Bonsai are more than just plants; they are living sculptures, offering both beauty and creativity. These fascinating miniature trees, which originated in China around 600 AD, were later refined by the Japanese, who developed the art of wiring branches to shape them. Bonsai are not only captivating to look at but also enjoyable to create.
Creating Your Own Bonsai
Bonsai can be potted in autumn or spring. For beginners choose a plant like Chamaecyparis minima. The informal upright style is perfect for beginners, and I recommend starting with a small tree (20-30cm), one with flexible branches, radiating roots, and a thick trunk.
What You'll Need
- Secateurs and garden scissors
- Wire cutters
- Aluminum wire (in various thicknesses)
- Chopsticks
- Wire gauze
- Bonsai pot
- Your chosen plant
- Moss or pebbles (for decoration)
- Potting mix (Oderings ‘Shrub & Tub’ works well) and gravel chip
- Marker (to identify the front of the tree and key branches)
- A small branch from a garden shrub (for practice)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preparing the Tree:
- Gently uncover surface roots at the base to give the tree an aged appearance.
- Decide on the style of your tree—informal upright is a great choice for beginners.
- Wiring the Tree:
- Begin by wiring a branch one-third of the way up the tree. Trim away any lower branches.
- Practice wiring on a cut branch from your garden. Secure the wire at a 45-degree angle, ensuring it’s neither too tight nor too loose.
- Pruning and Shaping:
- Mark the front of the tree and prune any unwanted branches.
- Wire the trunk first by cutting the wire 1½ times longer than the trunk. Shape the trunk, then move on to the branches.
- Wire the branches in order: side branches first, then the back branch (shorter for depth), and opposite sub-branches.
- As you work up the tree, prune excess branches and arrange the remaining ones at different angles to create a tapering effect.
- Potting the Tree:
- Place wire gauze over the pot’s holes and thread wire for securing the tree.
- Loosen the roots with chopsticks, leaving the root ball intact. Remove about one-third of the roots, keeping the feeder roots (white-tipped).
- Fill the pot with a mix of Oderings ‘Shrub & Tub’ and gravel chip. Position the tree slightly off-center and tie it in place with the wire.
- Add more soil to secure the tree, then gently uncover the surface roots for an aged look.
- Finishing Touches:
- Add moss around the surface to help retain moisture and enhance the natural aesthetic.
- Water the tree well.
With patience and attention to detail, your bonsai will grow into a beautiful, tapered tree with pads of foliage as it matures. Each bonsai is unique, and with time, it will become a living work of art to be admired for years to come.
