The Art of Bonsai

On a muggy July evening we welcomed David Cheshire to talk to us about bonsai trees. We were already very impressed with the display that he had placed in front of us. Most people associate bonsai with Japan but it originated in China going back over 3000 years. Bonsai means tree or plant in a pot or tray. They are ordinary trees grown from cuttings or seeds. The plants are shaped by cutting the branches and roots and wiring the stems. The best trees look like nature intended but smaller.Small specimen trees were passed around the group for us to see in detail. We saw trees over 65 years old and they were absolutely beautiful.

We found out that watering is a constant job and maybe needed to be done 2 to 3 times a day. Anything can be turned into a bonsai. Cotoneaster make excellent bonsai, which proves that this does not have to be an expensive hobby, although one of the trees on exhibition which came from Japan cost £500. Trees which are imported have to go through quarantine which can be costly. Whole consignments can be destroyed if pests are found.

Contrary to what most people thought bonsai trees should be kept outdoors in their natural habitat. They will go through seasons normally with colour changes and leaf drop. We were also surprised to learn that any fruit will be of normal size. There are classifications of size with Mame being one of the smallest which will fit into the palm of your hand. Samples can take many years to shape and grow and may be displayed alongside accent plants such as ferns. Often the pots used are made specially to complement the trees and can be very expensive. It is important to match the tree to the pot. Special tools are also needed to shape the plant – they are made to cut but not crush and these can be expensive too.

          
One of our members bought in a young oak which had been grown for the WI. David very kindly demonstrated how this should be cut back to start it on its path to bonsai. We are all going to watch this tree with great interest. There were lots of questions at the end and it seems that many people might have an attempt at growing at least one bonsai tree.

In August we have our summer outing (to Tissington Hall on the 14th) but our next meeting at Yoxall Parish Hall will be on September 11th when Glenys Miles will be talking about ‘Deaf Awareness’. Visitors are welcome and further details can be obtained from Penny Bailey through the link below.