Bonsai

The world history of bonsai is extensive, originating 1700 years ago in China with collected mountain trees. Other ancient civilizations have grown container plants, but no one has as much documented historical background in artistic pot plants-penjing-(the Chinese counter- part of bonsai) and horticultural practices as China. With the parallels of eastern culture, especially religion, Japan borrowed potted tree culture some 800 years ago. The Japanese began to change the craft by altering and improving the design perspective through observing the forms and characteristics of trees in nature. As a result, the Japanese elevated potted tree culture to the art we enjoy today.

A bonsai is not a mystery-- it is a challenge....to turn a tree into a bonsai, you must heavily prune its branches and roots, and pot it in a container that fits the overall design. The size of the bonsai is maintained by seasonal trimming of new growth and periodic root pruning and repotting. Most bonsai must live outdoors in the same elements as their gigantic siblings. In temperate zones, tropicals and sub-tropicals are adaptable to indoor conditions. During the growing season almost all trees should be kept outdoors.
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