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Showing posts from December, 2023

Happy New Year !!

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May this year be meaningful and fulfilling for you and for all of us. A new year’s journey begins. Let’s grow, learn, and shine together. Here’s to a wonderful 2024!

Fruit-bearing bonsai

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Fruit-bearing bonsai are primarily for the appreciation of fruit, and many types of trees are enjoyed as fruit-bearing bonsai. Here are some representative fruit-bearing bonsai: Japanese Persimmon : A deciduous shrub that blooms in May and bears fruit in October. There are male and female trees, and to enjoy the fruit, you need to get a female tree and cross-pollinate it with a male tree when the flowers open. Mayumi : Widely distributed in various places, it is classified as a deciduous shrub or small tree of the Euonymus family. In spring, it blooms light green small flowers, and after bearing red or white fruit in autumn, bright red seeds pop out from the fruit. Quince : A deciduous tree of the rose family, it blooms pink flowers around April and bears large yellow fruit from autumn to winter. Dwarf Apple : In spring, pink flowers bloom, which later change to whitish petals. After the petals fall, small fruits are borne at the end of the stem. These bonsai are valued not only for th

Let's learn flowering species in bonsai

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Flowering species in bonsai, also known as "Hanamono", are those that bloom in different seasons. They provide beauty and allow us to appreciate the changing seasons, enhancing the enjoyment of bonsai appreciation. The representative flowering species include "Sakura" (cherry), "Ume" (plum), "Boke" (quince), and "Chojubai" (longevity plum). These make the display area or shelf vibrant. In addition, various plants that can be found in gardens or along the roadside, such as "Rengyo" (forsythia), "Mansaku" (witch hazel), "Yukiyanagi" (thunberg spirea), and "Sarusuberi" (crape myrtle), can also be made into bonsai. The care for these bonsai involves techniques such as pinching buds, pruning, watering, and appropriate fertilization, aiming to make the flowers bloom beautifully. The appropriate care varies depending on the species. Flowering species in bonsai are attractive not only for their beauty but

Let's learn broadleaf bonsai, especially those made from deciduous trees!

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Broadleaf bonsai, especially those made from deciduous trees such as Zelkova, Maple, Acer, Ilex, Oak, and Beech, captivate many enthusiasts with their beauty and seasonal expressions. These species show various expressions throughout the year, from the budding of spring, the deep green of summer, the autumn leaves, and the appearance after defoliation. However, to maintain their beauty, proper care is necessary. In particular, these species bud well and have strong tree vigor, so if you neglect to pick buds and prune, the branches will soon stretch out. Also, to make the autumn leaves beautiful, managing sunlight and leaf cutting are important tasks. For example, Zelkova can enjoy various colors throughout the year, from the new buds and fresh green in early spring to the deep green in summer and the autumn leaves. However, Zelkova grows fast, so if you don't take care of it, it will soon lose its shape. Therefore, pruning and wire hanging are necessary. Also, when repotting, it is

The pine and cypress species (Shōhakurui)

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The pine and cypress species have been familiar to the Japanese people for a long time, characterized by their evergreen and sharply pointed needle leaves. The most popular pine and cypress species for bonsai are the Japanese white pine, Japanese red pine, and Japanese black pine. Here are some tips on how to grow each: 1. Japanese White Pine: Keep it in a sunny and well-ventilated place throughout the year. Water it generously when the surface of the soil dries out. Fertilize it in spring and autumn. 2. Japanese Red Pine: Keep it in a sunny and well-ventilated place throughout the year. From spring to autumn, it is recommended to mist the leaves in the evening. As a rule, fertilize it once a month from March to November, except during June and July. 3. Japanese Black Pine: Keep it in a sunny and well-ventilated place throughout the year. When the surface of the potting soil dries out, water it generously until water flows out from the bottom of the pot. As a rule, fertilize it once a

Let's learn the main parts of bonsai

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Root Spread - The roots that extend horizontally from the ground. As the years pass, the roots rise and firmly grasp the soil. Trunk - The part of the tree that naturally gets thinner as it goes up from the root. This is referred to as having a good "taper". Root Flare - The part where the root transitions to the trunk. This is an important point of appreciation as it receives the strength of the root spread. First Branch - The lowest branch (lower branch). This is the most important branch in a bonsai. Second Branch - The branch that is above the first branch. It is made on the opposite side of the first branch. Branch Pad - A cluster at the tip of a structural branch. Tree Core - The top of the bonsai. The clarity of the pattern affects the tree's quality. Tree Crown - The tip of the tree (tree crown). It is also a growth point and, except for cliff making, it is the highest point of the tree. Tree Height - The height from the root spread to the tree core (head). These

Let’s learn how to fertilize bonsai

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Fertilizing Methods: There are mainly two methods of fertilizing bonsai trees: "Top Dressing" and "Liquid Fertilizer". 1. Top Dressing: This method involves placing solid fertilizer directly on top of the pot. The fertilizer dissolves and is absorbed into the soil when watering. 2. Liquid Fertilizer: After properly diluting liquid fertilizer, it is either poured over the top of the pot with a watering can, or the pot is soaked in the liquid fertilizer. Fertilizing Timing: Fertilizing of bonsai trees is mainly done during the following four periods: 1. Base Fertilizer: This is the fertilizer mixed into the soil at the time of repotting. 2. Additional Fertilizer: This is applied from early spring to early summer (around March to June) and from late summer to autumn (around late August to November) to aid the growth of the tree. 3. Thank You Fertilizer: For bonsai trees of flowering or fruiting varieties, this fertilizer is applied to help recover trees that have borne

Let's learn wire application in bonsai

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Wire application in Bonsai is an important technique for shaping the tree form.  Wire application is done to shape the tree. It is considered one of the most important tasks in Bonsai work, where wire is wrapped around the trunk and branches to create patterns and shape the figure. Mainly, copper wire colored in brown and aluminum wire are used. The work is mainly done during the dormant period, and when the wire starts to dig into the branches, the wire is removed. Purpose of Wire Application No matter how beautiful the tree form of a Bonsai is, when you start making a Bonsai, you will find some "bad spots" in the branches and trunk, such as direction and angle. Wire application is a technique where you apply wire to these "bad spots" of branches and trunks, bend and guide them, and correct them to make a good tree form. Method of Wire Application Determination of the Front: When applying wire to a Bonsai, first determine the front of the tree. Determination of Bra

Let’s learn how to prune bonsai

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"Bonsai Pruning" is the process of trimming the tree to control its growth. It involves cutting off parts of the branches to adjust the growth and fruiting of the tree, and to shape it. Pruning is an important task for maintaining the health and beauty of garden trees and shrubs. The basic steps of pruning are as follows Determine the purpose of pruning: If it's a garden tree for viewing, you prune to maintain a beautiful tree shape. On the other hand, if the purpose is cultivation, you cut off extra branches to promote the growth of the trunk and branches you want to grow. Determine the timing of pruning: Generally, evergreen trees are pruned around June when the vigorous spring budding has settled down and around October when the growth of summer branches has stopped. Conifers are pruned in spring and around October, and deciduous trees are pruned from November to March during their dormant period when the leaves have fallen. Decide which branches to prune: In order to

The popularity of bonsai overseas

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The international popularity of Bonsai is driven by its appeal as a part of Japanese culture, the influence of movies and events, and economic factors. Firstly, Bonsai is a traditional Japanese culture, and its beauty and uniqueness appeal to people overseas, thereby increasing its popularity. Bonsai is an art form that reproduces the beauty of nature on a small scale, which is appreciated by many people. Secondly, the influence of movies and events also contributes to the popularity of bonsai. The featuring of bonsai in the 1984 movie “The Karate Kid” and the exhibition of bonsai at the 1970 Japan World Exposition have served as catalysts for increasing the international recognition of Bonsai . In addition, the “World Bonsai Convention,” held once every four years, also contributes to the popularity of Bonsai . Goods, economic factors also boost the popularity of Bonsai . Bonsai can be traded as expensive, which is attractive to some wealthy people. Moreover, the export of Bonsai

The health benefits of bonsai

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Promotes a Regular Lifestyle : Taking care of a Bonsai requires a certain routine, such as watering at a fixed time every day or pruning leaves once a week. This helps to establish a rhythm in life, promoting a regular lifestyle. Provides Good Stimulation for the Brain : The maintenance of a Bonsai requires creative decisions, such as which branches to prune or at what angle to place them. This stimulates the brain and enhances concentration. Also, learning the techniques of Bonsai care becomes the acquisition of new skills, helping to maintain brain health. Supplies Quality Oxygen : Bonsai, being a plant, generates oxygen through photosynthesis. This improves the quality of indoor air and facilitates breathing. Reduces Stress and Refreshes : Taking care of a Bonsai is a form of relaxation that involves connecting with nature. Watching the growth of plants brings a sense of comfort and reduces stress. When these elements are combined, Bonsai becomes a wonderful hobby that enhances heal

The charm of bonsai

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A condensed nature: Bonsai encapsulates the essence of nature and its landscapes into a small pot, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of nature up close. Feeling the four seasons: Bonsai expresses the changes of the seasons. It shows various expressions throughout the year, such as new buds, flowers, fruits, and falling leaves. Living art: Bonsai is an art form using living plants that continue to grow. Therefore, it changes its form over time and continues to provide new inspiration to the viewer. Enjoyable without taking up space: Since Bonsai fits into a small pot, it can be enjoyed even in limited spaces. It allows you to feel nature even in narrow urban living spaces. A mirror reflecting oneself : It is said that the way of caring for and the shape of Bonsai reflect the personality and sensibility of the creator. Therefore, it can also be considered a form of self-expression. A lifelong hobby: Bonsai, which increases its beauty with growth, can be enjoyed over a long period of t

"Natural Bonsai"

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 "Natural Bonsai" is a term used to describe Bonsai that aim to represent the grandeur of nature within the confines of a pot. It is a traditional Japanese art form that seeks to capture the essence of landscapes and the state of the natural world through the cultivation of plants. Bonsai involves planting trees or shrubs in pots and appreciating the beauty of their form and the pot as a whole. A plant is generally considered a Bonsai if it has been in the same pot for about a year or more.  The goal of Bonsai is to create a miniature but realistic representation of a natural landscape within a pot. This is achieved by using various techniques developed over a long period of time to shape the plants to resemble their larger counterparts in nature.  https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.CVcpWBxENiM4A63yuFcr0gHaHa?w=150&h=181&c=7&r=0&o=5&dpr=1.2&pid=1.7

"Art Bonsai"

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 "Art Bonsai" is a term used to describe a form of Bonsai that is considered a work of art. Art Bonsai emphasizes the beauty and grandeur of nature expressed within a small pot. It is a cultivation method for plants that involves shaping the branches, leaves, bark, and roots of a plant in a pot to create a beautiful aesthetic. Art Bonsai is not just about growing miniature trees, but about creating a perfect, harmonious balance between nature and nurture. It is about capturing the essence of nature within the confines of a pot, creating a beautiful piece of art that is a testament to the strength and adaptability of nature, as well as the skill and patience of the artist. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=o9unIjmb&id=E63861D386D5D04A56FCAB13A31ADEEBB2DCD4F9&thid=OIP.o9unIjmbEJ18SKQCe566vwHaKv&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.a3dba722399b109d7c48a4027b9ebabf%3frik%3d%252bdTcsuveGqMTqw%26riu%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fdaruya.com%252

"Bunjin Bonsai"

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"Bunjin Bonsai", also known as "Literati Bonsai", is a style of Bonsai that originated from the Chinese literati who practiced the art of penjing. The term "Bunjin" or "Literati" refers to the scholars of ancient China, who were known for their skills in writing, painting, and penjing. The Bunjin Bonsai style is characterized by a tall, slender trunk that often contorts and bends, with branches that are sparse and located high up on the trunk. The style is intended to evoke the natural shapes of trees surviving in harsh conditions, and it is often associated with the aesthetic principles of " W abi-sabi " , appreciating the beauty in imperfection. Creating a Bunjin Bonsai involves careful pruning and wiring to achieve the characteristic shape, and it requires a deep understanding of the tree's growth patterns and response to training. The result is a tree that embodies the spirit of resilience and beauty in adversity. " Wabi-Sa

The term "Bonsai"

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The term 'Bonsai' is a Japanese word which, literally translated, means 'planted in a container'. This art form is derived from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice, part of which was then redeveloped under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The ultimate goal of Bonsai is to create a realistic but miniature representation of nature. Bonsai is not about genetically dwarfed plants, in fact, any tree species can be used to grow one. Techniques such as bud pinching, pruning branches, wiring, and carefully restricting but not abandoning fertilization are used to maintain the health of the tree. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=6yrvTpnk&id=5B77FD567E4BD8205C96868840C421F8D802EDDB&thid=OIP.6yrvTpnk6eiJAdEB948aDQHaGE&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fi.pinimg.com%2foriginals%2f18%2f60%2f27%2f186027570782741aa5ea5ddb5a52f06e.jpg&exph=1189&expw=1450&q=%e7%9b%86%e6%a0%bd%e3%81%ae%e7%94%bb%e5%83%8f&simid=608010032185812099&FOR

The history of Bonsai

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The history of Bonsai is ancient, with its origins dating back to around 700 AD in China. In China, an art form called "pun-sai" was born, which involved growing small trees in small containers using special techniques. This technique was brought to Japan and developed into a unique Japanese culture. It is speculated that during the Nara period, live plantings were brought to Japan through envoys to Tang, such as Kentoshi. During the Kamakura period, things that expressed landscapes with plants, stones, sand, etc., similar to Bonsai, began to be depicted in picture scrolls. https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=94ad189f533380e5JmltdHM9MTcwMzM3NjAwMCZpZ3VpZD0zOTk5ZTFmMi04MzQ3LTY0NGItMDg3Mi1mMmI1ODI5NTY1MjMmaW5zaWQ9NTU4MA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=3999e1f2-8347-644b-0872-f2b582956523&u=a1L2ltYWdlcy9zZWFyY2g_cT0uSlBHIOOBruebhuagvSZGT1JNPUlRRlJCQSZpZD0wNEJFNURGMDZGMkQwRjdCNEYyOEU0NUY2OTUzQzk4QzkyNjdFOUFD&ntb=1

Welcome to the world of Bonsai!

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Bonsai is an art form that encapsulates the beauty and harmony of nature within a small pot. It serves as a mirror reflecting the human heart, revealing an infinite world within. Bonsai reflects the emotions, thoughts, and values of its caretaker. It symbolizes the relationship between humans and nature, showing how we coexist with, respect, and celebrate the beauty of nature. Bonsai is also a living art that experiences growth and change over time, serving as a metaphor for life itself. Each Bonsai weaves its own story through its journey of growth. It symbolizes the fragility and persistence of life, change and constancy, and above all, the passage of time. Therefore, Bonsai is more than just a plant; it is a philosophical expression that bridges the inner world of humans and the outer world. It is a mirror showing how we understand ourselves and the world, and how we interact with them. It is a world in itself. Welcome to the world of Bonsai! https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=8