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Bonsai Art
For
centuries, people the world over have been fascinated by
bonsai (pronounced BONE- SIGH). These carefully trained
trees and shrubs captivate the imagination, as they seem
to be impossibly old for their small size, all the while
appearing to be exact, miniaturized replicas of mature,
full-sized specimens.
The term ‘bonsai' is a Japanese word made up of two
characters: ‘bon', meaning tray, container, or pot, and
‘sai', which means tree or planted tree. Thus, ‘bonsai'
may be best translated as "tree planted in a tray' (to
say "bonsai tree" is redundant). The word is both
singular and plural, and though they occur in a variety
of sizes and shapes, bonsai are always in pots. The
practice of growing bonsai originated in China thousands
of years ago, but has been truly perfected by Japanese
masters.
A typical bonsai is usually a deciduous or evergreen
tree which has been maintained at a size between ten and
thirty inches tall, although smaller and larger sizes
are common. These trees are carefully pruned, trained,
potted and coddled so as to maintain their dwarfed size
despite ever-increasing age. Age, of course, adds
character...an aesthetic quality which bonsai
enthusiasts strive for. The older a tree is, the better.
There are bonsai specimens living today which are
literally hundreds of years old...trees which have been
handed down from generation to generation, or which have
adorned the entrances to temples or palaces, or which
have been official gifts to heads of state. Some bonsai
have been trained to resemble ancient and nearly- dead
evergreen trees, weathered and beaten by the elements
while clinging to a windy cliff. Others are planted in
groups which call to mind the stately serenity of a
primaeval forest. A solitary, gnarled and statuesque
tree may seem to hold the history and the wisdom of the
ages.
To behold an awe-inspiring, well-grown bonsai can be an
exercise in tranquility, a meditation on beauty.
The Art of Bonsai - Bonsai
 Bonsai
care depends on what species the plant is.
Traditionally, bonsai have been created of trees from
temperate climate zones, like Japan, with a regular
cycle of changing seasons. Various species of pine,
spruce, and small-leaved elms and maples are typical.
Caring for these trees requires growing them out of
doors and duplicating their native environment. Because
they are normally planted in relatively small or shallow
containers, good care requires frequent watering
(sometimes several times a day) during the growing
season. In the wintertime, these bonsai are frequently
placed in a cold frame to protect them from drying winds
and extreme temperatures while providing a necessary and
chilly dormancy. These plants should never be kept
indoors for very long periods of time.
Many tropical and subtropical plants, including some
common houseplants, lend themselves to being good bonsai
subjects as well. Popular varieties include ficus and
pomegranate, among others. These trees require the
normal care for their species, keeping them warm and
well-watered virtually the year round. In all cases,
frequent pruning and shaping is necessary to maintain
the shape and character of the plant. Because bonsai are
often grown in shallow pots or trays, regular re-potting
and root pruning is essential as the plants deplete the
nutritive value of the potting soil.
With proper care, bonsai can live for generations, just
as any normal size tree. They can become like members of
the family. There is a spectacular collection of bonsai
specimens at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC,
which is well worth a visit. Your professional florist
may be able to source some kinds of bonsai for you, but
it's probably more useful to consult a nursery which
specializes in such plants. Local bonsai clubs may be
located through your area botanical garden, and they
typically sponsor shows where bonsai may be viewed or
purchased.
Take some time to experience the beautiful art of
bonsai.
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*This article is cited from
flowershopnetwork.com |
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