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The Ancient Art of Bonsai
The art of growing bonsais is an ancient
oriental tradition, in which bonsai means
"tray gardening". There are
traces of bonsais (miniature trees or
bushes) in Egypt, Japan and China, and it
was considered that the miniature tree
would have concentrated the powers of the
actual-size tree.
Bonsai trees require a lot of care. The
branches, leaves and roots need regular
pruning to maintain the shape of the
plant. Pinching is also required and even
the use of small wires to keep the
branches growing in a certain way.
Because the root system is very small,
bonsais need to be watered regularly and
properly. They are also very sensitive to
excesive heat (which makes water
evaporate quicker), sun and wind.
Keeping bonsais in their shape is all an
art and there are different styles that
apply to different types of bonsai trees.
The basic five styles are: formal
upright, informal upright, cascade, semi
cascade, and windswept.
The cascade style is probaby the most
interesting to display, as the branches
of the tree eventually reach a level
below the base of the pot.
For the Japanese, bonsais have aesthetic
beauty and are meant to evoke the spirit
of the plant being used. This may also
include the use of rocks, mountains or
water features to recreate the
surroundings of the actual tree in
reality.
This also includes choosing the most
appropriate bonsai for an environment.
There are indoor and outdoor bonsais, and
the Japanese placed them to suit a
certain space with a type of spirit. Not
all bonsai trees should be, according to
this tradition, displayed in any place.
A bonsai is a very elegant tree to
display outdoors, and it makes an
interesting choice for an indoor spot.
Get yourself started today with a Dwarf
Japanese Garden Juniper (considered by
some as the best bonsai for a beginner)
and enhance the appearance of your chosen
spot.
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