The Japanese term ‘Bonsai’ means ‘plant in a tray’. It is a procedure whereby dwarfed trees are grown in a pot after having been aesthetically pruned through certain prescribed techniques to keep them small without hampering their natural growth process, so that they may continue to retain all the natural qualities of a larger tree. These flower plants are a truly unique creation which is said to be a represent ‘all that’s best in man and earth’.
It was the Chinese who first discovered the art of pruning trees to keep them small. They were extremely fond of shaping the trees like dragons and serpents, but they failed to keep the plants artistically proportional. In the 9th century it was bought to Japan by Japanese embassies from China, and the Japanese who were fascinated by this discovery worked painstakingly to perfect the procedure. To this day Bonsai trees are considered a work of art.
Finally in the mid-19th century the Bonsai plants were revealed to the rest of the world. Word spread by way of travelers of miniature trees in small pots that mimicked aged, mature trees. The Japanese learnt to capitalize on the interest in this art form very quickly - opening up nurseries dedicated solely to grow, train and then export these trees. Different plants were now being used to cater for worldwide climates and to produce neater foliage and more suitable growth habits
This fascination in the western world led to a lot of people trying to come up with their own way of pruning trees to remain small by means of skewers and wires. As a result there are different schools of Bonsai making. One of the basic styles is ‘Classie’ where the trunk of the tree is initially broad but becomes thinner as it grows. Another style is ‘Camie’ where the trunk is slender but adopts a broader look as it grows upwards.
In Japan, these flower plants are highly regarded as a symbol of their culture and ideals. The New Year is not complete unless the tokonoma - the special niche in every Japanese home used for the display of ornaments and prized possessions - is filled with a blossoming apricot or plum flower plant. Bonsai is no longer reserved for the upper class but is a joy shared by all people.
Bonsai care
If you are going to buy a Bonsai tree, start out with one because for one they are expensive and for another you have to learn all about how to care for your Bonsai. They have to be watered, the soil must be perfect, they require regular pruning and yet sometimes they seem to die for no reason whatsoever. Therefore, it makes no sense to start a Bonsai garden until you are well versed with the nature of these delicate plants. This may seem like a lot for a small flower plant but remember its not just a tree, it’s a work of art!
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