to come up with a good collection of bonsai.
A bonsai garden is believed to be a harmonious link between human and nature, and maintaining such association is possible with a well-tended garden. There are five basic elements which serve as necessary features of a bonsai garden: natural look, natural tree flow, branch structure, soil, and container.
Having a natural look or appearance is a very vital element of ever bonsai garden. Since bonsai trees are merely ordinary trees that were grown as miniature versions, it is only proper that they look as natural as possible. So forget plastic decorations in your bonsai garden.
Natural free flow is related to the first element. Because a bonsai garden is made up bonsai trees in their very own natural habitat, the trees should possess symmetry. That is, regardless if these were brought pre-sculpted or you sculptured them yourself, their upper limbs should blend well with the lower limbs.
The branch structure of your bonsai trees will play a crucial role in the trees health. The branches should be sculpted in a way that it allows sunlight to reach all areas in the structure so as to enhance health and emphasize the beauty of your bonsai garden as well.
The top soil and that found around the base of the trunk should serve to boost the tree's natural look. This can be achieved by the addition of typical growth at the trunk's base such as moss, pebbles, or miniature plants.
The container speaks a lot about your bonsai tree. Make sure you choose the one that complements the texture of the tree. To put it simply, a tree with a round trunk will look good inside a round container. A smooth trunk will require a bonsai pot that has the same texture as well. Generally, the depth of container should be about the same as the tree trunk's perimeter.
A bonsai garden is a showcase of man's outstanding imagination and nature's creative power. On top of that, creating one is a rewarding experience too.