World of Bonsai and Gardening

The World's most famous Bonsai

The art of planting trees in containers is called Bonsai and it comes from Japan. But it is more than an art; it demands your patience. Bonsai as an art form emerged solely to charm the viewers and to show the skill and expertise of the grower. When we are talking about this art form, let us take a look at the world’s most beautiful bonsai trees. The ranking of the world's most beautiful Bonsai trees has not changed for at least one decade. This valuable ranking tells us that their Bonsai carekeepers were truly unbeatable masters. Some of these Bonsai can be admired in various museums around the world. One of the most interesting museums is the Omiya bonsai art museum which offers hundreds of different master pieces on display.

The Bonsai universe is vast and almost endless, however countless and beautiful Bonsai masterpieces exist that are still unknown to us. Unknown does not mean that they would not fit into this ranking. Some of these beautiful Bonsai are easily over 100 years old and passed on from generation to generation by numerous Bonsai artists around the world. In fact, Bonsai passion has no borders, and a lot of Bonsai artists are exchanging knowledge through social media like Facebook and YouTube which is a good thing for Bonsai in general. Some of the beautiful Bonsais like the Shunka-en Bonsai are displayed at Museums in Japan. One of the most famous museums for Bonsai is the Omiya Museum (see my other blog post Omiya Bonsai village). Bonsai museums are not only in Japan, if you travel to Germany, Korea, Eastern Europe, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and China, you will be impressed too. These marvelous Bonsai masterpieces are certainly not the only famous ones, there are countless Bonsai trees in other parts of the world that have not been mentioned in this blog.

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1. Shunka-en Bonsai, 800 years old and still steady!

Beautiful master piece of Shunkaen bonsai is displayed at Shunkaen Museum in Tokyo

2. The Yamaki Family 389 years old White Pine

The tree survived the Hiroshima Atomic bomb. Donated to Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington

3. Goshin ''Protector of the spirits'', by John Naka

A forest planting of eleven Foemina Junipers, the earliest of which Mr. Naka began training into Bonsai in 1948.

4. The famous Juniper Bonsai by Luis Vila

A unique Crescent Bowl which enhances the dramatic effect of the cascade composition.

5. Juniperus Chinensis by Mauro Stemberger

Mauro Stemberger was born in 1978 in Feltre, Italy and works as an architect and Bonsai artist.

6. Atlas Cedar by John Naka

Atlas Cedar with Shadows at the National Bonsai Museum in Washington DC.

7. Toichi Domoto Trident Bonsai

The large trident maple since 1979 is part of Domoto Collection in California.

8. Saburo Kato - The Forest Bonsai at Mansei-en

Professional Bonsai Set, Click here for Details

Latest Book on Penjing Bonsai

Todaiji Temple Poster Nara

The Japanese Garden Poster

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.

How do you make a beautiful bonsai garden?

Garden Bonsai are potted trees that are very similar to, yet slightly different from Bonsai. The dramatically shaped trees stand out in any garden and are increasingly popular in both Japanese and Western garden designs. As a matter of fact, designing one is incredibly difficult, especially because you need to find a way to display your trees at eye-level, while keeping in mind the individual requirements of each of your trees. Some trees will need at least partial shade on the warmest days, while other trees prefer as much sun as they can get. Most professional Bonsai gardens have shade-cloth systems, with varying amounts of shadow provided, that can be used in summer.

Professional Bonsai gardens (think: Japanese Bonsai gardens) often display their most important trees centrally in the garden, placed on poles. Placing the trees at eye level makes them stand out and gives visitors the opportunity to gaze at the trees while strolling around. Placing the poles is relatively straightforward, so the only difficulty is in choosing materials. We've come across wooden pillars (old railroad ties or tree trunks), stone slabs, and concrete pillars. If you are interested in the Japanese marketplace, ZenPlus offers Japanese craftsmanship and represents unparalleled craftsmanship.

Let's take a look at some Bonsai gardens, the shaping and pole location make a decisive difference. The more angles the better the view:

This Bonsai backyard successfully creates depth in a rather limited space, by placing the pillars in the front a bit lower than those at the back. The simple color of the fence makes the trees stand out.

Well-proportioned, well-arranged benches can bring the art of bonsai to a whole new level.

It’s not just about learning how to display bonsai using benches but it’s about taking advantage of the unique character that benches can give to the display site. When constructed and positioned well, benches can further help to improve the healthy development of your miniature masterpieces – so skip the rush and choose wisely to make your bonsai thrive and flourish while bringing profound pleasure when gazed upon.

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The following steps generally apply to how to create a Bonsai dish garden:

Step 1: Research Bonsai Tree Species. ...

Step 2: Choosing a Bonsai for Your Climate. ...

Step 3: Choosing a Style. ...

Step 4: Considering Soil. ...

Step 5: Buying What You Need. ...

Step 6: Planting Your Bonsai in the Dish Garden. ...

Step 7: Pruning and Shaping Your Bonsai. ...

Step 8: Decorating and fencing e.g. Yakisuki

Using benches in your Bonsai garden

Building a bench to put your trees on is more difficult than it seems, especially when you want it to last longer than 1 - 2 years. In the fourth photo below you see a bench that you can create yourself. First, let's have a look at some examples.

Pros of Bonsai Benches

1 – Freedom

Opting for benches grants you tons of freedom when it comes to the arrangement of your bonsai masterpieces. The construction materials can also vary, so there’s freedom on that note, too.

2 – Affordability

Whether you go for DIY bonsai display benches or choose to opt for readily-available ones, you can find affordable options to otherwise costly alternatives.

3 – Ease of Maintenance

Just do your job of assembling and setting benches the right way, and maintenance can feel like a breeze based on your personal requirements and preferences.

Cons of Bonsai Benches

1 – Durability

If you want to make your bonsai benches last for more than a couple of years (1 – 2 years on average), then you need to act accordingly – do your proper research, choose the most suitable materials, and make sure you take into consideration the external factors that will affect the durability of the benches.

2 – Design Mistakes

It might be the case that you finish your bonsai benches arrangement just to notice that once displayed, the trees seem to lack the visual depth that adds to the much desired authentic looks.

Nonetheless, you might just notice that it’s difficult to reach all your bonsai trees with ease, resulting in tough times when it comes to maintenance.

Below, we will focus on helping you learn how to display bonsai using benches with a focus on avoiding the most common beginners’ mistakes on that note.

Timber

Reclaimed timber can work beautifully, and it is the most cost-effective option. Well-seasoned and not prone to wrapping, reclaimed timber also gets bonus points for its naturally aged appearance. However, you need to check for any traces of fungal and/or insect damage. Also, beware of nails when cutting reclaimed timber. New timber can help you achieve a smoother, more refined bonsai benches appearance. It’s best to opt for pressure-treated lumber.

Concrete block

Often underestimated, concrete blocks can work wonderfully for crafting bonsai display benches. For instance, the Bonsai Garden Oakland features a fantastic example of a concrete bench that is designed in a circle. Sturdy and possible to be further upgraded and beautified, you can also choose to take advantage of re-purposing concrete blocks obtained from a salvage yard as to enjoy their aged finish.

Build a Yakisugi Fence

Yakisugi (-ita) and Shou Sugi Ban both mean “Charred Cedar Board” in Japanese. The Japanese Kanji characters are the same but you can pronounce it either way. Since we have not decided on a preferred way of saying it I will use it interchangeably because you are bound to see it either way. As I have personally heard just “Yakisugi” used in Japanese more often I tend to use that term more. Although not traditionally used in Japanese gardens it makes for a great piece of modern garden art. Sometimes you see cool pieces of funky shaped driftwood being displayed among the flowers, now imagine that solid black. The black really highlights and complements a natural green color so it can work well as a display piece.

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

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.

Watering Bonsai - How to water a Bonsai

Bonsai, as with nearly all other types of cultivated plants, require moisture at their roots to survive. Without a continual source of moisture, the tree is unable to continue its life process, initially losing leaves, then branches, and finally, the entire tree can die. Never doubt that the quickest way of killing a bonsai is to allow the compost to dry out completely.

However, though the effects of under-watering are immediate, over-watering a bonsai also causes ill-health in trees. The effects of continual over-watering take much longer to become noticeable and can often be difficult to diagnose until parts of the Bonsai start to rot away. Established plants and trees growing in the ground have the ability to 'adjust' to their habitat and the quantity of water that is available to them. If there is not enough water available to the root system, the roots will spread out into the soil until enough moisture can be reliably acquired. Thus plants growing in relatively dry areas will have far-reaching root systems that will continue to spread out until a reliable source of moisture can be found. On the other hand, trees growing in damp conditions where moisture is permanently available in the upper levels of the soil will tend to have shallow root systems as they have easy access to moisture.

In the confines of a pot, a bonsai loses this ability to self-regulate its exposure to moisture. It is unable to govern how much or how little water it accesses. The compost in a bonsai pot is also far less stable than soil in the ground, its ability to dry out is greatly increased and it is greatly affected by outside influences such as the weather and the surrounding ambient temperature. Correctly watering your bonsai is a skill itself and is not as straightforward as one might expect when first starting out. It is often said in Japan that it takes 3 years to learn to water correctly. It can sometimes take three years of tree losses before a bonsai enthusiast realizes that it is his/her watering regime that might be the cause!

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Bonsai Watering System

I have found this system very interesting as it can be done passively without neglecting the Bonsai. Especially if you have more than one Bonsai, this type of watering system is very useful. We all know that Bonsai needs special attention. Blumats provide that but the regular ones are too long for most Bonsai containers. This one solves that problem. It can save an immense amount of watering time because this can automatically water the bonsai without needing to submerge it. In very dry areas like here in Colorado, it helps Bonsai survive those very dry days when their owners may be distracted or gone and not paying as much attention as they should.

Japanese Copper Watering Can

Copper Watering Can for Bonsai Made with Care in Japan

This copper watering can made in Japan is the best bonsai-related item I have ever purchased. It makes watering my bonsai trees a pleasure, almost a Zen experience. Kaneshin makes some of the best bonsai tools and equipment in the industry and the quality is outstanding.

This watering can is a functional piece of art. It will most likely outlive me. The two rosebuds have a wonderful flow. When not in use it will be hanging on the wall for all to see. It's a classic more for professional Bonsai enthusiasts. This copper watering must be stored in-house, ideally in a greenhouse where you don't forget to water plants regularly. Below, is a brief but very interesting video on how to use the copper watering can. Please always remember, if you decide to purchase this beautiful copper watering can, please handle it with care! It's a piece of art!

THE EFFECTS OF UNDER-WATERING AND OVER-WATERING A BONSAI

Bonsai plants rely on a continual flow of water to stay alive and to grow. Water is absorbed from the compost into the roots by a process known as osmosis, the water is then pulled up the body of the plant and is released into the atmosphere through the foliage. This process allows the plant to distribute vital nutrients throughout its structure. However, without a source of moisture at its roots, this flow of water is interrupted and the plant structure quickly collapses and dries out. Leaves and branch tips are the first areas to be affected, followed by branches. Finally, the trunk and roots themselves collapse and dry out by which time it is unlikely that the tree will survive without damage. Application of water at this point is often too late; moisture can actually be absorbed out of the roots back into the wet compost in a process known as reverse osmosis.

As previously mentioned, the effects of over-watering a far more subtle and can take a relatively long period of time to detect. Over-watering creates an environment for the root system that is permanently wet. Roots need oxygen to 'breathe' and the presence of too much water reduces the ability of the compost to absorb air. This in turn causes the fine root hairs to suffocate and die. The immediate effect on the tree is a loss of vigor as parts of its root system are unable to grow and/or die back.

More worryingly, the dead roots start to rot. Naturally occurring bacteria are able to colonize the dead tissue and in very wet composts are able to thrive. As the root system continues to die back from the effects of over-watering, the root-rotting bacteria are able to spread throughout the root system and slow (if not completely stop) the ability of the tree to seal the remaining live root tips. Gradually the live portion of the root system becomes smaller and as it does it is able to support less of the visible top growth of the tree.

Foliage on the tree will start to yellow and drop; smaller branches will shrivel and die back. As the live portion of the root ball becomes even smaller, it is eventually unable to support the primary branches and the trunk, causing the tree to die. Root-rot is often only detected at a repotting time in Spring. Rotted roots will be found to be black and will disintegrate when touched. The only reliable way of stopping root rot is to cut away all dead areas of the root.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER?

As has already been discussed, it is important to avoid the effects of under-watering and over watering. So how do you water a bonsai correctly?

Auto-Watering system, the smart way

Firstly, NEVER water to a routine. Simply watering on a daily basis without first observing the condition of the bonsai soil is often carried out by beginners following the advice of well-meaning bonsai retailers. Bonsai can indeed require water on a daily or even twice daily basis, particularly in hot weather or early Spring. However, watering to a routine commonly leads to permanently wet compost at other times. If the compost does not lose some of its moisture content between each watering, it means it is permanently wet, leading to problems associated with over-watering.

Instead, trees should be checked routinely (at least on a daily basis), so their water requirements can be observed and they can then be watered when they actually require it. The surface of nearly all bonsai compost changes color and appearance when it starts to dry out. With careful observation, it is always possible to tell whether or not the compost surface is dry or not. This can take anything from 12 hours to a week or longer after watering, depending on a variety of factors such as the surrounding ambient temperature, plant vigor, pot size, and whether it has rained or not. In the UK for example, trees tend to need watering daily during the Summer but with lower temperatures and increased rainfall during Autumn, Winter, and early Spring, watering needs can change day by day. Never assume that because it has rained your tree has received enough water, particularly during the Summer. Often, it only rains enough to wet the upper layers of the compost.

The correct time to water is when the top centimeter of the compost has started to dry out. With regular observation of your trees on a daily basis, you should be able to apply water when it is actually required. Allowing the compost to dry a little between each watering will ensure that they are not over watered.

Different trees have different water requirements, try to water individual trees in a collection as they require it, rather than en masse.

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.

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.

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.

Bonsai in Singapore - The History of Bonsai

The Chinese were trading in Singapore as early as the thirteenth century (back when it was still known as Temasek), although once the old port city was sacked and abandoned in the late fourteenth century, the local population dwindled dramatically and few Chinese (if any) would be interested in settling in Singapore, even as they continued to trade in the region.

Large-scale Chinese immigration to Singapore took place only after Sir Stamford Raffles established a trading post in 1819. What is interesting though was that there was already a small community of Chinese living in Singapore before Raffles arrived. According to Singapore: A 700-Year History, they were Teochew farmers who moved from the nearby island of Bintan to Singapore to grow gambier and pepper.

Once the new port was established though, it quickly attracted many Chinese traders in the region, and there were already an estimated 1,159 Chinese in Singapore as early as 1821 out of a total population of 4,727 (according to One Hundred Years of Singapore). It's believed that the first Penjing Bonsai came to Singapore via established trade routes. Some Penjing Bonsai were already on display at some Buddhist temples in Singapore.

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One of the key figures in the early development of bonsai in Singapore was Mr. Yee-sun Wu, a renowned bonsai master who migrated to Singapore from China. He played a significant role in popularizing the art of bonsai in the country and helped establish the Singapore Bonsai Society in 1972.

Over the years, the art of bonsai has continued to grow and evolve in Singapore, with many dedicated practitioners and enthusiasts contributing to the local bonsai community. Today, Singapore is known for its vibrant bonsai culture, and there are numerous bonsai clubs, exhibitions, and workshops for both beginners and experienced practitioners to enjoy and learn from.

Late 19th century image of Thian Hock Keng in Singapore

One of the places to admire Bonsai in Singapore is Jia Bonsai. Their address is at 86 Meng Suan Rd, Singapore 779273. They sell authentic Japanese Bonsai made affordable.

Another popular Bonsai artist is Boh Bonsai, in the heart of Singapore at 16 Lengkok Mariam, Singapore 509119, not too far from Tanah Merah. They run Bonsai exhibitions for various occasions in Singapore.

Another popular Bonsai spot is Bonsai Gallery, Bonsai Gallery was founded in 2005 and can let you in all the secrets of this tradition and guide you through making the most suitable purchase. Bonsai Gallery is at 24 Bah Soon Pah Road, Singapore 769968. I have not found any video of Bonsai gallery, but here is the link to their website

There are more than 2000 Bonsai trees imported from China to Singapore and other parts of the world.

The traditional Bonsai artists believe that the purpose of miniature cultivation is to promote the shrinking of human foibles such as greed and self-centered thinking.

Greed and self-centered thinking promote the unthinking destruction of all of nature according to the belief. With the evidence of what is happening in our world, I would echo that belief. When Bonsai branches stretch toward the sky, means that they represent the seeking of a richer thought process of enlightenment. Many of these Bonsai trees in Singapore are over 100 years old. One of the oldest trees is in the Tokyo Imperial Palace collection. It is considered to be a national treasure of Japan. The tree is considered to be at least 500 years old.

Its a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere in Singapore's most exciting Bonsai garden.

The 7-storey Chinese pagoda in Singapore's Jurong Lake Gardens

public park.

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

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 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.

The little bonsai

Growing and Caring for Bonsai Trees

The World's most famous Bonsai

How do you make a beautiful bonsai garden?

Watering Bonsai - How to water a Bonsai

Bonsai in Singapore - The History of Bonsai