The Art of Bonsai

A bonsai is a tree in a pot. It is pretty much as simple as that. And being in a pot means it is a very small tree. A tree that could possible grow 30 feet or higher has been groomed and cultivated to be a foot high. And even at this size it very much resembles it's larger counterparts.

But it is of course much more than that. Bonsai is an art form and it is significantly different from many other forms of art because it is living art. And cultivating and caring for bonsai is a lot different than many other forms of gardening or plant growing.

It takes a certain amount of commitment if you want to grow and raise bonsai. For example, unlike many other types of plants, they often require daily watering.

The hobby of Bonsai is however extremely rewarding and it is a long term commitment. If you start with just seeds it could be from 5 to 7 years before your bonsai starts to look like a bonsai. But the rewards are remarkable. There is a certain contemplative and peaceful aura that surrounds bonsai and the caring of bonsai. It is almost spiritual and many eastern cultures hold that it actually is a very spiritual pursuit.

A person who cares for bonsai connects with the cycles of life and the seasons. The seasonal progression of the tree is very important and you have to understand and adapt to it. You have to know when to over winter your tree and when to prune and repot it. Bonsai delves into a world that combines nature and art. There is a blending between the human way of manipulating the world and the natural way of harmonizing with it.

So, if you are new to bonzai you can continue your adventure and learn a bit about it here: Bonsai Basics

A Note from Will: If you have bonsai and have pictures or tips I would love to hear from you! I will post your pictures and your tips on bonsai right here on my website :)

Transplanting Bonsai

This is a tutorial on how to transplant bonsai into a new dish. They need to be transplanted every couple of years. I transplant one for you and give you the tips and techniques including a video you can watch. How to transplant bonsai

Bonsai Pots

This is an often overlooked part of the art of bonsai but pots are very important to the aesthetics of bonsai and also to the health and care of the trees. Take a look at some of my bonsai pots and learn a little bit about them: Bonsai Pots

Bonsai Styles (with illustrations)

There are many different ways that you can train and wire bonsai to achieve certain looks. Here are ten of the more common styles of bonsai including informal upright, slanted, cascade and more. Bonsai Styles

Boston Bonsai! (Harvard University Bonsai Collection)

Harvard University has an arboretum in Boston called The Arnold Arboretum. The arboretum also has a magnificent Bonsai Collection called the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection. It has some of the oldest and most magnificent bonsai in the country. The Boston Bonsai Pics and information.

How soil affects the growth of Bonsai

I have two bonsai plants here (Japanese Pagoda) That are from the same batch of seeds. It is quite dramatic how the soil can affect growth and leaf size - Learn more here: How soil affects bonsai growth

Troubleshooting an ailing bonsai

It wasn't too difficult to rescue this bonsai from trouble. Read about it here

Transplant a seedling from outdoors

New Project: You can get a head start on bonsai by transplanting tree seedlings. Here is a tutorial with pictures that shows you how: Transplant bonsai seedlings

Bonsai From Seed Project

I have started a project that starts at the very beginning where I plant various bonsai suitable trees. I have posted an update to this project because the seeds have begun to sprout. You can see the videos and keep updated on this project here: Growing Bonsai from Seeds

Bonsai For Free Tutorial

This is all about harvesting your own tree seeds and growing your own bonsai from them. I have some great tips and hints for you so you know exactly how to do it and how to make it successful. Bonsai for free

Resources and more

Looking for living moss for your bonsai? Hirts Gardens now sells The perfect moss and it is available on Amazon.com I have ordered two of these and will fill you in on how they are.

Living Moss - For Bonsai

Living Moss is the perfect groundcover for your bonsai tree. Hirt's moss is greenhouse grown and only requires a misting once or twice a day to flourish. It can even be grown by itself on a shady window sill. Just keep it evenly moist, not wet or dry and mist it daily!

If you are interested in working with moss I have completed a moss terrarium tutorial that is very attractive and easy to do. . It is located here: How to make a moss terrarium part 2

If you are looking for beginner bonsai Kits I have them here.

And I have a selection of interesting little figurines that you can add to your arrangement.

Indoor Bonsai for Beginners: Selection Care Training Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring and stretching it. An A-to-Z guide of all the popular species showcases varieties that range from a flowering Camellia Japonica , with its beautiful smooth stem, to an easy-to-care for Olive tree. Each entry gives some background on the plant, and includes suggestions for acquiring the bonsai and directions on how to position it in the room for best results.

Bonsai Boy's Professional Bonsai Soil - 2 lbs. (1 Qt.)

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