Bonsai Basics

The art of bonsai is one that comes with centuries of tradition. The concept of bonsai is one that is well established in Japan. Many see the art of bonsai as one where dwarf plants are used and their small stature maintained; many prefer using full grown plants in order to capture the bonsai look. read more..

Determining the age of the oldest bonsai tree isn’t easily done. It’s not like an oak tree that you can look at and guess how old it is by comparing it to the surrounding trees. Because of the miniaturized nature of the bonsai tree the oldest bonsai tree often looks like the same age as its much younger companions. One interesting fact about the bonsai is that it enjoys an unusually long life. Bonsai trees tend to outlive their full size counterparts by several years. read more..

Many of us have just started to notice bonsai trees. These miniaturized little trees that are oddly shaped suddenly seem to be popping up everywhere. Although they are currently enjoying a sudden burst in popularity the bonsai tree is hardly a new invention. The history of bonsai is in fact long and steeped in culture. read more..

Say ‘art’ and most will think of painting or sculpture. There is a kind of sculpture, though, that takes as its raw material not stone or wood but a living tree. That is the art of bonsai trees. read more..

Most beginning bonsai artists will purchase a tree at some stage of development and gradually learn to care for it. The novice will graduate later to pruning, wiring and other more advanced practices. At some point in his or her education, the temptation to take on the challenge of growing a bonsai from seed will seem irresistible. read more..