Bonsai is an ancient Asian gardening art. It involves deliberately stunting the growth of a tree to obtain a miniature version, purely for aesthetic purposes. Besides being stunted, the tree may also be shaped to make it more visually appealing. Perfecting the art of growing bonsai trees usually requires years of practice. However, with a little effort and patience, you too can make your own beautiful little bonsai tree. All you need is to remember a few basic steps, and carry them out with the help of some garden implements.
The Art of Bonsai
Bonsai is assumed to have originated in China around the year 200 A.D. It is said to have been developed by the Chinese healers who had to transport medicinal herbs and plants over great distances to attend to people who were ill or injured. The healers had to make sure the plants stayed fresh and did not lose their potency. Since they could not transport large trees wherever they went, the healers began to devise ways to shrink the plants and still keep them healthy.
Although deliberately shortening plants was initially done for practical purposes, this craft also began to be seen as a decorative art. Early attempts at making bonsai trees appear visually appealing, involved growing and twisting them into different shapes. Popular among these were those that resembled animals or mystical symbols. The art of developing bonsai trees grew immensely when it was exported to Japan in 800 A.D. The Japanese focused on growing bonsai trees for landscaping purposes and this style of growingbonsai trees is what is prevalent even today.
Preliminary Steps Involved
As a beginner, it is best to obtain your cutting of the bonsai sapling from a nursery that stocks them. Select plants that are hardy, such as evergreen varieties or a species of bamboo. While choosing your sapling, opt for one with