Plant Gardens 101

Japanese gardening is a cultural form of gardening that is meant to produce a scene that mimics nature as much as possible by using trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water as art-forms. The Zen and Shinto traditions are both a large part of Japanese gardening and, because of this; the gardens have a contemplative and reflective state of mind. Japanese gardening is much different than the Western style and most would say it is far more meditational and soul soothing.

In Japanese gardening there are three basic methods for scenery. The first of these is reduced scale. Reduced scale is the art of taking an actual scene from nature, mountains, rivers, trees, and all, and reproducing it on a smaller scale. Symbolization involves generalization and abstraction. An example of this would be using white sand to suggest the ocean. Borrowed views refers to artists that would use something like an ocean a forest as a background, but it would end up becoming an important part of the scene. (more…)

If you have a bonsai plant, it’s important to remember that caring for them is akin to caring for a baby. Loving and caring is required but it’s not sufficient; you also have to show certain “parenting” skills to ensure that your bonsai plant will enjoy a long and healthy life.

Tip #1 Water is the source of life for all creatures but it’s especially so for bonsai plants. Although they need to be watered more frequently than other types of plants, they also need a precise amount of watering. Anything that’s less or beyond the ideal amount of water can lead to your bonsai plant’s death so it’s important that you ask for professional advice.

Factors that affect the amount of water required by a bonsai plant include but aren’t limited to the type of tree you’re taking care of, what season it is at present, if the tree’s grown outdoors or indoors, and so forth. (more…)

Japanese gardening is a cultural form of gardening that is meant to produce a scene that mimics nature as much as possible by using trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water as art-forms. The Zen and Shinto traditions are both a large part of Japanese gardening and, because of this; the gardens have a contemplative and reflective state of mind. Japanese gardening is much different than the Western style and most would say it is far more meditational and soul soothing.

In Japanese gardening there are three basic methods for scenery. The first of these is reduced scale. Reduced scale is the art of taking an actual scene from nature, mountains, rivers, trees, and all, and reproducing it on a smaller scale. Symbolization involves generalization and abstraction. An example of this would be using white sand to suggest the ocean. Borrowed views refers to artists that would use something like an ocean a forest as a background, but it would end up becoming an important part of the scene. (more…)

In the development of bonsai, the bonsai pot is as vital, consequently great care and effort is needed to select one that matches the bonsai. Choices for bonsai pots are abundant and they co-exist with the bonsai so the correct one that matches the bonsai is very important.

Bonsai pot can add great value to the bonsai and as bonsai is a delicate art form, the beauty can be greatly enhanced by the right bonsai pot. Whether it is to add charm to the outdoor garden or improve the look of the indoor décor, bonsai is a wonderful addition. The enchanting beauty of the bonsai is undeniable but it can look out of place if the pot does not match the overall aesthetic value. (more…)

Taking care of a bonsai is a rewarding hobby. In addition to the tree, you will also need a few other bonsai supplies. This article will discuss some of the most important things you’ll need besides your tree.

Pot
The pot is one of the most important things you need for your new tree. It should be wide enough to span the width of your tree’s branches. It should also provide drainage via a large hole in the bottom of the pot. If you plan on keep your bonsai outside, you should also make sure the pot can’t be frozen.

Wire
You will need to shape your tree if you want it to look good. Therefore, you’ll need to pick up some wire when picking up bonsai supplies. This will help you keep the bent branches in place. This wire normally comes in either aluminum or copper. Aluminum is much easier for beginners to use. However, copper is the stronger metal, so you’ll need thinner wire to keep stronger branches in place. While you’re getting wire, don’t forget to get a pair of fine wire cutters.

Shears
You will need to prune your tree at least once a year. This will help the tree remain healthy and beautiful by getting rid of unsightly leaves and dead branches. Therefore, you need to keep a small and large pair of garden shears on hand. You can also use a pair of fine scissors to get your pruning work done.

When looking for bonsai supplies for pruning, there is another speciality option. A concave pruner is a special tool that you can use to shear branches. This will help them heal twice as quickly.

These are a few of the most important bonsai supplies. If you’re new to taking care of these trees, there are many things you need to learn about proper bonsai tree care. So, click here to pick up more tips on growing bonsai trees.

View more articles from Darrin Swain

This article is provided by Amazines.com - The ULTIMATE Article Database

I remember when being a young girl and how much I loved to visit my grandparents home. They had a large yard that they landscaped and planted lovely plantsand trees that created a place in which we were able to relax and just sit around and think. It was them that gave me the inspiration to start my own garden.

I am somebody with big ambitions and decided to start with a Bonsai. This is a unique technique that is used on a variety of trees to make them look small. This technique originated from Japan and is not only unique - but also rather stunning. However, it is also one of the toughest things to do. (more…)

How do you know if you’re a genuine bonsai lover? How do you know if you can become a genuine bonsai lover? How can you improve your authenticity as a bonsai lover? Learn the answers to all these questions as you read on.

ARE YOU A BONSAI LOVER? If you are, then you understand that bonsai trees are living creatures just like us in the sense that they need love and attention from their caretakers - that’s you, by the way - and nutrition as well, which comes by the forms of watering and fertilizing.

You also understand that bonsai lovers can only grow easily to their full potential in ideal conditions. If the weather isn’t favorable, and the air is polluted, there’s very little chance for your bonsai trees to survive. (more…)

Because of the toxins associated with fertilizers and pesticides, many people are turning to organic gardening. The Bonsai is one plant that people are adding to their organic gardens. Originating in Asia, bonsai gardening has become very popular throughout the world. Bonsai plants require a lot of loving care. Growing them is often considered an art form.

Organic Soil and Fertilization

The proper soil mixtures and fertilizers are essential for healthy bonsai growth. Research shows that the best bonsai soils are soils that have organic matters. Bonsai soil tends to be a loose, quick-draining mix of natural and non-chemically treated soil. The foundation is a mixture of sand or gravel, fired clay pellets, or shale, which is mixed with an organic compound such as peat or bark. Volcanic clay soils are a preferred selection in Japan. Kadama and Kanuma are two popular choices. (more…)

Why not create a corner of your garden or home to express peace and harmony by combining two ancient arts forms. Feng shui and bonsai.

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice as old as Chinese culture itself (believed to utilize the Laws of both heaven and earth to help one improve life by receiving positive “spiritual energy” that is part of every living thing.

Feng shui literally means “wind and water,” but this is merely shorthand for an environmental policy of “hindering the wind and hoarding the waters.”

The elements, water, rain, wind, fog and sun were believed to be the energy of heaven and earth. Therefore Feng shui is frequently translated simply as “energy flow.

Most of today’s feng shui schools teach that it is the practice of arranging objects (such as the placement of furniture) to help people achieve harmony with their environment. (more…)

A bonsai kit is a perfect gift for any loved one born with a green thumb. You can either make your own bonsai kit or purchase one from any gardening shop.

Tips for Making and Designing Bonsai Kits Here’s a list of what your bonsai kit should include:

Bonsai Tree - Before giving away your bonsai kit, do try to determine whether your recipient would wish to have an indoor or outdoor bonsai tree. Secondly, determine which bonsai tree specie you believe your recipient would have the greatest affinity to. As some bonsai tree species are more difficult to grow than others, make sure that you choose the appropriate specie if you’re giving a bonsai kit to a child. (more…)

Cinnamon is actually more than a delicious addition to food. One of the oldest spices known and long used in traditional medicine, cinnamon is currently being studied for its beneficial effects on a variety of ailments. Indeed, recent findings on the power of cinnamon to promote health, in particular its benefits for people with type II diabetes, have elevated it to the status of a Super Spice.

Perhaps the most exciting discovery concerning cinnamon is its effect on blood glucose levels as well as on triglyceride and cholesterol levels, all of which could benefit people suffering from type II diabetes. In one study of 60 patients with type II diabetes, it was found that after only forty days of taking about half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily, fasting serum glucose levels were lowered by 18 to 29 percent, triglycerides by 23 to 30 percent, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by 7 to 27 percent, and total cholesterol by 12 to 26 percent. (more…)

Recent findings on the power of garlic to fight cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, give garlic the bona fide characteristics to elevate it to Superfood status.

Throughout the history of civilization, the medicinal properties of garlic have been prized, and it’s been used to treat an array of ailments, including atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, immune disorders, cerebral aging, arthritis, and cataract formation. Garlic’s power as a heath promoter comes from its rich variety of sulfur containing compounds. Of the nearly one hundred nutrients in garlic, the most important in terms of health benefits seems to be the sulfur compound allicin-an amino acid. Allicin is not present in fresh garlic. It’s formed instantly when cloves are crushed, chewed, or cut. Allicin seems to be responsible for the super-biological activity of garlic as well as its odor. (more…)

One of the most special kinds of plants that you can try to grow on your own is a Bonsai tree. These are small sized trees that can be produced in small pots. They may be rather challenging to produce and tend to if you have not done it before.

There are several different types of Bonsai trees that you can pick out to grow - but not one of these is more stunning then the Bonsai ficus ginseng. In its normal habitat this tree is very big and one of the most gorgeous you will ever come across. What makes this so different is its root system. They are usually exposed and below a huge trunk. This is excellent for trying to grow it in smaller form.

You are able to develop this particular kind of tree in both low light environments as well as ones that are well lit and acquire natural sunlight. They will call for a good amount of water so that they can stay properly hydrated. During the summer time they will need quite a bit more - but a little less during the winter months. Do not be concerned if you over water it every so often. This can happen and the tree conforms well when it does. (more…)

Honey is much more than just a liquid sweetener. One of the oldest medicines known to man, honey has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, skin ulcers, wounds, urinary diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. Today, we know the validity of these timeless treatments, as research has demonstrated that honey can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses.

The power of honey comes from the wide range of compounds present in the rich amber liquid. Honey contains at least 181 known substances, and its antioxidant activity stems from the phenolics, peptides, organic acids, and enzymes. Honey also contains salicylic acid, minerals, alpha-tocopherol, and oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides increase the number of “good” bacteria in the colon, reduce levels of toxic metabolites in the intestine, help prevent constipation, and help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

The key point to remember with honey is that its antioxidant ability can vary widely depending on the floral source of the honey and its processing. The phenolic content of the honey depends on the pollen that the bees have used as raw material. There’s a very simple way to determine the health benefits of any honey: its colour. In general, the darker the colour of the honey the higher the level of antioxidants. (more…)

This article provides an overview of the Japanese Tea Garden and the culture it promotes among the Japanese Garden lovers. It also shares information of the basic concepts to keep in mind when designing a Japanese Tea Garden.

The history of Japanese gardens dates back to the eleventh century in which distinct and strict rules were established for garden design. Documented writings describe forms of waterfalls, materials to be used, relationships of materials, and placement of the different elements. Also noted are historical references of garden design and arrangement and actual categories or styles that included Artificial Hill Gardens (Tsuki-yama), Level Gardens (Hira-niwa), and Tea Gardens (Chaseki). Much of the cultural influence came from the Chinese. Their traditions and Buddhism religion was imported around the sixth century A.D. which had an enormous influence on the Japanese way of life and also included gardening as well. The influence could be seen for more than a thousand years. The native religion of Japan, Shintoism, emphasized that all of nature, plants, trees, and rocks were sacred, and many gardens were considered a sacred place of worship that the Gods would visit. These areas would actually receive offerings and symbolized not only a place to worship nature and all of its creatures, but to worship their creator as well. The Japanese garden has evolved over the centuries in that it is much more than just an accumulation of rocks, trees, and other physical elements. It is a symbolism of belief in a spirit of unique gardens representing people and their cultures. (more…)