Check out my new bonsai! Of course, "new" may not be entirely accurate since it is over 20 years old. You see kids, I don't own my bonsai trees, I am simply taking care of them until the next generation - hows that for some Mr. Miyagi-esque perspective.I have many bonsai trees - this one I got from a Master who I took some lessons from. He liked my knives, so I am exchanging a knife for a bonsai - an old school trade, really.
For those that don't know anything about bonsai - here are a couple quick items:
- Bonsai is not a species of tree. It can be just about any tree species - maple, oak, whatever - they are "miniaturized" by pruning, root pruning, and many, many, many, many other techniques. Did I mention there are many techniques involved? This one happens to be a Trident Maple.
- Bonsai means "tree-pot". Go figure!
- Bonsai is pronounced "bone - sigh" (that's right - bone as in chicken bone). This is not to be confused with "Banzai!!" which is a Japanese war cry. Banzai means "ten thousand years" (check out the history of that phrase on wiki, it is interesting).
- They can live for hundreds of years. You don't believe me? Wait.
- Bonsai are not "starved" to become small. In fact, I put fertilizer on mine quite regularly. They are actually quite healthy.
- The idea is not so much to make an exact replica of a tree on a small scale (although you can do that), it is more to give an impression of a tree - think of it in terms of abstract art. If you look closely at the picture, it doesn't look exactly like maple trees do in the wild - yet for some reason it gives you the impression a large, beautiful tree - at least when you see it in person it does.
- If you bonsai an apple tree, full apples will still come out - it's true! Same with lemon trees, orange trees, etc. It's cool looking, check it out -http://www.bonsaiboy.com/catalog/product561.html
Well, that's all for now. Now, close your eyes, Daniel-san, picture tree...
7 comments:
Very interesting as always, Jarod! I love bonsai - I really find them fascinating to just look at for hours. Almost as much as my orchids. :) Unfortunately I had bad luck with the only one I ever owned - it died! A terrible tragedy, especially because I pride myself on my plant care skills. Maybe you could also do a post about caring for the bonsai. :)
By the way - SO cool about the apples, lemons etc. I never knew!
Your persepctive, that you are taking care of the tree for the next generation is admirable. Not surprising, as this is the way I have known you and your outlook on life.
AN
I always enjoy your fun facts!
Are you going to bring one over? I can give you a kitchen knife or two ;-)
Amazing post! I had no idea about half the things you covered.
In awe of you as ever,
A
- BbB - isn't that groovy about the apples?
- Nedra - an old man in a young man's body?
- Lisa - Done, I can always use a good kitchen knife!
- Anniina - now you have to go out and try it!
What is the best bonsai tree for a beginner like myself as I'm new to this and want it to be successful?
Bonsai Trees
What is the best bonsai tree that can be kept indoors all year round?
Bonsai Trees
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