The art of growing bonsais is an ancient oriental tradition, inwhich bonsai means "tray gardening". There are traces of bonsais(miniature trees or bushes) in Egypt, Japan and China, and itwas considered that the miniature tree would have concentratedthe powers of the actual-size tree.
Bonsai trees require a lot of care. The branches, leaves androots need regular pruning to maintain the shape of the plant.Pinching is also required and even the use of small wires tokeep the branches growing in a certain way.
Because the root system is very small, bonsais need to bewatered regularly and properly. They are also very sensitive toexcesive heat (which makes water evaporate quicker), sun andwind.
Keeping bonsais in their shape is all an art and there aredifferent styles that apply to different types of bonsai trees.The basic five styles are: formal upright, informal upright,cascade, semi cascade, and windswept.
The cascade style is probaby the most interesting to display, asthe branches of the tree eventually reach a level below the baseof the pot.
For the Japanese, bonsais have aesthetic beauty and are meant toevoke the spirit of the plant being used. This may also includethe use of rocks, mountains or water features to recreate thesurroundings of the actual tree in reality.
This also includes choosing the most appropriate bonsai for anenvironment. There are indoor and outdoor bonsais, and theJapanese placed them to suit a certain space with a type ofspirit. Not all bonsai trees should be, according to thistradition, displayed in any place.
A bonsai is a very elegant tree to display outdoors, and itmakes an interesting choice for an indoor spot. Get yourselfstarted today with a Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (consideredby some as the best bonsai for a beginner) and enhance theappearance of your chosen spot.
About the author:Cristina Diaz Garcia is the Author and Founder of the "BeautifulGardens Email Club". Visit her page for an useful Pot Gardeningfree report athttp://www.soapystuff.com/free-garden-reports.html
