What are Bonsai Trees?
Bonsai is a Japanese art form which utilizes cultivation techniques to produce, in containers, small trees that mimic the shape and scale of full size trees. They are real trees that are kept small and shaped in an aesthetic way by their owner. If the owner does not look after the tree it will grow to be just as big as a natural tree. This Japanese tradition dates back over a thousand years.
The North Carolina Arboretum
Recently I visited the North Carolina Arboretum located in Asheville, NC on a 434-acre property located just south of Asheville. Forested coves and meandering creeks surround it. It sits in one of the most beautiful natural settings in America.
Mystical Trees?
There is an image of bonsai as a mystical, magical practice belonging to an ancient culture. Some believe it requires apprenticeship to a master and knowledge of foreign terms.
Bonsai is actually an engaging, challenging, intimate form of horticulture, that functions as a form of creative expression.
It is not intended for production of food or for medicine. On the contrary, the practice focuses on long-term cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a container.
The Bonsai Exhibition Garden
With a permanent collection of 100 trees, the Exhibition Garden at the NC Arboretum has a world-wide reputation. Fifty are on display at a time, all outside.
As can be seen, although these trees are small in size, they have a big impact in the world of horticulture and art.
The Truth About Bonsai Trees
It is an engaging, challenging, intimate form of horticulture that functions as a form of creative expression.
Based on a one-on-one relationship between a person and a plant, it requires practice, persistence and patience.
How to Create a Bonsai Tree
Summary
Recently, I received an azalea bonsai tree as a gift. You can see it at the top of this page. Now I must make sure I learn how to prune the branches and roots to maintain its shape. Hopefully, I will find a class that will teach me what I need to know.
I recommend a visit to the NC Arboretum or an exhibition near you. Perhaps you’ll even become hooked!
The world of bonsai is miniature, but the natural world that it evokes is boundless.
Arthur Joura, Curator
Bonsai trees are so cool! I have always loved them but have never had one. Afraid I would kill it with my brownish thumb. Maybe one day! 😊
Very interesting! These are ideal for those who live in big cities with limited outdoor space. I love your azalea bonsai.
Those plants are beautiful. I don’t think I would have the patience to take care of them, but they are nice to look at!
I agree!
What beautiful plants! This looks like a lovely place to visit. Thanks for all the information in the bonsai trees. I knew very little about them.
I love bonsai trees! Would love to try and make one happen someday.
Very interesting info! I’m not sure I would have the patience or the green thumb to get my tree to look very good! They are works of art, after all!
Wow, I love the bougainvillea one! What a great hobby!
I have a hard time keeping any plant alive so I appreciate the care and love that go into maintaining a bonsai tree.
This is so fun! I wanna cultivate one now
What interesting information! I wish you success on this endeavor to grow and maintain your own Bonsai!
I don’t know that I have the patience necessary for a bonsai. Maybe with my new lifestyle?
So fascinating! I’ve always loved bonsai trees.
Great tips! It seems like everything I touch dies a quick death. I can’t wait to try this.
It does not look easy. I was going to try it but have since changed my mind. I think I will just look at the competed ones on display!