Bonsai Trees: Beautiful Living Sculptures
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.
The trees such an important part of Japanese culture that there is one that is a National Treasure. A five hundred year old five-needled pine is considered to be one of these treasures. This potentially oldest know living tree can be seen in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Most plant material can be suitable. If it is perennial, has woody growth, and remains small in containers, it can be used. It should also branch and respond well to pruning.
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.
Source materials can be found in many different places. Source material is what is used to begin the process. Bonsai are very difficult to start from seed. Most growers don't want to start from seed either because the ultimate goal is a mature and weathered appearance. It would take many, many years to achieve this, so most growers use source material that is already mature or partially grown.
Many techniques are involved in creating these living sculptures. Pruning is the first step to creating one. This involves cutting small pieces of branch, root, or trunk to achieve the desired effect. Leaf trimming is the most commonly used technique throughout the life of the tree. Wrapping wire around the branches will help hold the desired shape until the wood lignifies and can hold itself up. Clamping is an alternative to wiring when a tree is too tough. Grafting allows the grower to place new growing material in a place without foliage. Defoliation involves removing all the leaves off part of the tree. This forces new, tiny leaves to grow back in their place. Dead wooding is a technique in which all the bark is removed from a branch or the trunk to give the appearance 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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