Definition of a bonsai: a plant that takes 100 years to produce and one week to kill.
Larry Hodgson
Photo: rixipix, depositphotos
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While studying Japanese culture I became very interested in bonsai. I bought bonsai clippers, read a ton of books, did online research until I suddenly saw the practice of bonsai akin to foot binding. I took all my plants and, stage by stage, introduced them to bigger pots until I was able to release them in to my garden where they are growing happily, making up for a stunted childhood.
What a lovely story! Thanks for sharing! ?
This is SO interesting, thanks for sharing. Revelations in the process of gardening/working with plants can be quite profound…the science about the importance of native plants, and insects that eat them to birds changed my life, as I was an ornamental gardener for beauty for people only for many years. Talk about a “mid-life crisis!” I had to re-learn everything. I think a lot about nature, ecology, and the human need to control things around us, often pushing the natural world back and away without a thought. Gardening is the exercise of a form of control, and it often teaches us that control can be an illusion…as I age, I find that “guiding” and acquiring as much knowledge of the plants and animals that share the planet with us as possible (we know SO little, really) is the best way to go. Bonsai does embrace patience, and allow us to be connected (in a small way) to nature…and the vast lifespan of trees if we have a small space, so it is not something I look down upon…because I am fortunate to have a yard.
Love it!
Kind of like forests?
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I’ve got a bonsai, had it for over 5 years. I don’t know what it is but found out it likes being in the living room with indirect sunshine.
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