In ancient times, the Chinese began to shape trees in ways they felt improved on nature, and gradually learned to keep a normally full-size tree small enough to fit into a garden pot or even a shallow bowl on a table. The practice spread to Japan, where it was formalized, the plants were called bonsai trees, and the art became a traditional part of national life. At the end of World War II, the dwarfed trees became known in the western world as well, and today millions of enthusiasts around the world enjoy owning and creating these carefully crafted plants.

Any tree or woody shrub can be used as a dwarf potted plant, but certain species are more suited to the purpose. Certain species are most easily adapted to the pruning of roots and branches necessary to restrain a mature plant to a size that can fit into a pot, and to provide the desired appearance. Plants with smaller leaves or fine needles, for instance, are better than a broad-leaved tree or shrub.

Seeds can be obtained for starting your own plants, but it is more usual to start with a more mature plant chosen for its characteristics than make it visually appealing. Species of western juniper are widely used in the United States, while types of pine are popular in Japan. The artist is the final judge of which tree will achieve the final vision, but the plant must be hardy enough to survive the rigorous transforming process.

Before you begin with bonsai, it will be wise to educate yourself on the traditional categories of shaping and look at many examples of each. Some trees are shaped like a normal tree in miniature; the formal and informal upright look is a tapering trunk (straight up in the formal style, curved or twisted but mainly upright in the informal) with naturally arranged but not symmetrical branches fully with abundant leaves.

The first step is to educate yourself on the conventions of this way of miniaturizing and shaping plants. There are simple explanations that give the basics of the art on line, and many books on the subject. Conventional shapes range from upright growth to violent contortions. Creativity has resulted in many variations on the basic themes, but the tradition to be followed is part of the art.

Many are most familiar with the tiny trees that look like the blasted survivors of strong winds and many storms. The artists twist trunks, prune branches to shorten them or remove them entirely, pare off roots, sometimes remove leaves, and give the trees a shallow, well-drained bowl or container where water is quickly lost and nutrients swiftly exhausted.

There are many tools, training guides, exhibitions, and gardens where bonsai may be seen. Nurseries often sell them and they can be ordered online. The real fans of the dwarfed plants will want to create their own, seeing if they can achieve what their inner eye sees, and then hoping to keep the tree alive and conformed to the original vision year after year. There is a bonsai tree over 500 years old, revered as one of Japan's great treasures.

Bonsai trees, visions achieved by careful and creative use of skill and patience, are absorbing examples of art and dedication.

Doc Number: 38573026583