The Beauty of the Bonsai
By Louise
Green
Bonsai trees have always
held a fascination for me. The first time I ever saw a
sizeable collection of many varieties of species was at the
Longwood Gardens in the Bradywine Valley in Pennsylvania.
There was a whole room filled with them with tags on what
kind they were and how old they were. I couldn`t believe
that a tiny little tree could be over 100 years old and not
more than 2 feet tall. There were also bonsai forests, trees
grouped together with little rocks covered with moss. I
tried to imagine how small I would have to be in order to
view them as full size. I figured I`d have to be about 2 or
3 inches tall. But what struck me most were the odd and
unusual shapes of these cultivated trees. They were more
than just exotic plants, they were actually like sculptures.
There was something interesting to see from any angle of the
tree. All were potted in artful ceramic planters worthy of
the beauty of the trees themselves.
So it got me wondering about bonsais, the origin of this
cultivation process, their longevity, and just how many
kinds of trees can be trained to become a bonsai. What I
found out is that this kind of cultivation first began in
China more than a thousand years ago and the techniques at
that time were rudimentary until it caught on in Japan.
There it was taken to a new level, taking on an art form
that also incorporated their philosophy of harmony between
man, the soul, and nature. There`s also an ancient Japanese
scroll that said :"To appreciate and find pleasure in
curiously curved potted trees is to love deformity".
Perfection was not at all the desired end result. The
horticulturists of that time valued those dwarfed trees that
had twisted and knarled formations both in the trunk area
and on their branches. The best "knarling" I`ve ever seen by
far were on the bonsai Redwoods. This type of tree is most
popular in the California Bay area, the region of the giant
Redwoods.
Also interesting to note is
that in ancient times, the practice of cultivating bonsais
was reserved for the upper class in Japan`s Kamakura period
and it became a highly refined art form. Bonsais were
displayed indoors on special occasions by the Japanese
elite. They were artfully displayed either in expert artisan
crafted ceramic planters strategically placed or on
specially designed shelves. Later on outdoor cultivation
became more popular during the warmer months.
Over time many more species
came to be cultivated and bonsai artists began to integrate
their plantings with rocks, accent plants, and even mini
buildings and people. By the mid 19th century world
travelers discovered these marvels and its popularity spread
even further to other countries. There began to be
exhibitions in London, Vienna, and Paris. And today there`s
even an international bonsai arboretum and bonsai exhibits
throughout most of the larger botanical gardens in many
states and countries.
Many people who are garden
and plant enthusiasts (myself included) like to have an
array of colorful perennial blooming flowers and attractive
trees and shrubs as part of their landscape layout. Indoor
plants get our special attention because they are part of
the ambience of our living space. That being said,
passionate bonsai cultivators believe that having and caring
for a bonsai is a personal experience, one which also brings
satisfaction in sharing this interest with others. This is
evidenced by the many symposiums and events geared to
displaying the most magnificent accomplishments of bonsai
cultivators.
Since they are now very
available, we as admirers simply get to choose one or more
species to bring into our homes. There are so many varieties
to choose from now too. There`s some in the evergreen family
such as the very sculptural looking Juniper, Blue Spruce,
and the gorgeous Hinoki Cypress with its rich deep green
hues. The there`s the bonsai Mimosa tress with their
branches that have a delicate and lacy look to them. And of
course, there`s the stunning flowering variety such as the
Cherry, Winter White Jasmine, and the flowering Gardenia
with blossoms that will fill your house with such a heavenly
fragrance. Most suppliers of these lovingly cultivated and
cared for trees will provide complete instructions on how to
care for each species that you choose to have. Remember,
they`re not just generic house plants, they are more like
plant art. So enjoy visualising having one in your home. To
find out more about the different species and to see some
lovely bonsai images, check out the site in the bio box.
About the
Author:
Louise Green is a freelance writer and researcher. With a
passion for the outdoors and gadrening, her site
http://www.direct-supplies.com/gardengirlloves/bonsaiboy
focuses on the exotic nature of bonsai trees and provides
beautiful images and useful information about bonsai
gardening.
If you're interested in
more bonsai articles, click here -
Bonsai Articles.
Enjoy!
I wish you all the best on your
bonsai adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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