In the last year or so I have become obsessed with Bonsai as part of my life. I am a very new Bonsai enthusiast, and I have done all the things a beginner does, including killing a few trees. First let’s clear up a couple of popular misconceptions about this practice.
“Bonsai” the word, literally translates to “Tree in a Tray” or “Tree in a Pot.” It is not a species of tree. It is the art of creating miniature trees in pots. If you think of the word Bonsai as a verb rather than a noun you will be closer to a more accurate definition. You “Bonsai” a Juniper, or you “Bonsai” a Maple,… that sort of thing. Consequently, any plant that bifurcates when you prune it, can be bonsied.
Why do we do this? You can’t eat it, they don’t bear very usable fruit if any, so why do we invest so much time and energy into raising, and maintaining these trees, sometimes for generations! There can be no other reason than because they are beautiful. Over the years, I have come to believe that when people see something beautiful, they want to incorporate it into their lives. I know that this is the case with pottery, and Bonsai is just as noteworthy, and collectable.
Bonsai does not have to be expensive! You can root around your backyard and likely find some small trees that the birds planted that you can dig up, grow on and style. I have several mulberry trees that I dug up and they are no bigger than 4 inches high, or mame sized.