Bonsai Gardening - Which Plants and Trees to Use

Originating in Asia, bonsai gardening has its roots in ancient times. Although many people associate the word bonsai with trees, many plants can be grown in this style, as the word bonsai literally means 'tray' and 'growing'. Bonsai plants require a lot of care and the process of growing them can truly be considered an art. The foliage and roots must be trimmed regularly and the entire plant should be placed in a new pot every few years.

Selecting a Tree for Your Bonsai Garden

Almost any tree or plant can be placed in a bonsai garden, but certain trees are better disposed for being transformed into them due to their appearance. Some trees are also exceptionally easy to manipulate, something that is very important when it comes to bonsai gardening. In most cases, a coniferous tree is selected to be used , though bamboo and other shrubs can also be used. Remember that a bonsai tree will need to be reshaped and trimmed on a very regular basis.

Trees that are easy to trim and shape are most frequently chosen. Even though they are not the easiest trees to manipulate, some people enjoy the challenge of growing fruit bearing trees in bonsai form. One special reason why some bonsai gardeners like to use fruit trees is that will actually produce miniature fruits.

Bonsai Gardening: An Art

The roots and crown of a plant or tree that is part of a bonsai garden must be constantly cut back. This regular trimming is what controls the size of the plant. Since many trees that are used in these gardens naturally go into a state of hibernation during the winter months, many trees must be left alone to grow without any pruning during this time. Keeping the bonsai plant in a pot is a good way to keep it from growing too much.

Plants can be transformed in a variety of ways. For instance, plants can be cut, grafted, air layered, or grown straight from the seed. There are also many styles of bonsai gardening, each of which makes use of a different manipulation or design technique.

These gardening styles have been a part of Asian culture, specifically in Japan and China, for hundreds and hundreds of years. Well practiced bonsai gardening techniques have allowed some trees in China and Japan to continue to live for hundreds of years.

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