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What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a horticultural art. Woody plants are grown in shallow containers, styled to resemble scale-models of the mature plant in nature. Bonsai need sunlight, air movement, water, nutrients and a substrate in which to grow. That’s the horticultural element, and it’s the same as any other form of gardening. The artistic element is a little more challenging but can be learned by anyone. It involves styling, training and pruning the tree to the shape you want and then matching it to a complementary container to create the desired overall effect – drama, strength, grace, elegance or whimsy. Any woody… Read More »What is Bonsai?

Tips: Essential tools for your Bonsai styling kit

Sharp scissors that close to a fine point – Long handles keep your hands out of the canopy. Often called ‘leaf & twig shears’, don’t be confused, these are not tailor’s shears with enormous blades. Cut twigs up to 3mm with your scissors, but don’t twist or rack the blades. Match the tool to the task. Stainless steel blades can be sharpened again & again. Powerful scissors for root pruning – You’ll want something with strong blades and more ‘drive’ than your leaf/twig shears, to get through tough root material. Re-potting or digging utensil – For combing out roots on… Read More »Tips: Essential tools for your Bonsai styling kit

Future Events & Resources: Kokufu-ten Tokyo Bonsai Technical Training Syllabus Downloads

I was lucky to be in Japan for the February, 2019 93rd Kokufu-ten two-part show in Tokyo.  At the nearby Ueno Green Club, I caught up with my friend Gerald Rainville (Roberts Creek, BC Canada) who has trained for many years with Koji Hiramatsu and before that, with Koji’s father.  The Takamatsu Bonsai Growers, of which Koji is one, in conjunction with the Kagawa Prefecture Bonsai Production Promotion Council (yes, that’s a mouthful!) have got together in true Japanese efficient manner, and have organised a district-wide Bonsai Technical Training syllabus for overseas visitors. Two brochures including maps and an enrolment… Read More »Future Events & Resources: Kokufu-ten Tokyo Bonsai Technical Training Syllabus Downloads