Bonsai Trees - Symbol of immortality

One of the best things about gardening bonsai trees is that one can get many varieties to choose from. These miniature versions take their origin from oriental Japanese tradition, which has challenged nature to grow at its very best in most unlikely conditions. It is a simple pleasure just to do window shopping and learn the ample varieties that exist. They can accentuate the look of any indoor or outdoor landscape. You must be an expert in pruning to get the best of bonsai trees. The art of developing this skill of making these wonderful trees is called Bonsai in penjing (Chinese art of landscape) and suiseki (Japanese beauty of using stones and pebbles). The word itself is broken in to ‘Bon’ (tray) ‘sai’ meaning planting or growing. In short it is tray planting. Many species of plants and trees can be grown by this method. Bonsai itself is not a tree but a way in which a tree is grown. Did you now that if you take care of the bonsai trees they can live up to a grand 100 years? Yes they can outlive you. It would be amazing to leave a tree behind on earth before being ground to dust.

Since bonsai originated in the Far East, there are many styles known still by their Japanese names. For example there is a normal upright chokkan, fukinagashi (Swept like the wind), Netsuranari (root linked) Neagari (raised root,) Myogi (curved trunk), Shakan (slanting), Kengai and han-kengai ( cascade and semi cascade), Hokidachi ( broom) ishitzuki and rock dweller. To grow a tree in chokkan fashion use black pine, juniper and hemlock. They will grow ramrod straight. Try using a gingko, beech, or larch to experiment with.

Japanese don’t do anything without a purpose, including their hobbies! When bonsai was developed by gardeners in the land of the rising sun, they used species of trees and plants that had some meaning. Which means if a Chrysanthemum was being used, it added to the long life, if Lotus is used it depicts, immortality, truth and perfection, Morning Glory symbolises mortality, just the opposite of Chrysanthemum! Peonies are short-term flowering plants; Pine is grown for its ripe old age and hard evergreen nature. Plum blossoms mean if there are knots (old wrinkles) and young shoots (youth) in one tree they mean despite old age one can remain young at heart!

There are essentially four types of ways that bonsai trees can be grown depending on the flowering or fruity nature.

1) Evergreen- Shohaku

2) Changing of leaves- Zouki

3) Bearing fruits- Hanamono

4) Flowers – Mimono

It is not easy to pick up any number of species of plants and trees to grow. Pick a design element also that will be needed. There are many websites that show designs. In fact a bonsai expert can be the best guide if you are a beginner- gardener and yet wish to attempt this feat. Pick the right type of tree otherwise during development stage it will bite the dust.