The Art Of Creating Bonsai Trees
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Bonsai trees are miniatures made to look like fully mature trees. Various techniques are used to shape the tree and keep them small. They are usually planted in containers and are included in both indoor and outdoor displays. These delicate trees are only grown for their beauty.
The practice of creating bonsai trees started in China with specimens that resembled animals, birds and mythical creatures. The Japanese are most known for bonsai culture. They took the idea from the Chinese around AD 1195 and took it to new heights. Buddhist monks began to cultivate them through the practice of Zen. Soon wealthy families all had their own collections and a gardener who worked primarily on the bonsai trees. Bonsais were introduced to the world at the Paris World Expedition in 1900 and are found all over the world today.
Woody perennial trees or shrubs are used to make the small trees. Any plant that does not grow large or has diminutive needles or tiny leaves found at nurseries are good candidates. The best types are those that have branches growing from the trunk near the bottom by the soil. Any plant that has wood with a texture is perfect for a specimen.
Shrubs and trees that are good for making bonsai are junipers, pines that stay small, hemlock and a few types of cedar. An evergreen that grows slow and therefore good for making bonsai is the Japanese White Pine. A deciduous tree that works well is the Trident Maple. The type of shrub most used is the Chinese Quince and that is because it is very robust and lives a long life. Rosemary, hydrangea and lavender can be used for some smaller bonsai.
Several techniques can be used to make a bonsai tree. Sometimes branches are removed entirely or clipped back and leaves are removed. In many cases stems that appear on the top of a branch are left to grow while the ones on the bottom are clipped off. Pruning off the entire upper part of a plant may be necessary to make the specimen smaller.
Wire is wrapped around branches to shape them into artistic forms. Aluminum wire is used but copper is the best because the color blends in with the bark of the branches. Deciduous specimens can have the wire removed in about six to nine months while evergreens take several years.
Bonsais are not easy to grow. It must be watched carefully mainly because it grows in a shallow container and dries out very easily. It should be watered almost everyday but care must be taken because too much water will kill the tree. Once the container gets too small to contain the roots, another must be found and the tree replanted. Container plants must be fertilized regularly because they cannot get nutrients from the earth. Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer frequently.
Regular garden tools are not adequate for bonsai. They are usually to large and hard to handle with such a delicate specimen. Needed are leaf trimmers, wire cutters, cutting shears and a small rack and brush.
Containers are very important because this will encase the roots of the tree. Ceramic pots are traditional and can be glazed or unglazed. All containers must have large holes that are covered with screen before the soil is placed in so it cannot escape.
Bonsai trees can be purchased ready made or shrubs can be found to shape and form. Real specimens will last a lifetime and longer. It is not an easy task to take care of one but they are worth the effort in the long run.
Doc Number: 38573026583
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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