Bonsai: what is this?
Well-known Japanese word “Bonsai� means “planted in a container�. But generally Bonsai is the accumulation of techniques how to grow, form and care for a tree in order to create a tiny but naturally and old looking tree. As time went by Bonsai has developed from plants in pots into a well respected art.
Although the word ‘Bonsai’ is a literal translation from the Japanese, the notion appeared in the Chinese empire. Chinese were the first who started the art of ‘pun-sai’, using special techniques to grow tiny trees in containers. At first only the elite practiced pun-sai and these trees were spread throughout rich families as luxurious gifts. Later the art of growing dwarf trees in containers was introduced in Japan. The Japanese advanced the art of growing trees in containers, and most well-know techniques and styles were developed in Japan. And only at around 1900 Bonsai was spread outside of Asia.
Once arriving in the Western World, this enjoyable and rewarding pastime has never turned back. It has gained a magnificently diverse range of plant material and techniques.
For the beginning the tree and its container create a single harmonious unit where the shape, texture and color compliment the each other. Then the tree must be shaped. It is not enough just to plant a tree in a container and let it grow - the result would look nothing like a tree and would look very short-lived. Every branch and sprig of a tree is cut or removed until the needed image is achieved. And from then on, the tree is maintained and improved by a regular regime of pruning and trimming.