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Better Bonsai Gardens

The bonsai tree dates back to the beginnings of civilization. Miniature potted trees were seen in Egyptian tombs over two thousand years ago. Evidence also exists of herbalists in India growing miniature plants in small pots for medicinal purposes, many years ago.

Bonsai gardens, as an aesthetic concept, originated in China during the Tang Dynasty. The first bonsai gardens were introduced to Japan from China. Over the centuries, the Japanese became masters of the intricacies of bonsai cultivation.

Internationally, bonsai gardening, really took off in 1878 at the World Exhibition in Paris, when the Japanese introduced the delights of bonsai gardens to enthusiastic horticulturists, around the world.

Did you know that . . .
.. . the Chinese word for pot-tree is pen tsai, from which the Japanese word bon sai is derived? The modern Japanese term bonsai translates literally as 'tray planting.'

Bonsai Garden Design

When designing bonsai gardens, consider the visual impact and find a suitable growing environment. Choose a site in full view of the house and one that will attract the admiring glances of visitors and passers-by. However, make sure that the location is child- and pet-proof.

A sturdy, yet aesthetically pleasing timber bench will enhance the look of your bonsai garden. Use your imagination when creating the perfect setting for your display. For example, a bench made of reclaimed timbers from salvage yards will lend a unique touch.

Bonsai Soil

Pre-mixed bonsai soil is available from specialist bonsai garden centers. A typical soil mix consists of one part loam, two parts sphagnum peat moss and two parts fine granite gravel for ideal drainage. Bonsai soil contains less fertilizer than general soil mixes.

Positioning Bonsai Trees

Position depends largely on the bonsai tree types, their origins, species and individual hardiness. As a guideline, position your potted bonsais in a light, airy, moderately humid location, away from direct sunlight. Aim to simulate the natural environment of the indigenous plants.

Types of Bonsai Trees

Most shrubs and trees can be trained to form bonsai trees. Certain plants, however, make much better bonsai trees than others.

Commonly used plants for bonsai gardens fall into two main types: tropical and temperate. Tropical bonsai trees are delicate, have longer root systems and are unable to survive in sub-zero temperatures, although they can survive mild frost if they're adequately protected. Temperate bonsai trees have shorter root systems and can withstand lower temperatures, although some root protection is recommended in areas of extreme cold.

Popular examples of bonsai trees include: azalea, beech bougainvillea, camellia, cedar, cherry, cypress, ficus, fig, holly, juniper, maple, pine, pomegranate, rosemary, Serissa and Zelkova.

Harmony, Symbolism and Bonsai Pots

Harmonious visual effect is central to bonsai gardening. The shapes, colors and textures of trees should blend seamlessly with the shapes of the bonsai pots to create a harmonious whole.

Dwarfing Bonsai Trees

Successful bonsai gardening combines the skills of a sculptor with the expertise of a horticulturist. It also involves hours of painstaking dwarfing (trimming, pruning and shaping) the bonsai trees until they resemble miniature replicas of perfectly formed trees.Dwarfing goes against the laws of nature, but the overall effect is precise, perfectly contrived and, above all, aesthetically captivating.

Bonsai Tools

Caring for bonsai gardens is an art in itself but, as with any other art form, you will need a basic range of specialist bonsai tools, for best results. Bonsai tools include:

bonsai pliers
concave bonsai tree branch cutters
miniature bonsai shears
pruning scissors
root trimmers
a small metal hook
a miniature watering can with a fine rose.

Bonsai Pots

Beautifully proportioned bonsai pots are an essential feature of bonsai gardens. After all, you'll want to show off your beautiful bonsai garden to best advantage! Considerations when choosing bonsai pots include:

pot size: Ideally, bonsai pots should be between two-thirds and three-quarters the width of the tree and half its height.
color: Choose pot colors whose tones complement the colors of the bonsai tree, or opt for a dash of color that contrasts or complements the foliage or blooms.
finish: Terracotta and unglazed earthenware bonsai pots works well in most bonsai gardens, although colorful, glazed finishes can enhance a tropical-style bonsai garden.

Bonsai Garden Maintenance

Bonsai gardening is an on-going process of painstaking pruning, training, wiring, watering and feeding.

Constant training and pruning are necessary to maintain the desired shape of the branches and roots. Wiring is required to retain the shape of bonsai trees. The bonsai gardener requires skill and patience to avoid damaging delicate roots and branches during wiring.

Watering Bonsai Gardens

Never allow soil in bonsai pots to dry out. Outdoor bonsai trees that receive regular rainfall and not too much sunshine are generally fine with minimal watering. Bonsai gardens in hot climates must be watered regularly to prevent the roots from drying out. A drip sprinkler helps to maintain a regular supply of moisture.

Repotting Bonsai Trees

The ideal time to repot bonsai trees is during their dormant phase, between late autumn and early spring. Repotting is an important aspect of bonsai gardening, in order to replenish the nutrients in the soil. In general, young bonsai trees should be repotted every to two to three years, whereas older, more established bonsais can be repotted less frequently.

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