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Bonsai Tree History and Culture

by: TylerFlemming
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From its origins as a Chinese art form over 2,000 years ago, the bonsai tree remains an object of fascination that embraces both nature and art. Now, anyone can participate in the wonderful tradition of bonsai cultivation with the help of the internet. Everything you'll need to know about bonsai trees can be found online; where to buy, how to begin, growth and feeding, maintenance techniques, and the required tools and equipment. Growing bonsai trees is the perfect relaxation for enthusiasts at any level.

Over many years, Japan and China began to incorporate aspects of their unique cultures together and the bonsai tree was one of the many things that were merged into the highly cultured country of Japan. Initially, only Buddhist monks engaged in this artistic production form, yet eventually, the aristocracy took up the bonsai fine art and it became a status symbol for a long time. After this time and for many, many years afterward, the artistic production of bonsai lay solely within the Japanese culture. As years passed and Japan began to open up its doors to other countries, bonsai fine art became highly sought after in North America for its peace of mind and beauty.

You've surely seen the beautiful Bonsai tree someplace in your life, even if only watching Mr. Miagi in the Karate Kid. It's probably likely that if there's a Japanese restaurant in your city or neighborhood, then you've seen them there. The artistry and commitment that it takes to plant and do the necessary maintenance with a Bonsai Tree is enormous, and sometimes much as well daunting for those with a green thumb. Bonsais are dwarf-potted plants that have been cultivated for centuries by the Chinese and Japanese. Since the end of World War II, this artistic production has become a great hobby and pastime in the United States. It not only takes patience to properly grow a bonsai, but also a good amount of artistic accomplishment as well. It's time-consuming, and there is a lot more to it than one might think.

Contrary to popular opinion, bonsai trees aren't genetically modified. They're regular trees or shrubs that are unnaturally stunted by pruning their roots and tying their branches with wire. The artistry originated in China, and was adapted by the Japanese early in the second millennium. Miniaturization is accomplished through strict regulation of a bonsai trees growing conditions. Scaffold branches are chosen early on as the only branches to be allowed to prosper, while the extra branches are mercilessly pruned off. Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound in their containers, and the roots, likewise, are pruned. But root-bound plants won't thrive forever in that condition and bonsai trees must be re-potted every two or three years to leave the roots with new soil.

A bonsai, consequently, is a living artistic production form that continually changes throughout the life of the tree. It is a combination of both horticultural and artistic skills and you may well have these skills without realizing it. Practice as much as possible and you will before long have your own collection of miniature trees that will improve over the years and leave you with hours of joy.

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About the Author

Growing a bonsai tree is easy and all it takes is a little practice. Bonsai trees are a great hobby to start and you can pass on the knowledge you learn to your kids, who will enjoy growing their own bonsai tree s for several years.  

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