Bonsai Trees

If you are interested in growing Bonsai trees, you should know that it takes a lot of time, patience and hard work to get one of these trees to look just right. It is important to get just the right tree for your lawn or garden because each of the trees is symbolic. When they are properly cared for they can live for hundreds of years. The best way to start is by visiting botanic gardens to get a close up look at the many different varieties. You can also find pictures of these trees in various magazines so you know which one(s) you want to start with.

First it is important to know the symbolism attached to each of the trees.

The chrysanthemum is a flower of longevity. The flower blooms longer than most, so you can have colour in your garden almost all season long. The lotus blooms in mid summer. The flower of this tree is the symbol of truth, immortality and perfection. Morning glory trees will last for only a short time, which is why they symbolize mortality. Another flower with a short growing season is the peony. It blooms for only twenty days. However, it is the symbol of prosperity. Pine trees are the hardiest of all evergreen trees and are symbolic of old age. You can prune these trees into delightful shapes adding an elegant ambiance to your garden.

The Japanese divide bonsai trees into four categories:

Shohaku – evergreens
Zouki – deciduous trees that change the colour of the leaves in the fall
Hanaamono - trees that have colourful flowers
Momono – trees that bear fruit

You also have to decide what shape you want the bonsai tree to be. This is why you also need to know about the various trunks of the trees. If you want a straight trunk, for example, then you are better off choosing a Japanese white or Japanese black pine, juniper or hemlock in the evergreen category or a gingko, beech or larch in the deciduous category. For a slanting style, choose a pine, juniper or larch, while pine and junipers are best for a windswept style.