Bonsai is the ancient Japanese art of growing miniaturized trees in containers. It has been practiced for over 1000 years. Continue reading to learn more about one gardener's first experience and how you can start your own bonsai practice.
Bonsai literally means tree or other plant planted in
small container. For years I have been interested
in trying my hand at Bonsai and the slow, meditative concept of growing and
pruning something for years appealed to me.
But my life was too busy. Ten
years ago I bought books, a pot, wire, clippers and all I needed was some
inspiration. Over the last several
months I attended several programs on Bonsai and I felt that this was
really something I could do. One of the
speakers said that the Japanese say if you haven't killed a Bonsai plant or two
you aren't trying hard enough. That gave
me the inspiration I needed.
I bought a starter plant and some Bonsai soil mix. I got out those long ago purchased supplies
and studied how to prepare the pot. Even
that required finding some screen to prevent the soil from falling through the
large drainage holes. Took me a couple
of tries, but I finally got them wired in and the bottom of my pot didn't look
too bad. One of the speakers had
suggested that you make a 50-50 mix of Bonsai soil and good potting soil if
this is your first Bonsai. I got that
all ready and then completely cleaned the roots of existing soil and potted up
my plant, trying to place it at an interesting angle. I had done some pruning before I took the
plant out of its original container.
After planting, I pruned a little more since you don't want branches
crossing over each other. Going with the
theory that you can take it off but you can't put it back, I have pruned every
once in a while and only after studying the plant a bit. I even tried my wiring skills on the right
hand side to move part of the plant over to where I wanted it.
If your plant is one that normally grows outside, you
need to grow your Bonsai outside, even in the winter. You may want to protect the pot and soil
during the worst part of winter particularly from cold drying winds. During spring, summer, and fall you need to
water your plant every day unless it rains.
During winter you need to water as needed just as if the plant was in
the ground. You may need to move your
plant to a protected area and mulch the pot with something like pine needles.
Trying something new has been fun! If my plant dies I will know that I have been
trying hard and will try again. I’m
really not less busy but I am happier now that I have my first Bonsai.
