Bonsai

Figurines in Penjing

2011-02-18T04:15:00.000+09:00

Taken in Bonsai Exhibition of 2010 Hong Kong Flower Show

As mentioned in an earlier post – Chinese Penjing & Japanese Bonsai, one of the major difference between Chinese penjing and Japanese bonsai is the scope of these two related art forms. With the meaning of the words – “bonsai” (盆栽) and “penjing” (盆景), it is clear that while the Japanese bonsai is focusing on the creation of a perfect tree, the Chinese penjing is more of reproducing a miniature natural scene. Many of the elaborate tray sceneries created by Chinese artists clearly defy the parameters of bonsai.
So, Chinese penjing is a little less “strict” and often involves the use of rocks, small figurines and mudmans, multiple trees, and water to complete the illusion of a landscape in a bonsai pot or on a marble slab. Little clay structures like huts, pagodas, boats and bridges are also often use in penjing. And with these traces of human existence that are frequently found in many Chinese painting, the close connection between penjing and painting is obvious.

Taken in 2009 Guangzhou Penjing (Bonsai) Exhibition

Figurines have always had a place in Chinese penjing as an aesthetic contribution. In an effort to capture the realism of a favorite scenic view, an intricate part would involve the use of figurines of people, animals, huts and temples, to give an appearance of great age and size to the miniature forests.

Bonsai forms part ll

2011-02-18T03:44:00.000+09:00

Stone form
This form mimics the tree, which is in the mountains in fight with the wind. Thus tree grows on the rocks, with visible root that go back to the earth. A young plant must be plant in narrow and deep dish. Roots placed in the cracks and cut those that do not go back to basics. Stone of a plant placed in the container, around the lower third of the land of stone installation, the remainder covered by mostly by regular moisture. In 6 to 12 months, strengthened the roots to the stone and moss can be removed.
Appropriate Plants: maple, juniper, pine, spruce...

Cascading form
In this form imitate a tree at the edge of cliffs. The principal feature the trunk or more often reinforced the lower arm, which extends beyond the lower edge of the container. This is achieved through the use of wires, or seizes the property of trees that still grow up and to the light. The container is tilted or in the extreme, on a side, but when the bonsai is already complete, of course, turns it upright again. Because of the balance the plant needs lower and higher container.
Suitable plants: larch, willow, juniper, pine...

New form ambient bonsai

2011-02-18T03:35:00.000+09:00

Ambient Bonsai

In recent times the sale of new forms of bonsai,raised by gardeners from a variety of tropical and subtropical bonsai tree spices.Because this ambient bonsais can't transfer the cold, they should be in the colder climate over the winter to stay in a closed place.This trees are better adapted to ambient conditions as the "normal" bonsai trees and generally they can have less dry air, due to heating places.We could have had them all year in the apartment, but is of great benefit, if they are in summer for some time placed outdoor.
Ambient Bonsai

Ambient Bonsai

Bonsai Trees-Education

2011-02-18T03:14:00.000+09:00

For success in the development of trees is necessary to take into account the natural forms of trees and their growth.

Bonsai will look nicer and more natural, when looking at seedling and take advantage of its strengths, it can not be any forced into any situation.
In education, it is important to us represents the fun, relaxation, not competition. Ideally, every move you made has to take time for reflection. Trees grow very slowly so it is necessary in bringing great deal of patience. To make a real visible progress can be expected only a few years.
In urban environments, which lack the natural environment, trees will be issued a secret of its growth, the time and need a clear eye.

Each plant has its own requirements for temperature, light, wintering ... therefore it is good to thoroughly check on each plant before the purchase if it will enable a suitable environment for survival.
Containers for bonsais are different forms, colors and materials. The most appropriate containers are made of highly glazed baked clay.
The form and color of the container should be adjusted to bonsai and not vice versa.
Planting must be in an appropriate mixture of peat, sand and clay.
When we take care of such sensitive plant, care must be taken to
pests, which are usually:
mites,
Gray mold

The Oldest Known Bonsai

2011-02-18T03:12:00.000+09:00

Bonsai trees are not a house plant, but a miniature tree, which requires equal opportunities for growth as the normal tree growth.
The Oldest Known Bonsai

Austrian village Seeboden

With these words you will be accepted in a bonsai museum in the Austrian village Seeboden by owner, lover of all Japanese. You'll learn that the Japanese bonsai are rarely placed in an apartment; they may do so only on special occasions, when he devoted a special place of honor.
Bonsai trees
The word bonsai, it is used incorrectly in the West for all the miniature grown plants (Western have came up with the bonsai room, but in the opinion of the professionals do not deserve this name), comes from the Japanese pronunciation of Chinese terms pensai and in literal translation means tree in a tray (container).
Oldest Bonsai in the bonsai museum in Seeboden should be 300 years old.
Short period of time created the impression of trees, which grow through the seasons, which the wind by the device gets wet rain and snow and sun.
Bonsai: Priceless family richness
The Japanese bonsai are considered to family heritage and to be transmitted from generation to generation. The value of these trees is so invaluable.
Upbringing of trees and other plants in containers is already a source from the time of the early Egyptian culture, as evidenced image records in 4000 BC; on which the image of trees grown in containers carved from stone. Plants in containers are also cultivated in India, mainly for healing purposes.
The art of breeding bonsai the most flowered in Japan during the period Tokugava when training plants to regulate the park and surrounding living rooms (most are planted azaleas and maple trees) has become a popular leisure activity of the rich.
Bonsai Trees Review

Up to 800-year-old bonsai
The oldest known bonsai should be those that are part of the garden and restaurant Hapo-en in Tokyo, Japan. Bonsai in the Tokyo garden are aged between 400 and 800 years.

The Oldest Known Bonsai

2010-11-03T20:35:00.000+09:00

Bonsai trees are not a house plant, but a miniature tree, which requires equal opportunities for growth as the normal tree growth.

Austrian village Seeboden

With these words you will be accepted in a bonsai museum in the Austrian village Seeboden by owner, lover of all Japanese. You'll learn that the Japanese bonsai are rarely placed in an apartment; they may do so only on special occasions, when he devoted a special place of honor.
Bonsai trees
The word bonsai, it is used incorrectly in the West for all the miniature grown plants (Western have came up with the bonsai room, but in the opinion of the professionals do not deserve this name), comes from the Japanese pronunciation of Chinese terms pensai and in literal translation means tree in a tray (container).
Oldest Bonsai in the bonsai museum in Seeboden should be 300 years old.
Short period of time created the impression of trees, which grow through the seasons, which the wind by the device gets wet rain and snow and sun.

Bonsai: Priceless family richness
The Japanese bonsai are considered to family heritage and to be transmitted from generation to generation. The value of these trees is so invaluable.
Upbringing of trees and other plants in containers is already a source from the time of the early Egyptian culture, as evidenced image records in 4000 BC; on which the image of trees grown in containers carved from stone. Plants in containers are also cultivated in India, mainly for healing purposes.
The art of breeding bonsai the most flowered in Japan during the period Tokugava when training plants to regulate the park and surrounding living rooms (most are planted azaleas and maple trees) has become a popular leisure activity of the rich.
Austrian village Seeboden

Up to 800-year-old bonsai
The oldest known bonsai should be those that are part of the garden and restaurant Hapo-en in Tokyo, Japan. Bonsai in the Tokyo garden are aged between 400 and 800 years.

Bonsai Trees-Education

2010-11-03T20:24:00.001+09:00

For success in the development of trees is necessary to take into account the natural forms of trees and their growth.
Bonsai will look nicer and more natural, when looking at seedling and take advantage of its strengths, it can not be any forced into any situation.
In education, it is important to us represents the fun, relaxation, not competition. Ideally, every move you made has to take time for reflection. Trees grow very slowly so it is necessary in bringing great deal of patience. To make a real visible progress can be expected only a few years.
In urban environments, which lack the natural environment, trees will be issued a secret of its growth, the time and need a clear eye.
Each plant has its own requirements for temperature, light, wintering ... therefore it is good to thoroughly check on each plant before the purchase if it will enable a suitable environment for survival.
Containers for bonsais are different forms, colors and materials. The most appropriate containers are made of highly glazed baked clay.
The form and color of the container should be adjusted to bonsai and not vice versa.
Planting must be in an appropriate mixture of peat, sand and clay.
When we take care of such sensitive plant, care must be taken to
pests, which are usually:
mites,
Gray mold

Pruning Bonsai

2010-10-15T05:31:00.000+09:00

Bonsai need regular pruning both above and below ground throughout their lives. How often to prune depends on how fast the particular kind of tree or bush grows, the size of the pot and the growing conditions.The first place to prune is below ground. Roots eventually fill the soil in a small bonsai pot, so they need to be pruned back to make room for fresh soil. Root-prune deciduous bonsai in early spring or late autumn, and evergreen bonsai in early spring or late summer.The way to root prune is to lift the plant out of its pot and slice back the root ball all around and underneath with a sharp knife. After teasing roots on the outside of the ball outwards, put the plant back in the pot and pack new soil among the roots. Using a stick _ a chopstick is appropriate _ to pack down the soil makes sure that no air spaces are left which would dry out the roots.Now turn your attention to the top portions of your bonsai. The time to prune the stems is now, while the plant is dormant, and then again while it is actively growing.Bonsai respond to stem pruning just as other plants do. Pinch off the tips of any shoots whose growth you want to slow. Shorten a stem where you want the remaining part to branch. Rub off buds or cut stems back to their origins where growth is congested. To make a pine, spruce or juniper bonsai bushier, pinch back the new growth just as its expanding.Because bonsai are viewed at such close range,
you'll want to make pruning cuts especially neat. Avoid damaging the remaining leaves when you shorten expanding growth on spruce, for example, by reaching within a tuft of foliage with a pair of tweezers to tweak off all but a few new leaves. Fiskars and ARS make small, fine-pointed pruning shears that are ideal for working with bonsai.

Pruning Bonsai

Some bonsai benefit from having all their leaves pruned off just after they fully expand. Timed correctly, this leaf-pruning forces a second flush of leaves that are smaller and, hence, better proportioned to the plant.As an added benefit, that second flush of leaves often offers more dramatic autumn color than the first flush would have.On some trees, such as maples and elms, you can leaf-prune twice each season, as the first and second flush of leaves fully expand. If there is any chance of injuring buds at the bases of the leaf stalks, just cut off most of each leaf with a scissors or small pruning shear. The stalk will come off, perhaps needing some help from you, as new leaves appear.Leaf pruning is not for every bonsai. Don't do it on evergreens or on fruiting bonsai that are bearing fruit. And leaf-pruning is stressful, so avoid it on any tree that is weak or sick.The rigorous root and shoot pruning needed for bonsai is itself weakening, so take extra care to give bonsai perfect growing conditions in every other respect. This means water and fertilizer as needed, as well as good light. Many bonsai are dwarfed, cold-hardy trees and, as such, like to be kept as cool as possible this time of year.

Bonsai-More than just a plant, it's art

2010-10-15T05:04:00.000+09:00

Most bonsai are created from plants that otherwise would grow into towering trees or billowing shrubs. You can purchase bonsai or start your own by digging up a smallish wild tree or a seedling that popped up in your yard. This plant will need its roots pruned before it goes into a pot. The far-reaching roots of wild plants must be untangled and shortened to fit into its pot.
The top of a new bonsai also might need to be cut back to bring it down to bonsai size, which is usually under 4 feet. (Bonsai are classified according to form and size, and the smallest are less than 7 inches high.)

Bonsai trees

To shorten a trunk artistically, cut it back to within a few inches above its desired height. Trim the bark from the portion of trunk above the highest remaining branch, and pare the stub to a taper. Bend the next-highest branch upwards, tying it against the tapered stub, with some padding to prevent the string or wire from marring the branch.
After a few weeks, when the branch can hold the upright position without assistance, remove the ties and cut back the stub, with a sloping cut, to the base of the now-leading branch.

Bonsai Size

2010-10-15T04:47:00.000+09:00

The top of a new bonsai also might need to be cut back to bring it down to bonsai size, which is usually under 4 feet. (Bonsai are classified according to form and size, and the smallest are less than 7 inches high.)
To shorten a trunk artistically, cut it back to within a few inches above its desired height. Trim the bark from the portion of trunk above the highest remaining branch, and pare the stub to a taper. Bend the next-highest branch upwards, tying it against the tapered stub, with some padding to prevent the string or wire from marring the branch.
After a few weeks, when the branch can hold the upright position without assistance, remove the ties and cut back the stub, with a sloping cut, to the base of the now-leading branch.

Bonsai trees-Bonsai review

2010-10-15T04:17:00.000+09:00

Bonsai began cultivating in China over 1000 years ago. Officers of taoism have believed that natural phenomena such as mountains, trees and rocks in itself have a magic power, which is particularly concentrated in the miniatures.In Japanese means bon shallow container, sai, however, education plants, trees.
Today it is widely known that these are ordinary trees, grown with a special technique of pruning, by keeping the development of the roots ... In bonsai height measured from the beginning of the boom to the top of the crown over one meter, the smallest but not exceeding 15cm. It is because of the amount they spend at the beginning of the role of a house plant. But mostly to trees in natural habitats and must also live. Exceptions are bonsai room.
From experience I know that already grown bonsai is not difficult to spend. The successful training of bonsai tree requires patience and some luck is not superfluous. It also welcomed the advice of experts, even better, of course, their own experiences.

Bonsai review

Buying Bonsai

2010-10-15T03:31:00.000+09:00

Most Bonsai enthusiasts started their hobby with either buying or receiving a ready-made Bonsai tree from a friend.

Bonsai trees
Most large garden centers sell large quantities of Bonsai trees, although these are usually never high quality, prices tend to be low.

Bonsai trees

Some basic advice for buying Bonsai trees:
1. Do not start with buying a species of tree that is hard to care for; it is recommended for beginners to start with an easy-to-care for tree.
2. Buy a tree that is suitable for the place where you want to put it; only indoor (sub-tropical) trees will do well indoors, just like outdoor trees will only do well when placed outside.
3. Do not forget to inform what species of tree you bought; this is important to look up information about how to care for it.
4. Check the pot for damage.

Bonsai trees

Bonsai Trees Care-Overwintering Bonsai trees

2010-10-15T03:18:00.000+09:00

Overwintering Bonsai trees
In nature trees are often subjected to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50 °F) the roots however are too deep under the ground to freeze.Keeping your trees in a greenhouse or cold frame during the winter is recommended for those living in cold areas, as roots in the shallow pots easily freeze.

Overwintering Bonsai trees
When overwintering, keep a close eye on your trees. Water when the soil dries out, the trees don’t absorb much water when in dormancy so be careful not to water too often. Also check your trees for insects or infections regularly.

Bonsai Indoors

2010-10-15T03:05:00.000+09:00

Growing bonsai indoors does not have to be a difficult task for most people. If you provide enough lighting and a warm atmosphere, then virtually any type of Bonsai can be grown indoors successfully. You should find a perfect location for your Bonsai.If you can locate a window in your home that maintains the correct temperature for your Bonsai, then placing your Bonsai near the window will help ensure a healthier plant.

Bonsai Indoors
Once a location has been established, you should then purchase a growing lamp to ensure that your Bonsai gets adequate lighting.The growing lamp should be turned on during the day, for the same length of time that your particular Bonsai requires of direct sunlight.The growing lamp should be turned off during the night, so that your Bonsai’s environment is as close to your outdoor environment as possible.

Bonsai Indoors

If you are new to bonsai, don’t fret if at first you fail. All bonsai masters failed too before perfecting their craft.

Wiring of a Bonsai

2010-10-15T02:36:00.000+09:00

Wiring of a bonsai is not done to keep the plant small, but rather is a temporary measure used to hold branches in a desired position.When wiring, try to imitate the natural curves of trees in nature.There are two types of bonsai wire available - copper wire and aluminium wire.

Wiring of a Bonsai
The size of wire used depends on the size of branch you want to train and in most part should be chosen yourself.You should purchase wire in a variety of different lengths and test it out on pruned branches from around the garden.
The safest method to use when wiring is by clenching the branch with both hands and applying the wire by slowly following it around the branch.

Wiring of a Bonsai
Wire the branch first, and then worry about bending the branch to achieve your desired shape.It is best to not water a day before wiring, and to keep the tree in shade for two weeks after wiring.

Repotting Bonsai trees

2010-10-15T02:17:00.000+09:00

To prevent a tree from being pot-bound and ultimately starving to death, regular repotting is very important.It depends on the tree species, age and size of container how often a Bonsai needs to be repotted. Fast growing trees will have to be repotted every two years, while older, more mature trees need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years.

Repotting Bonsai trees
A Bonsai needs to be repotted when the roots circle around the root system, when the roots are still contained in soil wait another year before checking again.Repotting work needs to be done during the early spring; when the tree is still in dormancy.Choosing the right soil mixture is crucial for the health of your trees.

Repotting Bonsai trees
Step-by-step plan to repot:
-Carefully take the tree out of its pot, when it is stuck use a root-knife
-Inspect whether the tree needs to be repotted or not
-By using a root-hook or some chopsticks, carefully remove the soil
-Prune back long roots,also remove rotting or vertical growing roots
-Put plastic mesh on the drainage holes, attached with some copper wire, and cover the base of the pot with a layer of grit to create a good drainage
-Use the prepared soil mixture as the second layer and place the tree, slightly out of the middle of the pot, on top of it
-Fill the pot using the soil mixture up to about 1 cm below the rim
-Water the tree

Watering Bonsai trees

2010-10-14T23:52:00.000+09:00

The most complicated part of taking care of your Bonsai is to water it properly.

Watering Bonsai trees
How often a tree needs to be watered depends on several factors (like tree species, size, size of pot, time of year, soil-mixture and climate), which means that it is impossible to say how often you should water Bonsai. However, understanding a few basic guidelines will help you to observe when a tree needs to be watered.

Watering Bonsai trees
As mentioned above, how often to water your Bonsai depends on too many factors for us to give an exact time schedule. Instead, you need to learn to observe your trees and know when they need to be watered. Using the following basic guidelines will help you to water right.
Water your trees when the soil gets slightly dry. This means you should not water your tree when the soil is still wet but only when it feels slightly dry; use your fingers to check the soil at around one centimeter (0.4’’) deep. Once you get more experienced you will be able to see (instead of feeling) when a tree needs watering.

Watering Bonsai trees
Never water on a routine. Keep observing your trees, one by one, instead of watering them on a daily basis.Use the right soil-mixture. The soil-mixture greatly influences how often trees need to be watered, for most Bonsai trees a mixture of akadama, fine gravel and potting compost mixed together in a ratio of ½ to ¼ to ¼ should be fine. However, use a mixture that retains more water (by using more potting compost) when you cannot water your trees that regularly.
It does not really matter at what time you water a Bonsai; however, try to avoid watering during the afternoon, when the soil has been warmed up by the sun and will cool down rapidly when using cold water.

Watering Bonsai trees
As explained, a tree should only be watered when the soil gets slightly dry. When the tree does require water though, it needs thorough soaking so the entire root system is wetted. To do so, keep watering until water runs out of the drainage holes, and repeat the process about ten minutes later.
Water a tree from above using a watering can with a fine nozzle; this will prevent the soil from being washed away. Using collected rain water is better (as it doesn’t contain added chemicals), but when this is not readily available there is no real problem in using normal tap water.

Bonsai styles

2010-10-14T23:46:00.000+09:00

Every experienced bonsai enthusiast has his/her own personal idea of what bonsai is to them and what defining factors make them aesthetically appealing.
The two basic styles of bonsai are the classic (koten) and the informal or 'comic' (bunjin). In the former, the trunk of the tree is wider at the base and tapers off towards the top; it is just the opposite in the 'bunjin', a style more difficult to master.

The five basic bonsai styles are formal upright, informal upright, slanting (or windswept), semi-cascade and cascade. All have their own individual beauty and serenity.

Bonsai styles

A tree with a style such as formal upright occurs when it has grown in the open under perfect conditions. The most important requirement for this style is that the trunk should be perfectly straight, tapering naturally and evenly from base to apex.
In an informal upright bonsai the trunk should slightly bend to the right or left - but never towards the viewer.
Trees that slant naturally occur a result of buffeting winds or deep shade during early development. Whether curved or straight, the whole trunk leans at a definite angle.
The growing tip of a cascade bonsai reaches below the base of a container. The trunk has a natural taper and gives the impression of the forces of nature pulling against the forces of gravity.
The tip of a semi-cascade, like the cascade, projects over the rim of the container, but does not drop below its base. The style occurs in nature when trees grow on clifs or overhang water. The angle of the trunk in this bonsai is not precise, as long as the effect is strongly horizontal, even if the plant grows well below the level of the pot rim.

Bonsai trees introduction

2010-10-14T23:38:00.000+09:00

In Japanese, bonsai can be literally translated as 'tray planting' but since originating in Asia, so many centuries ago - it has developed into a whole new form. To begin with, the tree and the pot form a single harmonious unit where the shape, texture and colour of one, compliments the other. Then the tree must be shaped.
It is the art of dwarfing trees or plants and developing them into an aesthetically appealing shape by growing, pruning and training them in containers according to prescribed techniques.
Overall, bonsai is a great interest, hobby or even profession to undertake. Although famous theologians have claimed that it is actually 90% art to a meager 10% of horticulture, it has to be said that a successful bonsai is most definitely a horticultural masterpiece. Every experienced bonsai enthusiast has his/her own personal idea of what bonsai is to them and what defining factors make them aesthetically appealing.
If a beginner is unable to have the experience of being taught the important principles of bonsai by an expert, he must obtain as much material on bonsai as possible - whether this may be just pictures of trees, discussions on the different styling processes involved or lists of suitable species to use.
The two basic styles of bonsai are the classic (koten) and the informal or 'comic' (bunjin). In the former, the trunk of the tree is wider at the base and tapers off towards the top; it is just the opposite in the 'bunjin', a style more difficult to master.
If at the end of reading all the information provided you feel that this is all too difficult, you could always go for an artificial bonsai.