Bonsai gifts are ideal – whether you want to give one to a friend or maybe even to yourself! According to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, “bonsai” is a potted plant that has been dwarfed and trained into an artistic shape. Usually the cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees in a single pot takes place over an extended period of time.
The word “bonsai” evokes images of magical, miniature gardens which are wonderful to contemplate. The goal is to create the illusion of a large tree or garden on a miniature scale. Growing bonsai trees is an engaging and challenging endeavor, considered by many to be an almost meditative process. Although there is much to learn about pruning, watering, training, and repotting there is hope – there are even beginner bonsai trees.
Before selecting a gift, it is important to have some understanding of the rich history of bonsai trees.
Although everyone usually associates the bonsai (which is pronounced “bon-sigh”) with the Japanese, the origins of small, container-grown plants have been tracked back to at least the early times of Egyptian culture. Pictures from about 4000 BC, show plants being grown in containers and donated to temples. In addition, ancient India also used container-grown trees for food and medicine.
However, it is the Chinese who are credited with being the true originators of the miniature, contemplative landscapes now known as Bonsai. What the Chinese called “p’en tsai (盆栽)” (also referred to as “penzai” or “penjiing”) included trimmed trees and medicinal herb bushes, planted in shallow bowls or trays. There is evidence that this art was flourishing in China as early as the Jin Dynastry (265AD – 420AD).
So how did bonsai arrive in Japan? Several factors came into play. First, Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan in about 550AD. With the arrival of Zen came the emulation of Nature, belief in the perfection of the miniature, and the practice of self discipline. Potted small trees were kept as objects of contemplation as well as decoration.
During the Fujiwara Era in Japan (794-1192AD) strong cultural exchanges began between China and Japan. Prior to this time, the Japanese had been in awe of the religion and customs of China. So, it was not surprising that the ruling classes of Japan adopted some of the Chinese practices, including what would come to be called “bonsai.” Growing dwarf plants in containers became very popular in Japan. And by the fourteenth century was viewed as a highly refined art form. In fact, the oldest known living bonsai trees, which are between 400 and 800 years old, are in the collection at Happo-en in Tokyo in a private garden and exclusive restaurant.
The Japanese “elite” brought bonsai indoors for special occasions and over time these displays became an important part of Japanese life. In the 17th and 18th centuries, bonsai evolved even more as an expression of the refinement of nature. To maintain a bonsai, all but the most important parts of the plant were removed. Focusing on the “essentials” was symbolic of Japanese philosophy and culture at the time.
Although world travelers had seen bonsai in China and Japan, it was not until the early 19th century that Japan, after 230 years of global isolation, began to open up to the rest of the world. Word spread about the miniature trees in ceramic containers that mimicked mature trees in nature. In the early 1900’s some plants were exported to England and the United States. However, most of these imports were doomed because information on growing techniques was not available in the U.S. until the 1950’s.
In the article “An Informal History of Bonsai,” Charles R. Long explains that “one of the few positive aspects of human warfare is the inevitable blending of cultures which takes place immediately upon cessation of hostile activities.” After the conclusion of World War II, people from the United States, as well as from many other countries became interested in this fascinating art form. Now, bonsai flourishes worldwide and because of this popularity, many people are looking for bonsai gifts.
Get Some Advice
There is a lot to learn about a bonsai gift for a friend or yourself. One of the best thing to do is to get some solid advice about Bonsai Gardening Secrets !
Or, if you are a total beginner, refer to The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Bonsai .
Bonsai Trees
When you are going to buy a bonsai tree gift, there are many types of trees and bushes to consider. Several popular species include the Chinese Elm, Japanese Maple, and the Ficus. But there is more than just the plants for you to consider. Will it be an indoor or outdoor arrangement? Will you include bonsai figurines, or even a water feature? And what about artificial bonsai trees?
Bonsai Pots And Containers
Next you must consider the cultivation and care. Before you buy bonsai pots, be aware that these containers come in many shapes, sizes and colors and are either glazed or unglazed. Usually evergreen plants are placed in unglazed pots, with deciduous trees in glazed containers. The color should be complimentary to the tree and the shape (straight sides with sharp corners, versus round or oval containers) you use is based on whether the bonsai will be formally or informally presented.
Soil and Fertilization
A loose, fast-draining mix for bonsai soil is best. Often, it includes volcanic soils such as adadama, also known as red ball soil, as well as coarse sand with organic elements such as bark or peat. Super absorbent hydrogel capsules can help because they slowly release water into the root zone. There are specific soil mixes for conifers, tropical and subtropical plants. In terms of fertilizer, there are a variety of products and a general rule to follow is to use little, often.
Bonsai Tree Tools
To enrich your bonsai experience, the use of special tools is recommended for maintaining bonsai. For example the concave cutter is a tool that is designed to prune flush, without leaving a stub. Other tools include branch bending jacks, wire pliers and shears of different proportions for performing detail and rough shaping. Better yet, you will want to consider purchasing either a beginners or professional set of bonsai tools and wire.
Good Advice
With everything you need to know about these miniature trees, get some solid advice in Bonsai Gardening Secrets !
What others are saying about bonsai:
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