Gardening Basics: The Art of Bonsai
by Giano Capersi
http://www.buygardening.com
When bonsai are grown by a true master, the trees and
bushes are incredibly beautiful. Bonsai gardening truly is
art, living art. The five basic categories of bonsai are:
Chokkan (formal upright), Moyogi (informal upright), Shakan
(slanting), Kengai (cascade) and Fukinagashi (windswept).
A different approach is required to achieve each of these
different characteristics.
First one must choose a tree.If you know the style that you
want to adhere to, you must pick the right kind of tree to
be formed into that style. The kind of bonsai tree is the
very foundation for your work of art, so you must choose a
perfect tree for a perfect work of art. There are important
things to take into consideration when choosing a tree for
a certain style of bonsai.
You will rely a lot on the foundation of this tree, so the
roots are one of the most important elements. You have to
be sure that the roots of your tree are strong and healthy,
so wiggle the tree to make sure the roots are well founded.
Then, examine the tree carefully for problems such as root
rot,insect infestation, withering or fungus. Pick another
tree if the roots have any of these problems . Don't waste
your time on a tree that~s unhealthy.
The trunk, too, is of importance when choosing the proper
tree. If you have a specific style of bonsai in mind, then
the shape of the trunk will need to conform to that style.
Otherwise, you may need to make an adjustment to your
decision. Typically, a thick trunk which tapers gradually
to a thin peak will make for a lovely tree. Keep in mind
that your preferred style will wholly depend upon the
movement of the trunk.
Ideally, the best tree to utilize for the purposes of
bonsai will have thick lower branches, while those on the
upper part of the tree will be thin. Just as in the case
of those who are shopping for a Christmas tree during the
holidays, a certain shape and pattern should be sought when
choosing a tree that you plan to bonsai.
One of the most important nurturing parts of raising any
plant is adequate watering, and bonsai are no exception.
Water every other day as a rule, but first feel the soil
surface to make sure it is a little dry. Weather conditions,
humidity, moisture retention of the soil and the size of
pot will dictate your bonsai's moisture requirements. But
do try to have a consistent watering cycle. You can best
achieve this by watering at the same time every day. Some
say early in the morning is best, some say late in the day.
Be sure that the pot you choose has adequate drainage.
Since the bonsai process is slow and delicate, sudden
growth is not encouraged. Therefore, the application of
fertilizer on a frequent basis is not a good idea. It~s in
the tree~s best interests to apply fertilizer once or
twice each month ~ with feedings spaced evenly apart ~
during the growing season. Only the water-soluble type
should be used, and this should be given in half-strength
doses. The only time that you should avoid fertilizing
your bonsai is if it~s in a very dry state ~ and, while you
can still fertilize after the plant~s been repotted, it~s
best to wait for about a month before doing so.
The maintenance of your bonsai, outside of these routines,
will consist of repotting it every two or three years and of
trimming and pruning to achieve the shape and miniature
stature you want. Wiring is done for six months at a time
to train a branch to grow a certain way on its own. Be very
gentle and careful when wiring. If you break a branch, you
will destroy the bonsai form you worked so hard to acheive.
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