The story of bonsai started in China around 1000 years ago but it was not until bonsai was exported to Japan 500 years ago it became an art form in itself. The word Bonsai simply means “tree in a pot” and comes from the Chinese words “pun sai”.  Bonsai gardening is now popular in many countries around the world. The art of Bonsai is expanding in an exciting way as people from different cultures bring their native plants and trees, and their culture’s aesthetics to bonsai gardening.

Beginners starting out in the world of bonsai usually think that the plants used for bonsai are special bonsai trees or mini plants; however bonsai trees are just normal trees or plants kept small through regular pruning. Bonsai trees go through the normal seasonal changes, flowering, fruiting and shedding leaves like any other tree.

Since all trees have evolved during thousands of years outdoors, keeping a bonsai tree indoors without the natural light, rain, wind and seasonal changes can be very challenging and usually results in death of the bonsai tree. This is usually due too not enough light and low humidity; I found that out after killing my first tree. However there are a few tropical species of bonsai that are more suitable for indoors than others, but in general it is good if you can keep your bonsai tree outdoors most of the time… but with proper bonsai care it can be possible to keep a bonsai indoors.

When you are starting out with your first bonsai trees, and maybe start to read and learn more of the subject you will find that there are many bonsai “rules”. My tip to you is to not let these guidelines limit you in your bonsai journey. The art of bonsai should be a fun, creative and very rewarding journey! Enjoy.

California Juniper bonsai tree
C photo credit: ragesoss

Japanese white pine bonsai tree

photo credit: ragesoss

Goshin Bonsai Tree

photo credit: ragesoss

Posted under Bonsai Culture

Kaori Yamada is a young bonsai artist whose family lineage has 4 generations of bonsai masters. She is well known as a bonsai artist, but is also a presenter on TV, and a teacher.   What makes Kaori so interesting is that she previously hated bonsais!

I hated bonsai, hated the business, wanted nothing to do with the whole bonsai world

Therefore she decided to go to university to study economics and marketing instead of following in her father’s footsteps. However, after a trip to France, and visiting some beautiful gardens she decided that maybe she could still do something in the bonsai world, in a non-traditional way.

After doing a market research project on her father’s bonsai business she saw an opportunity that could suit her.

I decided to see if I could develop the market, and start a bonsai school. I would respect tradition, but find my own space, develop my own way.

Yamada’s bonsai school has been a great success and has brought many women into the male dominated bonsai world. She has brought a feminine point of view and a softer side to the art form.  Her school has taught many women the technical and creative sides of bonsai care and bonsai gardening.  Thanks to Yamada there is a new generation of female bonsai artists.

Yamada has many old bonsais, passed down through the generations, in her garden. She says:

They’re like my ’sempai’ (elders). They talk to me, tell me how to live. Their “ki,” their life force, affects me, I can feel it.

I too hope that one day my 3 year old bonsai can pass on some wisdom too!

Here is an interview with Kaori Yamada, Lindsay Farr travels to Xu Xiaobai, Omiya, Kaori Yamada Bonsai festival.

Posted under Bonsai Artist, Bonsai Culture

Here is an interesting video by Linday Farr detailing the Chinese style of Bonsai Gardening and the Japanese style of Bonsai. I really enjoyed this clip!

Posted under Bonsai Culture

This is a really cool video series were we can follow Lindsay Farr’s journey and exploration of bonsai culture. Lindsay Farr has taught the art of bonsai at different campuses including TAFE, the Chinese Museum and The Council of Adult Education and also been a regular Bonsai presenter on The international cable TV show YIN, YANG and YOU. Later he formed his own school, The Bonsai Academy of Australia where he taught about Bonsai Gardening and how to care for bonsai trees.
This first episode goes to Omiya Bonsai festival May 2006. Hiroshi Takeyama. Enjoy!!

Posted under Bonsai Culture, Bonsai Gardening