The history of bonsai is long and storied. Bonsai first appeared in China over a thousand years ago on a very basic scale, known aspun-sai. Pun-sai was the practice of growing single specimen trees in pots. These early specimens displayed little foliage and rugged, gnarled trunks which often looked like animals, dragons and birds. There are a great number of myths and legends surrounding Chinese bonsai. The grotesque or animal-like trunks and root formations are still highly prized today.

With Japan’s adoption of many cultural trademarks of China – bonsai was also taken up, introduced to Japan during the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333) by means of Zen Buddhism – which at this time was rapidly spreading around Asia. The exact time is debatable, although it is possible that it had arrived in AD 1195 as there appears to be a reference to it in a Japanese scroll attributed to that period.

Once bonsai was introduced into Japan, the art was refined to an extent not yet approached in China.

Over time, the simple trees were not just confined to the Buddhist monks and their monasteries, but also later were introduced to be representative of the aristocracy – a symbol of prestige and honor. The ideals and philosophy of bonsai were greatly changed over the years. For the Japanese, bonsai represents a fusion of strong ancient beliefs with the Eastern philosophies of the harmony between man, the soul and nature.

In an ancient Japanese scroll written in Japan around the Kamakura period, it is translated to say:”To appreciate and find pleasure in curiously curved potted trees is to love deformity”.

Whether this was intended as a positive or negative statement, it leaves us to believe that growing dwarfed and twisted trees in containers was an accepted practice among the upper class of Japan by the Kamakura period.

By the fourteenth century bonsai was indeed viewed as a highly refined art form, meaning that it must have been an established practice many years before that time.

Bonsai were brought indoors for display at special times by the ‘Japanese elite’ and became an important part of Japanese life by being displayed on specially designed shelves. These complex plants were no longer permanently reserved for outdoor display, although the practices of training and pruning did not develop until later – the small trees at this time still being taken from the wild.

In the 17th and 18th century, the Japanese arts reached their peak and were regarded very highly. Bonsai again evolved to a much higher understanding and refinement of nature – although the containers used seemed to be slightly deeper than those used today. The main factor in maintaining bonsai was now the removal of all but the most important parts of the plant. The reduction of everything just to the essential elements and ultimate refinement was very symbolic of the Japanese philosophy of this time.

At around this time, bonsai also became commonplace to the general Japanese public – which greatly increased demand for the small trees collected from the wild and firmly established the art form within the culture and traditions of the country.

Over time, bonsai began to take on different styles, each which varied immensely from one another. Bonsai artists gradually looked into introducing other culturally important elements in their bonsai plantings such as rocks, accent plants, and even small buildings and people which is known as the art ofbon-kei. They also looked at reproducing miniature landscapes in nature – known assai-keiwhich further investigated the diverse range of artistic possibilities for bonsai.

Finally, in the mid-19th century, after more than 230 years of global isolation, Japan opened itself up to the rest of the world. Word soon spread from travelers who visited Japan of the miniature trees in ceramiccontainers which mimicked aged, mature, tall trees in nature. Further exhibitions in London, Vienna and Paris in the latter part of the century – especially the Paris World Exhibition in 1900 opened the world’s eyes up to bonsai.

Due to this phenomenal upsurge in the demand for bonsai, the now widely expanding industry and lack of naturally-forming, stunted plants led to the commercial production of bonsai by artists through training young plants to grow to look like bonsai. Several basic styles were adopted, and artists made use of wire, bamboo skewers and growing techniques to do this – allowing the art to evolve even further. The Japanese learned to capitalize on the interest in this art form very quickly – opening up nurseries dedicated solely to grow, train and then export bonsai trees.

Different plants were now being used to cater for worldwide climates and to produce neater foliage and more suitable growth habits. Bonsai techniques such as raising trees from seed or cuttings and the styling and grafting of unusual, different or tender material onto hardy root stock were further developed.

Bonsai has now evolved to reflect changing tastes and times – with a great variety of countries, cultures and conditions in which it is now practiced.

In Japan today, bonsai are highly regarded as a symbol of their culture and ideals. The New Year is not complete unless thetokonoma- the special niche in every Japanese home used for the display of ornaments and prized possessions – is filled with a blossoming apricot or plum tree. Bonsai is no longer reserved for the upper-class, but is a joy shared by executive and factory worker alike.

The Japanese tend to focus on using native species for their bonsai – namely pines, azaleas and maples (regarded as the traditional bonsai plants). In other countries however, people are more open to other opinions.

The evolution of bonsai over the past two centuries is truly amazing. Perhaps it is symbolic of how small the world is getting as people from Europe to the United States and even in Greenland are exploring bonsai as a hobby.

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If youre looking to cultivate a new hobby and enjoy watching something grow then the Bonsai trees that British Bonsai has for sale could be just for you. The seed for British Bonsai was planted over fifteen years ago, however we have supplied trade and private customers with exquisite Bonsai trees for over seven years.
Situated near Storrington at the foot of South Downs in West Sussex, we have a large nursery with in excess of five hundred Bonsai trees. Here at British Bonsai we concentrate on the retail of all British Bonsai trees. However, from our nursery we have an extensive stock imported from Japan, China and Korea which means that we can offer our customers a diverse selection of choice.

Our indoor Bonsai trees include the Chinese Pepper Tree. Standing at around eleven to fourteen inches from the ground and nine and a half inches wide the Chinese Pepper Tree provides life, vitality and great indoor decoration for any home.

With a price of just thirty nine pounds and fifty pence these Bonsai trees are luscious examples of the lovely Bonsai trees that we can offer you.

If youre looking at a more extravagant purchase as a gift, or as a special something for yourself, then our Chinese Elm Bonsai trees is just the foliage for you. These special indoor trees look great in any room in the home adding that little extra life and colour to make any room more inviting. Standing at twenty one inches from the oriental unglazed pot, and with a price of just one hundred and fifty pounds these Bonsai trees will bring life and a unique sense of style and indoor decor to any room.

For a complete look at the diverse range of trees that we have for sale, or indeed any other of the accessories that we have then come and visit us online at: www.britishbonsai.com.

More Bonsai Care Articles

This article is all about how to water your Bonsai tree and what soil to use.

The Substrate

The substrate used for growing bonsai is generally composed of:
25% sand

25% of small rocks

25% black earth

25% clay.

Personally, I buy my substrate for bonsai. If you want to make your own substrate, just look in the books on bonsai, each author has his own recipe!

Tips

It is good to addMycorise to the substrate for bonsai. What’sMycorise?

TheMycorise (Mysillium mushroom) promotes the uptake of fertilizer per tree. It is generally bought in the form of granules. It can be found in stores specializing in horticulture.

Check expiry date before buying.

Watering

Excessive watering of a bonsai can kill as much as insufficient watering!
There are two main sources: tap water and rainwater.

Tap water

If you use tap water, it must have rested at least 24 hours prior to watering.

This time allows the evaporation of chlorine and fluorine present in water. It can also adjust the temperature of water at room temperature.

Rainwater

This is the ideal source. It does not contain chlorine or fluorine. Water should be at room temperature when spraying to avoid a shock.

How often to water

It depends on the ambient temperature, the humidity and the requirements of the tree.

The humidity of the substrate should be checked daily.

Some species require to be moist at all times, while others prefer the substrate to dry betweenwaterings.

Warning:

We must never let the substrate dry completely.

Look in a specialist book on bonsai to find out what is best for each species.

During the period of growth, a tree needs a larger quantity of water. As opposed to the rest period, when the tree is in less demand.

It is best to irrigate early in the morning. You can also do it in the evening. You should never water a bonsai in full sun, that may burn the foliage.

It is also suggested to spray the leaves betweenwaterings, especially in winter. Indeed, inside the houses, the moisture can be very low. Heat and low humidity are perfect for the proliferation of insects. That is why it is good to spray the leaves morning and evening in winter.

How to water

Submerge the pot into water or just with a watering can or hose. Ensure that the substrate is fully saturated with water at each watering. When watering is completed, it is advisable to tilt the pot slightly to get rid of the water remaining on the surface. The substrate should be moist but not soaked. I heard that 80% of the success of a bonsai is connected to the watering. So extreme care should not be taken.

• Packet contains 10 hand-sorted, high-quality seeds.
• Features cream flowers and seed pods that resemble a string of beads on a necklace.
• Thrives in zones 4 to 8, in sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil.
• Includes germination instructions to help get your seeds started.

Grows to 60 ft. A medium-sized tree grown for its elegant foliage and shape as well as its 6-12-inch fragrant white flowers. Blooms in the summer. Rounded to spreading in form. Bright green leaves turn yellow in the fall. Great for casting light shade.

Price: $ 1.49

6 Japanese yew Tree Seeds Lush evergreen, handsome in the winter or summer

• Lush evergreen
• Handsome in the winter or summer with its short, waxy needles
• The dark green needles have rounded tips and are not “scratchy”

Description of Japanese yew: In its original form, the Japanese yew is a single-trunked tree reaching 50 feet in height. The species is rarely grown in cultivation, having been replaced by the numerous dense, slow-growing varieties that may be globular, vase-shaped, pyramidal, or spreading, depending on the selection. Although they are labeled dwarf plants, most eventually become quite high: 20 feet or more. The dark green needles have rounded tips and are not “scratchy” like most other conifers

Price: $ 1.25

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• Perfect for the home or office
• Easy care favorite
• Imported from southern China
• 7 Years old; 15 inches tall
• Cycas revoluta

This easy to grow palm with its dark green foliage is ideal for that office or home spot that does not get much sunlight.

List Price: $ 36.00

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More Bonsai Tree Kit Products

• Perfect for the home or office
• Easy care favorite
• Imported from central America
• 6 Years old; 13 inches tall
• Beaucarnea ‘Ponytail’

Ponytail Palms are the perfect accent bonsai for low maintenance enthusiast. These trees thrive in low light conditions, and require infrequent watering and feeding. The delightful “fountains of foliage” add soft, cascading lines to the indoor landscape.

List Price: $ 32.00

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• Deciduous outdoor bonsai
• Redwoods have elegant feather-like foliage
• Supplied by America’s largest bonsai nursery
• 5 years old; 20 inches tall
• Metasequoia glyptostrobibes

Dawn Redwoods were thought to be totally extinct until they were discovered at a temple in China in early 20th century. These trees have beautiful feather-like foliage and a formal, upright style which is visually powerful and majestic.

List Price: $ 54.00

Price: $ 49.62

• Bonsai Tool Set – 6 pieces
• Imported from China
• Save .67

Set Includes 6 ToolsA. – Satsuki Shears #1068.Made in China. Long narrow body which is great for trimming buds and reaching deep with minimum disturbance to the surrounding foliage. It’s finger rings are also well suited for smaller hands. 3/4″ blades, 7″ overall. .95 each. Buy separately. B. – Concave Branch Cutter #1070. (Beginner) This razor sharp tool is designed for cutting branches flush to the trunk. The resulting wound can then heal over quickly with very little scarring. Will keep a

Price:

Find More Bonsai Trees For Beginners Products

• Deciduous outdoor bonsai
• Beautiful fall color
• Custom grown by Brussel’s Bonsai
• 10 years old; 24 inches tall
• Acer buergerianum

Trident Maples rank as perennial favorites! Beautiful during every season, they produce vibrant green foliage in the spring and turn a bright orange in the fall. Their quick growth and attractive leaves make them among the most popular deciduous bonsai.

List Price: $ 225.00

Price: $ 189.96

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• Live plants are shipped on Monday and Tuesday.

Shimpaku Chinese Juniper Bonsai – Juniperus chinensis ‘Shimpaku’ A very dwarf spreading upright Chinese Juniper. Used extensively for Bonsai. Dark green foliage that is on short branches with bunches of leaves. Nice when used as a formal upright in Bonsai due to the horizontal stems getting massive bunches of leaves. Height and spread in 10 years: 3′ x 6′. Prefers sun. Hardy in zones 5-9. In cooler regions grow as a house plant in a sunny, yet cool window. What defines “dwarf” and “miniature”? D

Price: $ 6.99