Once you have decided on growing conditions and bonsai style, it is time to buy the plant. When it comes to buying a plant for bonsai you have several sources: 1. Specialized nurseries It is always best to buy from a dealer that specializes in bonsai, because they know what trees are suited for the…
The Chinese Bonsai, also called Penjing, is about creating a miniature tree or a landscape in a container. Chinese artists believed that by better understanding nature they will improve their spiritual development. This beautiful art form originated in China a thousand years ago. Bonsai was created by highly educated aristocrats of China, inspired by nature,…
The Chinese Bonsai, known as Penjing, was created in China a thousand years ago and got to Japan during the period of Zen Buddhism around 1195. Once it was introduced to Japan, bonsai art began to develop in its own way. At first, only the aristocrats of Japan had access to this kind of art….
I never thought about Chinese Bonsai as a tree torture and I was very surprised to see a series of bonsai by Chinese artist Shen Shaomin presented at Frey Norris Gallery. Shen shows them trussed and tugged by the thumbscrew brackets, collars, and barricades that engineer their growth. Shen connects his bonsai sculptures with the…
The Chinese Bonsai (Penjing) has much less strict rules and is a more philosophical and spiritual form of art than Japanese bonsai. Chinese and Japanese bonsai have their differences but are very closely related and are sometimes difficult to distinguish. A high-quality Chinese bonsai composition has to look entirely natural. Although there is more freedom…
The Japanese Andromeda Bonsai Tree, scientific name Pieris japonica, is an evergreen shrub with upright spreading branching. It is known for its beautiful fragrant white flowers that hang in pendulous, long clusters. It is a hardy plant that needs to be grown outdoors with winter protection from temperatures below 15F. Additional Information Family: Ericaceae Scientific…
The Ficus Bonsai Tree is a very common houseplant. With over 800 species and 2,000 varieties of ficus, everyone can find the right tree for their bonsai. One of my favorite varieties of ficus is a dwarf ficus also known as Ficus benjamina. If you are a beginner, ficus benjamina is one of the best…