Bonsai articles and blog posts
Hawthorn double trunk Bonsai style progression
This case study shows the collection of a Hawthorn tree and its training as a double-trunk style Bonsai. After being spotted the tree was chopped back significantly and left to recover. About a year later the tree responded well and started growing strongly again. In order to force the tree to grow a dens root-system a trench was dug around the tree, cutting through its thickest roots.
Picture 1: The original tree.
Picture 2: Almost two years after its discovery the tree was finally dug out and planted in a terracotta pot. The tree was now regularly pruned in order to develop a fine branch-structure.
Omiya Bonsai village, located near Tokyo in Japan
大宮盆栽村
Omiya has been an old time favorite destination for Bonsai enthusiasts travelling into Japan. The village is a pleasant neighborhood in Omiya (a suburb of Tokyo) that hosts about a dozen top Bon-sai nurseries. The gardens can be visited on a daytrip from Tokyo, but make sure you arrive early to have the place for yourself. Please note most gardens are closed on Thursdays.
Japanese gardens (karesansui, shakkei, zen gardens)
日本庭園 (nihon teien)
Japanese gardens are often part of Buddhist monasteries and Shinto shrines and therefore deeply rooted in religion. The importance of nature in Shinto beliefs is resembled in garden elements such as lakes, trees and rocks; Buddhist elements include mountains, stone groupings and seas.
Bonsai calendar; events and shows in 2012
In this article we attempt to create an overview of all the Bonsai events held in 2012, worldwide. Attending a Bonsai show is a great way to learn more about this fascinating art, and often specialized shops set up stands selling tools, trees and pots. Don't forget to note local events in your agenda! Also, if you have information on events not added in the list below please inform us on our bonsai forum.
Bonsai clubs in the United States of America (US)
Joining a Bonsai club is greatly recommended to start and progress in the Bonsai hobby. Besides workshops most clubs organize tours, contests and exhibitions; a great way to learn as much as you please about growing Bonsai.
Brazilian Rain tree Bonsai progression
In the tropics, especially in South and South East Asia, there is a giant rain tree called Samanea saman that grows as a beautiful gigantic tree giving shades to a large area under it. It has been a long time I thought of having a bonsai of that tree, but it was impossible due to the tree has large leaves.
A native of Central- and South America the Brazilian Rain tree is considered one of the tropical world's most beautiful and also one of the most popular bonsai subjects.
Hawthorn progression into a Bonsai tree
This case study shows the training of a Hawthorn after being collected from a forest. The trunk was very straight, had no branching and had little going for it other than some quite mature bark. The tree was planted into a shallow terracotta container and left to recover.
The first picture shows the hawthorn, around 3 meter (10ft) tall, which was collected from the forest.
The second picture is taken about one year and a half later, the trunk was cut back to 12 cm (4’’) and a short, hollow trunk was created.
Shohin, Suiseki and Bonsai exhibitions in Japan
Throughout the year several Bonsai, Shohin and Suiseki Exhibitions are held in Japan. By far the most important exhibition is the Kokufu-Ten, where the highest quality Bonsai trees of Japan are displayed. The exhibition is held in Kyoto in February. For Shohin lovers the most important show is the Gafu-Ten, also held in Kyoto in January.
Accent and companion plants (Kusamono or Shitakusa)
Bonsai trees are sometimes traditionally displayed in a Tokonoma, consisting of a Bonsai tree, a scroll and an accent plant (representing men, heaven and earth respectively). Adding a scroll, or in this case an accent plant to the composition is done to accentuate the tree on display and create a sense of harmony.
Download our Bonsai wallpapers
With many thanks to Paul Goff we can offer you a few Bonsai desktop wallpapers to download!
As artist, photographer and video producer, he has been creating bonsai since 1970, many of which are now world renowned. His work has been featured on television, video, books, magazines and exhibitions throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Paul gives talks on bonsai photography and display.