WHAT IS BONSAI
A brief introduction
Bonsai
is traditionally associated with the far east, particularly Japan. It
actually has its roots in chinese history but it was the Japanese who
can claim to have paved the way for what we have today. These days its
popularity has spread across the world. Beginner trees can be bought at
garden centres, supermarkets and even DIY superstores. These trees tend
to be very basically designed, very similar and are often of poor quality.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the hobby is concerned.
It is all well and good to buy a tree, enjoy looking at it and provide
it with minimal care in order to keep it alive but the real joy of Bonsai
is to be found at a more involved level. The horticultural skills needed
to grow a tree in a pot are pretty basic and can be mastered by anyone
with a modicum of common sense. The techniques required in training a
tree to become Bonsai are a little more involved but the basics can be
mastered by just about anyone. It is when these skills and techniques
are combined with artistic flair that the true pleasure of Bonsai reveals
itself. The ability to take a tree in a pot and transform it into a living
work of art, is highly rewarding. The journey starts here.
Below you will find links to other articles on our site aimed at all levels
and delivered in what I hope is plain English.
Please ask any questions
that these articles may raise/
Mark Kennerley for Green Dragon Bonsai Jan 2000
WHAT IS BONSAI?
- A brief introduction defining Bonsai
GETTING STARTED - A few simple pointers
to get you going
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
- An outline of the basic requirements
THE CHINESE
ELM - Everybody starts here, some home truths
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - A whimsical
look at some common problems
BONSAI CALENDAR
- What to do and when to do it
STYLING
- DEVELOPING THE EYE - Slightly more advanced but essential
5 MINUTE RAFT PLANTING
- A simple project
THE ILLUSION
OF BONSAI - More food for thought
BONSAI SOIL
- A look at the essential of mixing a good Bonsai potting medium
BONSAI FEED - An
overview of feeding practices to get you thinking
LINKS TO OTHER SITES
CONTACT
US! |