Bonsai is an ancient art form that originated in China, known as
Pen-Jing, where it is still popular today, however the Japanese were
the major influence on Bonsai in western culture. Chinese Trees being
less styalised than their Japanese counterparts. The term bonsai
literally means 'a plant in a tray', the generally accepted meaning,
however is a tree in a pot. The aim of bonsai is to capture the beauty
and strength of an ancient tree, without showing that the tree is
manufactured by the 'Hand of man'. The art of bonsai involves the
bringing together of tree and pot in visual harmony. Bonsai may have
one or more trees, these being referred to as group plantings. Trees in
a group planting should be of the same species, mixed species plantings
with rocks and ornamental figures are called 'Saikei' Bonsai are
classified by styles, relating to the trunk angle, shape or the number
of trunks, formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade and
group planting. They vary greatly in size from shito bonsai trees grown
in containers the size of a thimble, to trees needing several men to
move. A bonsai should have a well tapered trunk and have branches all
around the tree to give the bonsai visual depth. The lower part of the
trunk should be visible to show its 'power', It is assumed that age is
a prerequisite for bonsai, this is not the case. There are several
techniques available to the bonsai grower to increase the apparent age.
Branches on young trees are wired down for as long as needed, to
encourage them to set into the desired position, increasing the
impression of age. Jin and Sharimiki are two techniques involving the
removal of some of the bark and subsequent carving of the exposed wood
to add to the effect of an ancient tree that has suffered a trauma many
years ago. Bonsai do not differ genetically from trees found in nature
and stay small because they are confined in a container, however they
are well fed and watered. Their tops being pruned as needed to ensure
they do not appear out of balance with the pot and that the foliage
pads indicative of a mature tree are maintained. Both Coniferous and
Deciduous trees are used in bonsai, with Pine, Maple and Juniper
forming the 'Classic' bonsai, however with the spread of the art
throughout the world many indigenous species have been used to good
effect. How often the tree it is repotted and the roots are pruned
depends on it's age, younger trees may be repotted every other year,
older trees perhaps every three or four years . This causes fine new
roots to develop near the trunk, increasing the trees vigour. This
operation is usually carried out in the spring, prior to the new buds
opening.

Craig Cooper is a Minnesota home gardener. More of his articles and
other gardening information can be found at http://www.growersinfo.com
or you can e-mail