Bonsai is a great hobby and doesnt have to be expensive. The word Bonsai literally mean “tray plant” and is the Japanese version of what is original traditional Chinese artform.
The goal of Bonsai is to replicate a real tree in miniture form. In the pursuit of this goal the following can be achieved. A pleasant and rewarding exercise of work and creativity for the grower and pleasant opportunity for the viewer to enjoy the end product.
So where do you start in bonsai, there’s several ways of starting a bonsai, cuttings, collecting suitable plants or growing from seed. The latter method not really being an option as it takes even longer than normal to attain a useful size.
I mainly use cuttings from donar plants as these are easy to grow and cost nothing. If you are going to collect suitable plants, make sure you have permission from the owner and are not breaking any laws.
There are several techniques used in creating a bonsai, the main theory is to restrict the growth of the tree itself and to manage the restricted growth in the direction your require.
There are numerous different form styles of bonsai
Here are a few favourite varieties of trees I like to use.
Th oriental tea tree, a lovely little tree, that has white blossom. Can be very beautiful in spring time.
The rowan tree, with its lovely red berries in autumn and delicate leaves can make a lovely delicate example.
The fig tree, this fast growing tree can be fun to grow.
The oak tree, if you are patient, the ones i have grown are very rewarding.
The elm tree again with patient can make a lovely example.
