Bonsai bon·sai n. pl. bonsai is the art of growing dwarfed, ornamentally shaped trees or shrubs in small shallow pots or trays. Bonsai appeared first in China over 1000 years ago but once bonsai was introduced into Japan in around the 12th century- some say earlier, the art was refined to an extent not yet approached in China. The word means means a tree planted in a container. Read this for some history of bonsai.
While in Japan, TheGardenLady visited what is considered one of the 3 most beautiful gardens in Japan which is also one of the most famous gardens in Japan since the Edo Period-for over 300 years. This magnificent garden is called Korakuen and is in Okayama. Because it is Chrysanthemum time, the garden had an exhibit of Chrysanthemum Bonsai.
More beautiful photos of this art form can be found on the following website.
TheGardenLady has only had one bonsai lesson so she is not one to give instructions on how it is done. But if the reader is enchanted with the photos of these chrysanthemum bonsai, look at some of the instructions here or here. Or contact the American Bonsai Society.
Hi,
you are very fortunate to have visited such beautiful gardens in Japan. I have been a bonsai enthusiasts for many years and im day dreaming of going to Japan. Congrats.
Very nice site! I live in Tokyo & sometimes see Bonsai exhibits & always enjoy looking at the beautiful creations!
Very beautiful. Quite a few years ago a gardener of bonsai chrysanthemums worked his craft at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. It was filmed and shown on one of the PBS stations. Maybe this year I will try growing. Thank you for the inspiration.
To Walter:
TheGardenLady says “Thank you”
Dear Garden Lady,
I am the bonsai instructor at the NY Botanical Garden and I am curious to find the name of the gardener from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that Walter mentions in his post.
Can you pass my message along to Walter?
Thank you.