CONCLUSION
YOUR BONSAI
Though the art of bonsai
can be very daunting to newcomers when they first start out, in
reality it is as simple as you make it. There are many species and
varieties of trees available to grow; many new techniques that can
be learned to improve bonsai appearance and a seemingly unfathomable
quantity of do's and don'ts. The most important aspect as a beginner
is to learn how to simply maintain the shape of your tree and keep
it alive.
Learn to look after your first
tree successfully and your confidence grows enough to widen your
horizons and successfully learn more advanced techniques such as
reselling and creating bonsai. But don't run before you walk. The
first fundamental rules to learn when embarking on this art is that
you are dealing with something living and ever-changing; the basic
rules of horticulture need be learned before you can successfully
maintain your tree.
There are many bonsai techniques available for the bonsai enthusiast
to use to reach the ultimate goal of a beautiful tree. Confusingly,
information available on the many bonsai websites and books can
often be contradictory. It should be understood that for every objective
such as repotting, pruning or styling there are a 100 different
techniques or viewpoints.
Some are based on horticultural fact, some are based on horticultural
myth and some are based on horticultural luck! In fact many of these
techniques will work to one degree or another. Unfortunately though
not killing your tree, some advice and/or techniques can result
in diminished vigor as your trees cope under stress. Sound advice
based on simple horticultural fact can only improve the health,
appearance and vigor of your tree. It is for you to learn which
techniques work for you and your tree in your given situation.
Just don’t get in a hurry. They say that Rome wasn’t
built in a day. Bonsai aren’t grown in a short time either.
Bonsai certainly
takes time, but the rewards are great. Once it grows and is shaped
to your liking, you will have formed something that is all your
own. It will be something to be proud of – something to display
– something to take credit for.
In the movie “The Karate Kid”, Mr. Miyagi would tell
Daniel that he should have patience while learning the fine points
of karate. Miyagi demonstrated this concept best with his bonsai.
He spent 5 years cultivating one tree – perhaps the ultimate
display of patience. As a beginning bonsai artist, this should be
your cardinal rule. Be patient and let nature work the magic.
Some people feel they are just not capable of growing a world-class
bonsai. That’s alright, you don’t have to! But if you
grow a bonsai tree that is beautiful to you, you can ultimately
be rewarded if someone else sees the same beauty you do!
Don’t get frustrated; don’t feel you have to be held
to steadfast rules. Just grow your tree, spend time crafting your
masterpiece, and enjoy the results – along with everyone else!
|
