Plant Gardens 101

To produce a realistic illusion of a mature tree, look for plants with the following characteristics:

· Small leaves or needles.
· Short inter-nodes, or distances between leaves.
· Attractive bark or roots.
· Branching characteristics for good twig forms.

All parts of the ideal bonsai — trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, flowers, fruits, buds, roots — should be in perfect scale with the size of the tree. Plants used for bonsai should have small leaves, or leaves that become small under bonsai culture. Plants with overly large leaves will look out of proportion if chosen for bonsai. Sycamores and avocados develop leaves that are too large. Certain species of both maple and oak trees usually respond well to bonsai culture and develop leaves that are in proportion.

Plants with small leaves and needles are spruce, pine, zelkova, pomegranate, and certain oaks and maples. Plants chosen for bonsai should have attractive bark, and the trunk must give the illusion of maturity. The trunk must remain in proportion to the entire tree. The trunk should taper gradually toward the top of the tree. Sometimes one or two of the main branches must be shortened to emphasize the vertical line of the trunk and give the trunk a balanced appearance. (more…)

If you like the look of tiny flowers on your bonsai, then choose ideal flowering trees to nurture into miniature versions of their species. Here are a few of the best choices for flowering bonsai:

Mt. Fuji Serissa Mt. Fuji Serissa is noted for its brilliant white colorings on the outer edges of its leaves. It also blooms a single white flower in summer.

Proper care: likes lots of warmth and sun so place in an appropriate spot. Wait for the soil to dry before watering and take care to keep away from frost.

Okinawa Holly This tree has tiny pink flowers that bloom during the spring and summer. The leaves are glossy, deep green with serrated edges. It’s unique, hardy and easy to care for. (more…)

The term Bonsai is used for the description of a number of trees that have the capability of being miniaturized. To create little trees, trees, repeated pruning of the crown and roots is necessary. It is also essential to confine the plant to a reasonably small pot or container. Bonsai trees were first created in ancient China; and, the practice spread to Japan and, eventually, to other locations in the world. This is a method of turning out plants that are small but would normally grow quite large. The final product is a tree that looks old but really isn’t, at first.

Indoor Bonsai Care is Often Necessary

For successful indoor bonsai care, they will need to live in an environment similar to their origins. This means that plants from the tropics or subtropics will probably not survive outside during the harsh and freezing winter months. It is imperative to be fully aware of the plants’ needs prior to bringing them inside your home or office. Following are some critical tips for optimal indoor Bonsai care. (more…)

Ever consider the art of bonsai. Bonsai are not the trees themselves but refer specifically to the process by which to grow and care for the trees. Bonsai is an ancient art, first believed practiced by the Chinese, who shaped their trees into animal forms and then later modified and some say improved by the Japanese.

Bonsai trees are beautiful when grow properly and can make anyone’s garden the envy of friends and neighbors. You will gain many skills when taking up Bonsai. You will learn new plant knowledge, pruning skills as well as feeding and caring skills Bonsai definitely had its rewards but if you are considering this or have already purchased your first tree then you should pay close attention to the advice given in this article. In it will be some advice for the Bonsai Beginner. (more…)

Work Shed Plans allow you to build a shed to work in, but there are three things you should check before buying a shed plan and diving in with the construction.

1. Is the work shed design tried and tested? In other words, can you be sure that after following the shed blueprints you will have a shed that goes together the way it should? You need a shed plan that has actually been used to build a shed so you can be sure it is accurate, correct and complete.

Occasionally, shed blueprints may be released and sold without having been tested so it’s only when someone tries to build a shed from the plans that they realise something is amiss. In such cases, most people think they have not followed the plans correctly and blame themselves. So it’s essential that you know the plans ‘work’! (more…)

Birds, birds, birds. They come in all shapes and sizes. They range in type from carnivores to herbivores. Birds have been the stars of their own movies. Birds have taught children the importance of personality over looks. Some are even the leaders of nations. Is it any wonder that bird watching is one of the world’s most practiced hobbies.

People from all walks of life enjoy bird watching. Anyone can do it. All it requires is patience, a pair of binoculars and most importantly, a bird feeder. And there are many types. Depending what birds you want to attract will determine what kind of feeder to get.

Hummingbird feeders are the most popular and come in two styles; inverted and basin style. The feeder usually has a small receptacle in which a sugar solution is placed. It has an opening just big enough for the hummingbird to put its long beak. But the solution is really just an energy boost for the hummingbird. A hummingbird’s main diet is gnats and other small bugs. Here’s a hint when choosing a hummingbird feeder. Choose one that can be taken apart easily. Your feeder needs to be cleaned every three-to-four days due to the unfortunate clotting habit of the sugar and water solution. (more…)

Basic Styles
There are five basic styles for bonsai trees: formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade, and semi-cascade. These classifications are based on the overall shape of the tree and how much the trunk slants away from an imaginary vertical axis. The numerous Japanese bonsai styles are principally variations of these five basic styles. The single trunk style is the basic design that is simplest to shape because the one trunk determines the overall composition.
Formal Upright The formal upright style has classic proportions and is the basis of all bonsai. It is the easiest for a beginner bonsai to develop because it requires the least experimentation, avoids the problem of selective bonsai tree pruning, bonsai trimming and should almost immediately become a displayable bonsai plant. In this style, the form is sometimes rounded and the bonsai tree has an erect leader and horizontal branches. One of the branches is lower and extends a little farther from the trunk than the others .

Bonsai in the formal upright style look best in bonsai pottery that are oval or rectangular. Do not center the plant when placing it in the container. Plant it about a third of the distance from one end.

Informal Upright The informal upright bonsai style has much the same branch arrangement as the formal upright style, but the top — instead of being erect as in the formal upright style — bends slightly to the front. This bend makes the bonsai tree’s branches appear to be in motion and enhances the look of informality. (more…)

The love story of the Japanese Garden is told by the elements which create its romance. These gardens represent a romantic philosophy that is unique and whole. It captures the soul by staying true to nature leaving out artificial elements.

To begin the story, the element of Space is essential to the Japanese gardener. Elegantly placed open spaces “define the elements around it …and it is defined by elements surrounding it”. The partnership of stone and plant life are beautifully expressed as the stone adds the magnificence of strength and represents the unchanging permanence of life. Trees, shrubs and perennials reflect the moods and changing seasons, with dramatic color.

Stones are particularly significant as they provide the very foundation of your garden and give you something to build upon. They are used as focal points, along the pathways symbolizing the important aspects to the journey of life. Stones are also frequently used in other forms such as gravel or sand and are groomed by rakes in fluid motions giving the illusion and representation of water.

Another beautiful element of Japanese gardens is how they embrace the unique features of the landscape, allowing you to fully appreciate the richness of each characteristic; this is called “borrowed scenery”. Whether it is a tree towering over your fence, a rolling hill in the distance or a beautiful creek in view of your garden, this feature allows your garden to reveal its story, and enhances your gardens experience. Incorporating the borrowed scenery is also a subtle reminder of the inter connectedness of all things.

The sight and sounds of moving water reminds one of the passing of time, the bridge so commonly seen, are used in the gardens as they represent a crossing over into a new realm. The intimacy of these gardens is also cherished, to ensure this effect, the garden must be sealed away from the outside world making it a secluded and giving it a somewhat mystical effect. Ideally, one should only see a hint of what magic lies behind the fence or gate. Small openings from the outside provide the allure to know what is on the other side. To view the garden, is to lose ones self in it and become a part of it.

The Japanese associate their gardens to the story of life, a beautiful concept don’t you think?
Laurie Patten is a consultant with Dallas landscape company, Complete Landsculpture. She specializes in commercial and residential landscape services. Complete Landsculpture has been serving the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas with the finest landscape related services since 1985. You can visit their website at http://www.completelandsculpture.com

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The practice of Bonsai began in China and Japan hundreds of years ago, and is simple the miniaturization of naturally occurring plants and trees. Bonsai trees are not “special small” trees, but rather trees that ave been slowly miniaturized from their full size.

The main areas of tree care are the following:

Watering your Tree

Bonsai Trees require more watering than most plants, as they are grown in less soil and the soil itself is free draining (meaning it doesn’t retain the water and lets it pass through). The type of tree, the sunlight it is exposed to all factor in to how much watering should be done. You can tell if your Bonsai Tree needs water by looking at it, feeling the soil and if you prefer; by using a moisture meter to be certain. (more…)

y Bonsai adapts within two days to changes in positions of light (the stalk/branches always bend towards the light for efficient photosynthesis - and growth)

My bonsai also has some arial roots and completely holds all the soil in its tiny pot, it grows incredibly quickly and can be cut into shapes by cutting the branch with scissors just below a new leaf.

I mentioned earlier how a mini tree facinates me, as tree’s provide massive amounts of biodiversity. I actually once found two mini snails living in the soil around my bonsai tree! and there is always moss and certain fungi that grow around the bark (not because i overwater the plant!) I have re planted cuttings which sucesfully grow, now my pot looks beautiful with mini ‘poles’ growing around my tree(poles being the cut branches) Trees are great for rooms as they not only make the room more attractive but provide plenty of oxygen when photosynthesising. As Bonsai are so precious people use special soils information of which can be seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai

However I used natural soil from my garden and my bonsai is thriving, Bonsai are tree’s that are dwarf so are strong and able to survive more extreme conditons than plants would, due to their transpiration stream to cool themselves in hot weather it is important they are watered and the bark should not dry out. (more…)

It is essential to care properly for your Indoor Bonsai, but by simply following a few growing procedures, you can grow some really beautiful bonsai trees (for example like Japanese Maple Bonsai). If you just keep these few basic tips in mind you should have no problem growing the indoor bonsai tree (also spelled bonzai).

The first thing you should keep in mind when growing the indoor bonsai tree is choosing the right growing environment. Your bonsai tree should be kept in a room that is just the right temperature, which is not too hot and not too cold. Furthermore, the room should have a source of natural light. You should to keep your indoor bonsai in a room with plenty of large windows to allow your tree to receive as much indirect sunlight as possible.

Another factor, which is important, to growing your bonsai plantis using the right soil. Not only do you want the highest quality soil available, but also you may need to use different types of soil for the various bonsai trees. The best way to find out which soil is right for the type of indoor bonsai that you intend to grow is to visit a gardening store and ask them. Make sure that you inform them exactly which type of bonsai you need the soil for. (more…)

The Word Bonsai means “Little Trees in Pots.” Contrary to popular belief, the art of bonsai originated in China and was later refined in Japan. The western world has adopted this art to their lifestyles. Bonsai has become extremely popular and is recognized as an international art form.

Indoor Bonsai
Indoor bonsai are tropical plants that are adaptable to indoor conditions. All indoor bonsai grow best in sunny areas. For best results, place your indoor bonsai near windows facing southeast or west. If you do not have a place for your tree to receive adequate sunlight, we recommend using a grow light.

Indoor bonsai will flourish if grown outdoors on a patio or deck during summer months. The ideal placement is where the bonsai receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Return your bonsai indoors when night temperatures fall below 55 degrees. Never allow your bonsai to freeze. (more…)

Christmas is referred to as Christmas Day — it is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25. This commemorates with the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 The day marks the beginning of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days. The nativity of Jesus, which is the basis for the anno Domini system of dating, is thought to have occurred between 7 and 2 BC.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles. (more…)

www bonsai-bci com BCI stands for Bonsai Clubs International, a 2006 winner of the Cetre’ International. This is a non-profit organization that focuses on educating bonsai lovers and fans around the world. A good club to join if you want to meet and talk to bonsai growers from other countries and be exposed to international organizations that promote the growth and care of bonsai.

Membership includes four issues of Bonsai Magazine every year, access to the exclusive audio/video library and special registration rates to annual BCI Conventions.

There are different types of memberships to choose from and the club also features a special group for teens. Individual memberships and federation memberships cost $36 per year, silver and gold memberships cost $100 and $500 per year, respectively while platinum membership costs $1200. If you like the club, join for a one-time, lifetime membership fee of $1200. Be sure to check the website, though since rates are expected to change in 2007. (more…)

Although it is often believed that bonsai trees had their origins in Japan, they were first developed in China during the 2nd century AD. These trees were developed by growing them in containers, being its name very representative of this fact since the Chinese term for Bonsai can be translated as “container planted”.

It is believed that the art of developing Bonsai trees arrived to Japan during the Heian Period. During its beginnings, Bonsai trees were known as hachi-no-ki, a term that can be translated as “tree in a pot”. According to historians, these trees were not called Bonsai as we know them nowadays until the 19th century.

Japanese Bonsai trees are based on a principle which combines three forces: truth, essence and beauty, and which are based on “heaven and earth in one unique container”. As it can be seen, these trees have a lot of symbolism and growing them implies balancing the forces and elements which are part of their principle. (more…)