Exploring the Art of Bonsai in Kyushu: A Journey of Tranquility

 

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, is a region of breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and a deep-rooted history of bonsai cultivation. Renowned for its diverse climate and lush landscapes, Kyushu provides an ideal environment for the creation and appreciation of bonsai. In this article, we will embark on a journey through Kyushu to explore the world of bonsai, from its ancient origins to its contemporary significance in this picturesque region. If you are interested in the Japanese marketplace, ZenPlus offers Japanese craftsmanship and represents unparalleled craftsmanship.

Chapter 1: A Brief History of Bonsai in Kyushu

Bonsai, the art of cultivating miniature trees, has a long and storied history in Japan. While it has roots across the country, Kyushu has played a significant role in the development and evolution of this ancient art form. We'll delve into the historical aspects of bonsai cultivation in Kyushu, from its earliest origins to its rise as a major bonsai hub.

Origins of Bonsai in Kyushu: Discover how the art of bonsai was introduced to Kyushu and the unique characteristics that set it apart from other regions in Japan.

Bonsai Masters of Kyushu: Explore the lives and contributions of legendary bonsai masters hailing from Kyushu and the impact they had on the art form.

Chapter 2: Kyushu's Diverse Climate and Its Impact on Bonsai

One of the key factors contributing to Kyushu's prominence in the world of bonsai is its diverse climate. The region experiences a range of temperatures and precipitation patterns, making it an ideal location for cultivating a wide variety of bonsai species. We'll discuss how Kyushu's climate has shaped the art of bonsai and contributed to its unique character.

Microclimates in Kyushu: Learn about the different microclimates found in Kyushu and how they allow for the cultivation of various bonsai species.

Seasonal Beauty: Delve into the beauty of seasonal changes in Kyushu and how these transitions are reflected in bonsai art.

Chapter 3: Bonsai Gardens and Nurseries in Kyushu

Kyushu is home to numerous bonsai gardens and nurseries that are open to enthusiasts and tourists. These establishments offer a fascinating insight into the world of bonsai, from the careful training and maintenance of these miniature trees to the philosophy behind their creation. We'll explore some of the most renowned bonsai gardens and nurseries in Kyushu and the experiences they offer.

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum: Located in Saitama City, this museum houses an impressive collection of bonsai trees and related artifacts, making it a must-visit destination for any bonsai enthusiast.

Kyuka-en Bonsai Garden: Situated in Fukuoka, Kyuka-en is one of Kyushu's most celebrated bonsai gardens, offering visitors a chance to witness the beauty of well-maintained bonsai trees.

Chapter 4: Bonsai Styles and Techniques in Kyushu

Bonsai is not merely about cultivating miniature trees; it is also an art form that requires a deep understanding of various styles and techniques. In Kyushu, you'll find an array of styles that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and reverence for nature. We will delve into the most prominent bonsai styles and techniques practiced in Kyushu.

Ishizuke Style: Learn about the unique Ishizuke style, characterized by bonsai trees growing on rocky landscapes, and its significance in Kyushu.

Kabudachi Style: Explore the Kabudachi style, known for its striking multiple-trunk designs and the methods used to achieve this distinctive look.

Chapter 5: Contemporary Bonsai Art in Kyushu

Bonsai has evolved over the centuries, adapting to changing aesthetics and cultural influences. In Kyushu, contemporary bonsai artists are pushing the boundaries of traditional bonsai while still paying homage to the region's heritage. We will introduce you to some of these modern masters and their innovative approaches to bonsai.

Influence of Modern Design: Discover how contemporary design principles have made their way into Kyushu's bonsai art, leading to fresh and innovative styles.

International Recognition: Explore the recognition and accolades that contemporary Kyushu bonsai artists have received on the global stage.

Chapter 6: Bonsai Festivals and Events in Kyushu

Kyushu hosts several bonsai-related events and festivals throughout the year, offering opportunities for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of bonsai. We will highlight some of the most notable events and share insights into what makes them special.

Kyushu Bonsai Exhibition: An annual event showcasing the best of Kyushu's bonsai, drawing enthusiasts from all over Japan and beyond.

Bonsai Workshops and Demonstrations: Participate in hands-on workshops and witness live demonstrations by skilled bonsai artists to gain a deeper understanding of the art.

The climate in Kyushu is well-suited for the cultivation of bonsai, primarily due to its diverse range of microclimates. Kyushu, being the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, experiences a milder and more varied climate compared to other regions. Here are some key aspects of the Kyushu climate and how it influences bonsai cultivation:

Mild Winters: Kyushu enjoys relatively mild winters compared to other parts of Japan. This means that many bonsai species can be kept outdoors year-round, avoiding the need for extensive winter protection or indoor storage. However, some more sensitive species may still require some winter care.

Ample Sunshine: Kyushu receives a good amount of sunshine throughout the year. Adequate sunlight is essential for the growth and health of bonsai trees, helping them develop strong branches and vibrant foliage.

Varied Precipitation: Kyushu's precipitation patterns can vary across the island, with some areas being wetter than others. This diversity in rainfall allows for the cultivation of a wide range of bonsai species, as you can select those that are well-suited to the local precipitation levels.

Seasonal Changes: Kyushu experiences distinct seasons, with the transition from spring to summer, summer to autumn, and autumn to winter is quite pronounced. These seasonal changes not only add to the beauty of the bonsai but also provide opportunities for styling and maintenance that align with the natural growth cycle of the trees.

Humidity: Kyushu's relatively high humidity levels, especially in coastal areas, can benefit many bonsai species. The consistent moisture in the air helps prevent the trees from drying out too quickly and supports healthy growth.

Tropical Influence: In some parts of Kyushu, the climate is influenced by a tropical monsoon pattern. While this may limit the types of bonsai that can be grown in these areas, it also allows for unique tropical bonsai species that thrive in warmer, more humid conditions.

Microclimates: Kyushu is known for its diverse microclimates, which can vary significantly from one region to another. These microclimates enable enthusiasts to experiment with different bonsai species, ensuring that each tree can be placed in an environment that suits its specific requirements.

In summary, the climate in Kyushu is quite favorable for bonsai cultivation due to its mild winters, ample sunshine, varied precipitation, seasonal changes, and high humidity. The diversity in microclimates further enhances the range of bonsai species that can be successfully grown in the region. These conditions make Kyushu a compelling destination for both bonsai enthusiasts and those looking to explore the art of cultivating these miniature trees.

Conclusion

Kyushu, with its rich history, diverse climate, and passionate bonsai community, stands as a remarkable center for the art of bonsai. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of bonsai, a visit to Kyushu promises a deep and enriching experience. So, embark on a journey to this enchanting region, where the art of bonsai flourishes amidst a backdrop of natural beauty and cultural heritage, and discover the serenity that these miniature trees can bring to your life.

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

The Complete Book of Bonsai --> I've been into bonsai for 25 years and this is the basic Bible for beginner and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts. It has an excellent section on techniques, including pruning, wiring and whatnot, and it has a large species-specific tree guide. If you're into bonsai and want only one book, this is it.

Indoor Bonsai The Great Selection --> Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring, and stretching it.

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai --> In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai With American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai but also secret techniques they’ve developed over years of careful work and observation.

Bonsai Survival Manual --> Problem solving when your Bonsai get sick. Expand your gardening repertoire as you create a captivating and exquisite miniature world. In this introductory guide, Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.

Bonsai and the art of Penjing --> Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace describe how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms people such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples --> With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

The Modern Bonsai Practice --> The most current, useful information on growing Bonsai. A fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners.

More Bonsai articles can be found here:

Please click here for more information on --> Chinese Penjing Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Origins of Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Art of Saikei Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Japanese Tanuki Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> How to Water a Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Healing Methods

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Books Review

           Japanese Av Star

Bonsai Styles Explained

Bonsai aesthetics are the aesthetic goals and characteristics of the Japanese tradition in the art of growing a miniature tree in a container. As you might already know, the world of Bonsai is very innovative in many aspects. You can either follow the traditional styles or the modern ones which date back less than a century. Many Japanese cultural characteristics, particularly the influence of Zen Buddhism and the expression of wabi or sabi, inform the bonsai tradition in that culture. As well, a lengthy catalog of conventional tree shapes and styles helps provide cohesion to the Japanese styling tradition. Several other cultures around the globe have adopted the Japanese approach to bonsai, and while some variations have begun to appear, most closely to the rules and design philosophies of the Japanese tradition. The aesthetics of penjing, a Chinese form of container-grown tree, are distinct from those of bonsai and are discussed elsewhere. The aesthetics of saikei, Japanese multi-tree landscapes in a container, are also distinct and are not described in this article.

A Japanese Black Pine in an informal style. John Naka's famous bonsai Goshin, shows some deadwood effects. A Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus libani var. atlantica) bonsai on display at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the United States National Arboretum. Over centuries of practice, the Japanese bonsai aesthetic has encoded some important methods and aesthetic guidelines. Like the type of aesthetic rules that govern, for example, Western common practice period music, bonsai's guidelines help practitioners work within an established tradition with some assurance of success. Guidelines alone do not guarantee a successful result. Nevertheless, these design rules can rarely be broken without reducing the impact of the bonsai specimen.

A key design practice in bonsai is a set of commonly understood, named styles that describe canonical tree and setting designs. These well-known styles provide a convenient shorthand means for communicating about existing bonsai and for designing new ones. Bonsai styles describe several basic attributes of a bonsai, such as the angle and straightness of its trunk, its branch configuration, and the number of trees in the bonsai container.

Traditional Japanese Ceramic Bonsai Pots

The system of styles serves many purposes, some practical, and some aesthetic. 3-1 In their simplest and most common application, styles provide a form of shorthand description for bonsai specimens. Predefined styles also aid the designer in making a development plan for a pre-bonsai tree. The untrained specimen may have characteristics that suggest or rule out certain styles. The designer can evaluate the pre-bonsai specimen against the catalog of accepted styles to determine what branches to remove or reshape, what foliage to remove or encourage, and what detailed shaping to apply to the trunk and branches.

As with all aesthetic rules or guidelines, the various accepted styles will guide a bonsai designer but are not completely deterministic. The species of the bonsai, the age of the tree when it began bonsai training, the tree's pre-existing shape and structure, and even the bonsai artist's training and preferences, strongly affect the shape of the resulting bonsai. These competing influences ensure that the style system acts mostly as a creative aid, not a dominating constraint, in producing a finished bonsai.

The main aim of bonsai aesthetic practices is to create miniature trees with an air of age in their overall shapes, proportions, and details. The quintessential bonsai is a single, dwarfed tree in a small container. It has the appearance of a mature tree, but not of a completely natural one. Instead, a designer or artist has manipulated the shape and surfaces of the tree to enhance or exaggerate the tree's apparent age, and also to give it a defined "front" from which it is meant to be viewed. Anyone questioning the effect of the bonsai designer's work can test the quality of the design by viewing it from the rear, where exactly the same trunk and branches will generally look awkward, cluttered, or otherwise unattractive.

No trace of the artist

At the same time, the designer's touch must not be apparent to the viewer. If a branch is removed in shaping the tree, the scar will be placed at the "back" of the tree where it cannot be seen. Alternatively, the tree will not be shown until the scar has been covered by years of bark growing over it, or a stub of the branch will remain to be cleaned and shaped to look like it was broken by wind or lightning. Similarly, wiring should be removed or at least concealed when the bonsai is shown and must leave no permanent marks on the branch or bark.

Visual balance

Other guidelines address the balance of visual weight among the trunk, roots, foliage, and branches. The extensive catalog of recognized tree styles forms part of this set of guidelines. The term "balance" here may refer to either:

• static visual balance, where careful application of symmetry leads to a stable and restful shape (like the formal upright, or Chokkan, style), or
• dynamic visual balance, which may arise from an asymmetric shape or one that implies instability and movement (like the cascade, or Kengai, style).

Traditional Bonsai Shear and Brush Set

The trunk, roots, foliage, and branches are manipulated through a variety of techniques to meet the designer's goals of visual balance. Negative spaces (the "empty space" between solid elements like branches or foliage) are also shaped and proportioned to appear in balance. In almost all designs, the viewer can see completely through the tree's negative spaces to the background behind it. In this combination of positive and negative shapes, bonsai aesthetics overlap to a certain extent with the aesthetics of sculpture.

Proportion among elements

Another general guideline touches on the proportion of the bonsai's various elements. The most prized proportions mimic those of a full-grown tree as closely as possible. Slender branches with heavy leaves or needles that are out of proportion are avoided, as is a thin trunk with thick branches. One of the few exceptions to this guideline is that flowers and fruit (on trees that produce them) are not considered to be flawed if they appear too large for the tree.

 Flexibility of the rules

One or more of the accepted rules of bonsai form can be bent or broken for a particular tree without destroying its fundamental aesthetic and artistic impact. In fact, going beyond the prescribed rules allows aesthetic growth in the bonsai art, as seen in many of the masterpieces created by Masahiko Kimura and Kunio Kobayashi. The following characteristics are desirable in many Japanese bonsai and other styles of container-grown trees, whatever the style: Gravitas

This is the trait which all of the remaining points of aesthetics seek to create. It is a sense of physical weight, the illusion of mass, the appearance of maturity or advanced age, and the elusive quality of dignity. Many of the formal rules of bonsai help the grower create a tree that expresses wabi or sabi, or portrays an aspect of mono no aware.

Miniaturization

By definition, a bonsai is a tree which is kept small enough to be container-grown while otherwise fostered to have a mature appearance. Bonsai can be classified according to size. Mame are ideally less than 10 cm (4 inches) tall and can be held in the palm of the hand. Shohin are about 25 cm (10 inches) tall, while other bonsai are larger and can not be easily moved. For both practical and aesthetic reasons, the guidelines outlined here are generally most effective and most often applied to larger bonsai, while the smallest specimens of bonsai may adhere to no rules other than "miniature tree" and "grown in a container".

Lignification

Cutting Back by Leslie Buck

This refers to enhancing the “woodyness” of a bonsai’s trunk and branches so that they have a

mature appearance. This typically means the bark surface is encouraged to become rough and dark-colored. In some cases, this aesthetic technique will vary, as in a birch tree bonsai attaining the white color and exfoliating bark of a mature specimen.

Asymmetry

Bonsai aesthetics discourage strict symmetry in branch and root placement. Radial symmetry is nearly always broken by the requirement for a clear "front", which exposes the tree's trunk and major branches. The left, right, and back sides will have more branches than the front. Left-right (bilateral) symmetry across the trunk is also discouraged, and designers work to alternate branches among the left, right, and back parts of the tree without ever placing two branches at the same height or extending two branches the same distance away from the trunk.

Leaf Reduction

Leaf reduction is related to the general miniaturization described above but is something that varies over the life cycle of a particular bonsai. For example, a bonsai’s leaves might be allowed to attain full size for many years to encourage vigor and growth of trunk, roots, and branches. It is usually desirable to attain a degree of leaf reduction before exhibiting a bonsai. Leaf reduction may be encouraged by pruning and is sometimes achieved by the total defoliation of a bonsai during one part of its growing season. Conifer needles are more difficult to reduce than other sorts of foliage.

Nebari

Also known as "buttressing", the nebari is the visible spread of roots above the growing medium at the base of a bonsai. Nebari helps a bonsai seem grounded and well-anchored and makes it look mature, akin to a full-sized tree.

Ramification

The ramification is the splitting of branches and twigs into smaller ones. It is encouraged by pruning and may be integrated with practices that promote leaf reduction.

Lime sulfur to bleach deadwood

Deadwood

Bonsai artists sometimes create or emphasize the appearance of dead wood on a bonsai tree, reflecting the occasional presence of dead branches or snags on full-sized trees. Two specific styles of deadwood are jin and shari. The presence of deadwood is not as common as most of the other points mentioned here but can be used very effectively on selected tree species and bonsai styles. See Deadwood Techniques for more details. Jin Seal is basically lime sulfur that provides an excellent solution to bleach deadwood on Bonsai.

Curvature

Trunk and branch curvature or contortion is an optional goal. Bonsai can achieve a sense of age while remaining straight and upright, but many bonsai rely upon the curvature of the trunk to build the illusion of weight and age. The curvature of the trunk that occurs between the roots and the lowest branch is known as tachiagari. Branches are also curved and re-curved to help them fit the designer's requirement for "positive space", and to separate small branches so that they do not cross or collide.

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

The Complete Book of Bonsai --> I've been into bonsai for 25 years and this is the basic Bible for beginner and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts. It has an excellent section on techniques, including pruning, wiring, and whatnot, and it has a large species-specific tree guide. If you're into bonsai and want only one book, this is it.

Indoor Bonsai The Great Selection --> Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring, and stretching it.

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai --> In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai With American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai but also secret techniques they’ve developed over years of careful work and observation.

Bonsai Survival Manual --> Problem solving when your Bonsai gets sick. Expand your gardening repertoire as you create a captivating and exquisite miniature world. In this introductory guide, Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.

Bonsai and the art of Penjing --> Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace describe how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms people such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples --> With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

The Modern Bonsai Practice --> The most current, useful information on growing Bonsai. Fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners.

More Bonsai articles can be found here:

Please click here for more information on --> Chinese Penjing Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Origins of Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Art of Saikei Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Japanese Tanuki Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> How to Water a Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Healing Methods

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Books Review

Thank you for visiting my blog and feel free to subscribe or leave your message in the comment section below. Please always remember, good feedback or bad remarks, it doesn't matter!

Bonsai in Korea

Korea is famous for its lush gardens and beautiful landscapes. As a matter of fact, Bonsai's are popular in Korea. The yearly selling growth rate of Bonsai plants in South Korea is aproximately 5 % . One of the most famous Bonsai sights in Korea is Bunjae Museum, which offers thousands of different Bonsai trees on display. We visited in the middle of winter. Most of the lakes in the

surrounding parks had frozen and the top daytime temperatures were not even making it above freezing. When we first entered the nursery I wasn’t sure we were at the right place. I could hardly see any bonsai! We soon learnt that the whole collection was sheltering in huge greenhouses for the winter but that’s a whole other post. One of the most fascinating Bonsai trees is the Juniper, I happen to discover a beautiful Juniper at the Bunjae Museum. What was interesting about this nursery was how it was run. In the Japanese nurseries I have visited the trees that were living within the nursery either belonged to the nurseryman or a customer but nearly all the work was done on the trees by the professional nurseryman. This very interesting museum is basically the Korean version of Omiya museum of Japan.

Here in the Korean Bunjae Museum, hobby growers could rent bench space and grow their trees as they liked while enjoying the luxuries of a nursery such as misted green houses, regular watering, and a professional grower on site to call on for advice and or lessons etc. It seemed like a really good system and one I could see working well at other places. To imagine the ease at which you could take holidays without having to organise someone to water or without having to move the collection to a friends backyard makes this nurseries system seem like a great idea.

Now just because the growers in this green house were hobby growers it didn’t mean the trees were of a sub standard level. In fact there was a whole range of standards of trees many of which were very high leveled. The Bunjae Museum is for Bonsai enthusiasts an attraction by itself.

Moving on to another beauty in Korea is the Spirited Garden at Jeju Island. I am sure that many of you have never heard the Spirited Garden before, well it can be found on any guide book of Jeju Island. Spirited Garden is the new name of Bunjae Arpia, renamed in 2007 to commemorate the 15th anniversary after opening and to renew the garden as an international garden. Hundreds of potted plants are located in Nature Garden with a theme of oreum and water.

The history of the garden started in 1963 when Seong Beomyeong, a director, came to Jeju and cultivated the wasteland full of rocks. The garden came into the international spotlight as the beautiful garden was created from the wastelands by a single farmer. The garden has been visited by many honored public figures such as Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao from China, Nakasone from Japan, Kim Yongsun from North Korea and others. Currently, about 400 planted trees are on display. Also, visitors can see various facilities including stone walls and stone towers stacked with Jeju volcanic stones, the largest artificial waterfalls in Jeju, and a pond meeting the waterfalls with large-sized carp.

 

Grown out of long term observation and meditation over art and life, this Spirited Garden has been called one of the most beautiful garden in the world, attracting people from all over the world. It has become a ven - ue for some people to do exploration and research. Well, a visit to Jeju Island is an eye opening experience in general. 

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons which is ideal for the most varieties of Bonsai trees. Winters are usually long, cold and dry. Summers are very short, hot, and humid. Spring and autumn are pleasant but also short in duration. Seoul's mean temperature in January is -5 degrees Celsius to - 2.5° Celsius (23°- 27,5° Fahrenheit) and in July the mean temperature is about 22.5° C to 25° C (71°- 75° Fahrenheit).

The country generally has enough rainfall, rarely it does less than 75 centimeters of rain fall in any given year; for the most part, rainfall is over 100 centimeters. Amounts of precipitation can however vary from year to year. Serious droughts occur about once every eight years. About two-thirds of the annual precipitation occurs between June and September.

South Korea is less vulnerable to typhoons than neighboring countries. From one to three typhoons can be expected per year. Typhoons usually pass over South Korea in late summer, especially in August and bring torrential rains. All these ideal climate conditions are not only beneficial for Bonsai growers but also gardening activities. Lastly, I think its worth to visit South Korea, I have never regretted this unique experience to explore Korea from a different perspective. I would not necessarily go by tour groups which might not show you these hidden treasures.

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

The Complete Book of Bonsai --> I've been into bonsai for 25 years and this is the basic Bible for beginner and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts. It has an excellent section on techniques, including pruning, wiring and whatnot, and it has a large species-specific tree guide. If you're into bonsai and want only one book, this is it.

Indoor Bonsai The Great Selection --> Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring and stretching it.

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai --> In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai With American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai, but also secret techniques they’ve developed over years of careful work and observation.

Bonsai Survival Manual --> Problem solving when your Bonsai get sick. Expand your gardening repertoire as you create a captivating and exquisite miniature world. In this introductory guide, Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.

Bonsai and the art of Penjing --> Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace describes how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms people such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples --> With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

The Modern Bonsai Practice --> The most current, useful information on growing Bonsai. Fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners.

More Bonsai articles can be found here:

Please click here for more information on --> Chinese Penjing Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Origins of Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Art of Saikei Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Japanese Tanuki Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> How to Water a Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Healing Methods

Thank you for visiting my blog and feel free to subscribe or leave your message at the comment section below. Please always remember, good feedback's or bad remarks, it doesn't matter! 

What is the fastest growing Bonsai ?

Classical cotoneaster dammeri, a fast-growing Bonsai

Keeping plants in the house, such as a bonsai tree, can be an inexpensive yet productive and rewarding hobby. House plants generally do not require a lot of maintenance, and can really spice up the atmosphere of your home. If you are aiming for speed in growing your bonsai tree, however, there are certain precautions and maintenance measures you can take in order to get your tree sprouting at the fastest rate it can. Bonsai growing has a lot to do with patience so I recommend you buy a full-grown bonsai or at least a pre-bonsai (a bonsai in its early stage). There are many cheap options out there. It'll be a rewarding experience because bonsai caring can be as fun as bonsai training. Fast-growing bonsai requires more care than slower-growing bonsai, including watering, pinching, and root pruning more often. These varieties of plants make shaping and twisting the bonsai much easier and the plants grow quickly enough to cover any trimming mistakes eg. Ancient Bristlecone and Bald Cypress (taxodium distichum).

An additional crucial factor is the environment such as sun, semi-shade, and level of humidity. The combination of these three crucial factors will determine the development of your bonsai. At the beginning, it's difficult to determine the progress observed by the naked eye but the end result will definitely make a difference.

Step 1

Place the planted bonsai tree in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least four hours each day. Experts at bonsaigardener.org estimate that bonsai thrives fastest and healthiest when it is kept at a temperature at or higher than 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours.

Step 2

Water the bonsai tree every day, until the soil is moist to the touch. Bonsai trees grow fastest in soil that is kept moist at all times.

Step 3

Fertilize the bonsai plant every three weeks during the growing season, from early spring to later fall. Follow product instructions regarding dilution; be sure to dilute the fertilizer properly based on the size of the potting plant you used or else you risk burning the bonsai's roots with too much fertilizer.

Step 4

Re-pot your bonsai plant every two years in the spring, before the growing cycle begins again. Use the same type of soil and planting pot as you did before so that the bonsai is used to its surroundings. When replanting, trim at least a third of the roots from the end to make sure they are not crushed in the pot and are healthy to absorb nutrients. Depending on the size of the roots, you may need to trim more to fit it into the pot.

Step 5

Check your bonsai tree at each watering for signs of pest infestations. Because of the constant watering the plant needs, it easily attracts insects. Treat any signs of infestation with a small dose of pesticide.

Cotoneaster and ligustrum. Given some good growing conditions, these should be ready for a nice "mame" style in a year from planting a cutting. I planted a couple of hundreds of ligustrum and a few of cotoneaster cuttings last year (everything rooted because when 5 % of the first setup died before they rooted, I instantly had replaced those with new cuttings and they rooted too), and I'm amazed with their growing rate.

When a seedling sprouts, there is usually just a single growing tip. As long as that tip is growing well, no other tips develop until the plant is taller. Bonsai requires trees that have low branches and the standard method is to do a very early pinch to remove the primary growth tip to force new growth points.

This is drastic for plants and many die. But without this step, plants do not develop character. You can improve the success rate with very healthy vigorously growing plants. Grow a lot of plants, grow them in the best possible environments, then prune drastically for outstanding results!

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

The Complete Book of Bonsai --> I've been into bonsai for 25 years and this is the basic Bible for beginner and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts. It has an excellent section on techniques, including pruning, wiring and whatnot, and it has a large species-specific tree guide. If you're into bonsai and want only one book, this is it.

Indoor Bonsai The Great Selection --> Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring and stretching it.

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai --> In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai With American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai, but also secret techniques they’ve developed over years of careful work and observation.

Bonsai Survival Manual --> Problem solving when your Bonsai get sick. Expand your gardening repertoire as you create a captivating and exquisite miniature world. In this introductory guide, Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.

Bonsai and the art of Penjing --> Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace describes how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms people such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples --> With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

The Modern Bonsai Practice --> The most current, useful information on growing Bonsai. Fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners.

More Bonsai articles can be found here:

Please click here for more information on --> Chinese Penjing Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Origins of Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Art of Saikei Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Japanese Tanuki Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> How to Water a Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Healing Methods

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Books Review

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