Bonsai

Everyone has heard of Bonsai, pronounced bone-sigh, and literally means potted plant, or a tree in a pot, basically miniature trees that are grown in containers.

Working with bonsai is said to have a Soothing effect on people and over time with some patience and care you can soon see and enjoy the rewards of your hard work, and enjoy a feel of achievement.

Bonsai is the ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees by constantly pruning their roots and branches, a bonsai tree can actually live to be hundreds of years old. Originally, the bonsai came from China but it was the Japanese that made them popular, particularly in Western civilization.

Bonsai trees have become rather popular in offices in later years because of their small size, and their upkeep is quite minimal.
They do say that a bonsai tree should not be positioned in the middle of its container, not just for the visual effect , but the center point is symbolically where heaven and earth meet, and nothing should occupy this site.

There is one good thing to remember, bonsai trees are not actually that hard to look after, in fact, no more than most other houseplants, they just need food, water and light.

You can create bonsai from almost any woody stemmed tree, perennial or shrub species.

A lot of people who get into growing bonsai trees get very competitive; it’s very stimulating and also very rewarding when you manage to grow your own bonsai that shames the competition.

One of the most attractive parts about bonsai trees is that anyone can get involved, it’s so terrific to be able to create something your own way, and with so many different trees you can soon have quite an interesting bonsai garden to impress your friends.

Don’t despair if you don’t have a garden, Japanese bonsai trees love the indoors too, maybe you have a conservatory or just a back yard, or maybe just put up some shelves up around your house so you can keep up with the pruning and of course, you can sit back in the evening and admire your work.

You will find a variety of bonsai trees in Japanese styled gardens, good for inspiration, these gardens can be seen at many places such as a city park or any historic landmarks such as old palaces or castles; you can even find Japanese gardens at people’s homes.

The rock gardens or dry gardens as they can be called are the most significant Japanese gardens that can be found in Japan. Japanese gardening has made its way to houses and many monument places in United Kingdom, United States, etc.

If you want to try your green fingers with Japanese gardening yourself, you can get a lot of inspiration by visiting these amazing Japanese gardens such as The Japanese Gardens at the Irish National Stud at Kildare in Ireland, Chicago Botanical Gardens in United States, Holland Park in London (United Kingdom) are just a few to name.