Bonsai Trees Are Fascinating, and Relaxing
Create a miniature world with bonsai trees
There's just something about bonsai trees that fascinate people. When I was younger I didn't understand why anybody in their right mind would want to grow a little tree. It reminded me of those little Zen gardens with sand and a rake that I'd see in corporate offices. What was the purpose?
But, as they say, with age comes wisdom. I now see that growing and caring for bonsai trees is an act of patience, a lesson in tranquility, and also, quite possibly, a chance to play God with your own little world.
It's an itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie...tree
Bonsai means "tray planting" and the art of bonsai has greatly evolved through the centuries. Bonsai originated in China more than a thousand years ago, but the Japanese refined it and then spread it to Western culture. Originally, people dug up bonsai trees in the wild. Today, bonsai trees are grown, pruned and trained to look naturally stunted.
Raising and caring for bonsai trees is an art form spreading around the world, with different techniques for growing and shaping them. Traditional bonsai species include pines, maples, and azaleas, but you can also grow trees such as cypresses, Chinese elms, and miniature fruit trees. Bonsai hobbyists still strive for that perfect bonsai--a miniature tree that looks centuries old.
Bonsai growers groom and shape their tree until they achieve the desired look. This includes pruning or removing each and every branch and leaf. This also includes choosing the right pot to complement the tree. Do your research before deciding on growing bonsai trees. This hobby has some costly yet necessary supplies.
There are many great online resources for everything you need to know about growing and caring for bonsai trees, including The Bonsai Site. But first, you should study large trees until you understand what you like about a tree and what shape you prefer.
There are five main bonsai tree styles: formal upright, informal upright, slanting style, cascade, and semi-cascade. Figure out which species of tree to grow, and then decide on the proper techniques for training a particular type.
The art of bonsai horticulture takes time to learn, but is worth the investment for the serenity it brings. If you know somebody who has the time and the interest in plants, I recommend a gift of bonsai trees.