| Home > Organic Bouquet - Bonsai Trees |
|
Japanese Bonsai trees have been a fascination to humankind for centuries.
Pruning these tiny trees began in Zen Buddhism, where the practice is used
as a form of both meditation and expression. It blends away the stresses
of the day, while allowing you to tap into often- neglected creativity. Growing
Japanese bonsai trees gives you a unique opportunity to add something beautiful
to your garden or houseplant collection, while also adding something positive and healthy to your life.
People today are most familiar with the tinier versions, but in actuality,
bonsai plants range from two inches in height to as high as three feet!
They are maintained and shaped by pruning the branches and roots, by repotting,
by pinching off new growth, and by wiring the trunk and branches so that
they grow in the way you wish.
It is important for the bonsai tree to be positioned off-center in its container,
because according to tradition, the center is where heaven and earth meet.
It is also said that you need shin-zen-bi, or truth, goodness,
and beauty, in order to create thriving and growing trees. Long time bonsai
growers know that the practice of caring for these trees can also create
the truth, goodness, and beauty that these traditions speak of.
Japanese bonsai care does not have to be complicated. It's key to remember
that even the most experienced bonsai aficionados were once beginners at
bonsai care. Careful pruning is essential—without it, your bonsai
will look like an ordinary plant rather than a tree. Each bonsai plant is
different, and you will want to carefully research your particular plant
to determine a pruning schedule that will work well for you. Typically you'll
prune the new growth during the growing season, and the old growth or hard
wood should be done in the middle of fall.
Finger pruning involves no shears at all—you simply use your thumb
and first finger to twist off the new growth, while you carefully hold the
other end of the branch in your other hand. Using any type of metal implements
such as scissors will leave a brown color on the ends that you have trimmed,
and they leave a much more unnatural look. However, if your bonsai is deciduous
(examples are Chinese elm, cotoneaster, or maples), it is best to use scissors.
The most important thing to remember when caring for outdoor or indoor bonsai
trees is... Don't worry about it! Don't stress over all the tradition that
comes along with these tiny trees. In today's world, they are mostly hobby
plants that are used for self expression, meditation, and creativity. If
the "rules" scare you away, then don't play by the rules. You
can honor the tradition and pay your respects to it without actually following
it yourself. Today, bonsai is meant to be enjoyed, and by following your
own natural instincts, you will do just that. With Organic Bouquet's bonsai,
care can be simple and rewarding.
To purchase outdoor or indoor bonsai trees for yourself or a loved one,
please browse our store at Organic
Bouquet. We also offer organic flowers, gift baskets, and much more.
Let us help make your gifts truly special—shop with Organic Bouquet
today. |
|
|