A wonderful blend of horticultural knowledge and art, bonsai has been practiced for well over a thousand years and has become well-loved the world over for its ability to cultivate feelings of peace and tranquillity, as well as representing patience, perseverance, and determination.
The Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees in pots, bonsai was developed from the traditional Chinese art form known as penjing, under the influence of Japan’s Zen Buddhism. One of the oldest-known living bonsai trees, considered one of the National Treasure of Japan, is thought to be at least 500 years old and can still be seen in the Tokyo Imperial Palace collection.
How bonsai trees get their size
The word bonsai literally translates to “planted in a container” – an apt moniker. Most often kept under four feet high, bonsai trees are not genetically dwarfed plants. Instead, techniques such as pinching buds, pruning and wiring branches, potting, defoliation, and grafting are among those used to limit and redirect healthy growth. Indeed, any plant species that has a woody stem or trunk, grows true branches, can be successfully grown in a contained and has smallish leaves can be used to create bonsai.
Different styles and species of bonsai
Some of the main traditional species of trees used in the art of bonsai include figs, Japanese maples, juniper, and Chinese elm. Many Australian and New Zealand native plants are also well-suited, such as banksia, bottlebrush, pohutukawa, and totara. There are several different styles of bonsai, such as formal upright, a style characterised by a straight, tapering trunk; slant,
which describes bonsai that possess straight trunks that emerge from the soil at an angle; and cascade, a style modelled after trees that grow over water or down the sides of mountains.
Top reasons to practice bonsai
PAYS HOMEAGE TO NATURE
Though people practice bonsai for a variety of reasons, one of the key motivations of the art is to pay homage to nature. The Japanese tradition prizes bonsai trees that elegantly replicate aged and gnarled trunks and branches as they are considered to embody the idea of the mutability of all things.
TEACHES THE ART OF PATIENCE
Another benefit of bonsai is that the careful and precise practice helps teach the art of patience and relax the mind, making it a perfect activity when encouraging mindfulness.
SPARKS CREATIVITY
Bonsai is an excellent way to spark creativity – the more you practice the more you will develop a curiosity to explore new techniques, tree species, and decorations. Though it might sound simple, even the act of choosing a container to grow your bonsai in is an essential element of the art. Usually earthenware, bonsai pots may be round, oval, square, octagonal, or lobed, and are chosen to harmonise with the colours and proportions of the tree.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at this fascinating art, there are several ready-made bonsai trees available that will allow you to concentrate on learning the essential care techniques before starting from scratch. If you’re a bit more confident or eager to jump right into the deep end, however, DIY starter plants might be the way to go. Head to your local nursery or gardening centre to find out more.
