The History Of Bonsai Trees

Penzai is an ancient Chinese practice of growing small plants in pots

. Penzai literally translates to "tray scenery", but loosely means potted landscape. The practice moved through Asia and eventually into Japan. Bonsai trees, a Japanese pronunciation of Penzai, became popular during the Heian period in 794 to 1185.

Bonsai is a strictly decorative art form. It is meant to be a contemplative piece for the viewer and an exercise in patience and ingenuity for the grower. Unlike most horticultural projects, there are no food or medicinal purposes for these plants. Since it is not meant for large scale landscapes, it is a very focused effort.

One of the oldest known living examples is a National Treasure of Japan. It is a five needled pine considered to be at least five hundred years old. It can be seen in the Tokyo Imperial Palace collection.

Practically any wood perennial can be used. As long as it branches and retains small with root and crown pruning, it can be used for this purpose. If it takes well to container growth, it will also be a good contender.

Even though practically anything can be used in this craft, there are some favorite species. Plants with small leaves or needles make good fodder because they are visually appealing on the small scale. Ficus is also a good choice because it is easy for beginners and responds well to trimming and bounces back relatively easily.

To start one, the grower needs source material to train into a Bonsai. This material can come from a number of places. This is one of the few forms of plant propagation that does not succeed well from seed. Since the ultimate goal of Bonsai is a weathered and aged appearance, source material is often partially grown or even mature.

There are many intricate techniques in forming a tree. Leaf trimming defines the shape and cleans up the trunk. Pruning is usually the first step. It involves cutting off pieces of the plant to make it an appropriate shape. Wiring is used to hold trunks and branches in place. Clamping can be used in place of wiring if the specimen is too tough. Grafting can be used when a new piece of growing foliage is wanted in a place that didn't have foliage before. Defoliation can be used to make smaller new leaves grow in the place the large old ones were in. Deadwood is yet another technique used. This entails removing the bark from an entire branch to give the look of dead wood.

Bonsai trees can be beautiful sculpture to contemplate, a lifelong hobby, or both. The rich history and cultural significance make them a lovely addition to any home or garden.

by: Andy Guides Jr

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