Growing Bonsai Trees
Some Things I Learned Along the Way

For many people, growing bonsai trees is a hobby. Some think it a huge challenge. For me, it has been a joy and a lifestyle.

Bonsai (often misspelled bonzi, bonzai and even banzai) is a Japanese word, meaning 'tree in a tray'.

This site will share the magic I discovered during my many years of growing these small treasures, resolve some of the mystery and dispel a few of the myths.

Let's start with the basics ...

What is bonsai?

Scientifically speaking, there is no such thing as "bonsai trees".

Many different kinds of plants are used to create them. They are not a species.

Some are not trees at all, they are often shrubs, vines or even succulents.

The tree shown on this page is a Tamarindus indica, the true Tamarind tree. It was created by me from nursery stock.

Two Basic Elements

No matter what plant you use to start growing bonsai trees, all bonsai consist of two basic elements:

• Art - To design these small creations, branches are often removed and tops are trimmed. Branches and trunks are temporarily wired to produce new shapes. As in any art form, there are many "rules", I prefer to call them guidelines.

• Horticulture - In addition to designing and shaping, there is maintenance. The goal is to create a plant the looks like a small old tree and keep it alive. Because they are grown in proportionately small containers, this part can be a challenge.

Where Did They Get Started?

China is usually credited with the origin of growing bonsai trees. (In China they are known as Penjing.) Creating bonsai in Japan matured it to an art form. Today it is a global pastime.

In the Orient, many bonsai trees, hundreds of years old, have been maintained by families through generations.

Chinese penjing                             

Around the world today, newer beautiful specimens are also given loving care. New artists are developing bonsai trees in areas such as the South Pacific, South America, Canada, North America and Europe. I can't think of any area that is not fascinated with bonsai.

"Where Do I Start?"

There are over 100 pages on the Bonsai-Mary site. Select a subject from the left column that interests you.

If you're a bonsai beginner, and want to create a bonsai, I suggest you start with How to Make a Bonsai.

Then look at the Beginner Bonsai Trees page for a list of recommended plants to use.

If you have a new bonsai and want to learn how to care for it ... see the Bonsai Care page.

Still not sure? Go to the site map which lists every page!

If you're stuck and have a question, you're welcome to Contact Mary

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