| Yorkshire Bonsai Association |
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| About Bonsai |
| The World of Bonsai The art of bonsai originated in China and has its roots firmly anchored in the culture of China and later refined into the art form we know now by the Japanese. Over the last twenty or so years the term “bonsai” has now become an international word. The pastime of bonsai cultivation is enjoyed in every country across the globe. Each countries enthusiasts using their own indigenous tree and plant species to create images of their own landscapes. From the giant sequoias of America to the gnarled olives of the Mediterranean. From colourful bougainvillea to the elegant Scots pine. All of these trees have their individual characteristics that the bonsai artist strives to recreate in miniature. What is Bonsai? Most peoples concept of bonsai when just starting out is the small, twisted and “expensive” tree at your local garden centre. Often given exotic and eastern sounding names and very little in the way of care instructions. Ok, lets stop there. This is not bonsai. But let us not dwell on what bonsai “isn’t”. Lets concentrate on what bonsai “is”. The word “bonsai” loosely translates as a tree in a pot. Easy, isn’t it? Unfortunately no. Just sticking a small plant in a pot does not make it a bonsai and many so-called bonsai are just that. Avoid these. A good bonsai should possess all the same qualities of a fully-grown tree. It should have a presence, majesty, power, age and dignity. The viewer should be able to imagine the landscape this tree is growing in. Don’t let this put you off. The whole enjoyment of bonsai is in the process of creating such trees. There is probably not one person alive who has not climbed a tree as a child and become lost in another world amongst the branches, enjoyed the peace and tranquillity they felt when walking through woodland or been inspired by a tree surviving the most hostile of environments. This “feeling” is all you need to create bonsai. Common Misconceptions Bonsai are not a special or genetic “dwarf” variety of tree. They are regular trees and shrubs that are small (ish) because of the care and techniques that are bestowed on them by their owners. This is the fun bit of bonsai. Because they are regular trees, they undergo the same changes as their larger counterparts. Deciduous trees are still deciduous as bonsai, evergreen are still evergreen and flowering and fruiting trees…. Yes, you’ve got it, still fruit and flower. Bonsai Styles |
| Taken from "Bonsai Basics" by John Armitage |
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