Tuesday, April 24, 2012

What is bonsai?

What is bonsai?
Bonsai is a Japanese word consisting of two parts: coupon means flat dish, sai means tree. It is usually translated as “tree in pot”. But not just any lignified plant in a bowl. Tree and pot together to form a harmonious whole, and refer to nature. A successful bonsai creates a sense of wonder and beauty. It speaks of bonsai art. History
The origin of bonsai is in China. Already in the beginning of our era, they took in nature, especially in the mountains, trees which were extremely difficult growing conditions remained small. They later learned growing techniques, available in normal ordinary trees, stunting to obtain. Have developed different schools with their own bonsai design.
Around the year 1000 increased exports to Japan increased. Here we further refined the techniques. Bonsai as art was recognized and became more general.
By the end of the year 1800 came bonsai nurseries, some of which still exist.
Around 1900 in Japan the first bonsai show going. They are highly regarded to this day.
From the west came many centuries ago, the first (trade) contacts with Japan created. It was certainly introduced to bonsai. Yet it was not until after World War II for bonsai, first in America, and later by Britain in Europe gave practitioners. The oldest bonsai clubs in the low countries are now about 30 years old.
Japan is still the Bonsai-conscious country.
Indoor and buitenbonsais
Gradually, everyone knows that not some miniature bonsai tree, but by special techniques of ordinary small trees.
True bonsai enthusiasts prefer “buitenbonsais”: hardy trees that grow only in severe and prolonged frost in a sheltered environment housed. Working with indigenous tree species has the advantage that it is completely adapted to our climate.
Yet even bonsai offered to decorate the interior: the “room or binnen bonsais”. They are imported from subtropical regions of the Far East. Since these trees with commercial profit target widely cultivated. True bonsai quality is usually not the first objective. After purchase, there are often problems of adjustment. Both for the tree that is kept in less favorable circumstances, and for the inexperienced owner who does not know what to do if they notice abnormal symptoms in his tree.
Succeeds it managed to get through the initial adjustment period can be much pleasure in the care of his tree. Daily care and attention will be rewarded with an ever more beautiful and more valuable trees.
Caring for bonsai, horticulture principles
Bonsai are ‘normal’ plants, and therefore requires similar care as their counterparts in the current horticulture. You know the usual requirements of the species and care for your tree is then you’re a long way. You should also take into account in addition to some specific needs that arise because the tree is only a minimal amount of land available, and some special procedures sets.
Bonsai styles
Especially the design of bonsai in Japan developed in the West followed. Trees in nature can take many forms, mainly driven by the growing conditions. They grow in groups or standing. By observing this are a number of ‘styles’ appointed. They developed appropriate training rules for each style, as it follows them to lead a harmonious whole.
Styles for single trees: erect, curved upright, inclined trunk, cascade (hanging) and semi-cascade, broom (many branches that stem from the same place at the spring), etc.





Multiple trees: two stem, three tribe, five tribal, etc. Harmonic eyes uneven numbers better. Once one does not spontaneously see how many trees are involved, it is called a forest. Bonsai dimensions
Depending on the size bonsai are divided into several categories: bonsai is an average between 30 and 60 cm.
Very small (even large thimble) bonsai called “Mame bonsai. Below 21 cm is referred to as “Shohin. There is a tendency very large, impressive bonsai to form, but a “normal” is more refined bonsai. The smaller the bonsai, the more difficult the design.



Associations.
In the Netherlands, “the Dutch Bonsai Association”
Flanders has the “Vlaamse Bonsai Association”
Both work with regional departments.
Overarching for Belgium: “ABBC”, the Association of Belgian Bonsai Clubs
There is also a European umbrella association, in turn affiliated to the bonsai world federation;
There are (commercial) clubs at the initiative of bonsai dealers.
Paul’s Bonsai Site:
Paul’s Bonsai microbe is a fairly recent ‘alternative’. Yet he has the information he was instructive and useful for themselves, (and probably also for other beginners) has experienced, on a web site posted.
Ivan, bonsai has a longer experience, especially with raising the self and forms of indigenous trees. He wants the knowledge gained would like to add Paul’s initiative. Both have bonsai as a hobby (not specialists). Yet they want to participate in our “Steward garden site” and commit themselves to permanent attention for beginners. But the owners of one or a few bonsai that without a real hobby to make, somewhat like care tips.


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