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Bonsai Tree Origins and History

July 22nd, 2008

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From its origins as a Chinese artistry form over 2,000 years ago, the bonsai tree remains an object of enthrallment that embraces both nature and fine art. Now, anyone can take part in the wonderful custom of bonsai cultivation with the assistance of the internet. Everything you’ll need to know about bonsai trees can be found online; where to buy, how to begin, growth and feeding, care techniques, and the mandatory tools and equipment. Growing bonsai trees is the perfect relaxation behavior for enthusiasts at any level.

Over many years, Japan and China began to integrate aspects of their unique cultures together and the bonsai tree was one of the many things that were incorporated into the highly cultured country of Japan. Initially, only Buddhist monks engaged in this art form, yet eventually, the aristocracy took up the bonsai art and it became a status symbol for a long time. After this time and for many, many years afterward, the art of bonsai lay exclusively within the Japanese culture. As years passed and Japan began to open up its doors to other countries, bonsai art became highly sought after in North America for its serenity and beauty.

You’ve surely seen the unique Bonsai tree someplace in your life, even if only watching Mr. Miagi in the Karate Kid. It’s probably likely that if there’s a Japanese restaurant in your city, neighborhood, then you’ve seen them there. The artistry and commitment that it takes to plant and do the necessary care with a Bonsai Tree is enormous, and sometimes much likewise daunting for those with a green thumb. Bonsais are dwarf-potted plants that have been cultivated for centuries by the Chinese and Japanese. Since the end of World War II, this artistic production has become a great hobby and pastime in the United States. It not only takes patience to properly grow a bonsai, but also a good amount of artistic accomplishment as well. It’s time-consuming, and there is a lot more to it than one might think.

Contrary to popular opinion, bonsai trees aren’t genetically modified. They’re regular trees or shrubs that are unnaturally stunted by pruning their roots and tying their branches with wire. The artistry originated in China, and was adapted by the Japanese early in the second millennium. Miniaturization is accomplished through strict regulation of a bonsai trees growing conditions. Scaffold branches are chosen early on as the only branches to be allowed to prosper, while the extra branches are mercilessly pruned off. Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound in their containers, and the roots, also, are pruned. But root-bound plants won’t thrive forever in that condition and bonsai trees must be re-potted every two or three years to supply the roots with clean soil.

A bonsai, thus, is a surviving fine art form that continually changes throughout the life of the tree. It is a combination of both horticultural and artistic skills and you may well have these skills without realizing it. Practice as much as possible and you will shortly have your own collection of miniature trees that will improve over the years and leave you with hours of joy.

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