| Growing your own bonsai need not start by being | | | | grow and absorb water and minerals. Remember, it is |
| expensive. Plants are free if grown from seed or | | | | the trimming of the roots while confining the tree to |
| cuttings and the rewards to be had in terms of | | | | a shallow container that keeps the tree miniaturized. |
| appreciation of the final result, and the experience | | | | After setting the tree in its container, pruning the |
| gained, is a joy beyond compare. | | | | leaves, trimming new shoots and wiring the branches |
| Creating a bonsai is a fairly simple procedure, if you | | | | into an aesthetically pleasing form follows. There are |
| follow the necessary steps for growing and shaping | | | | six classic bonsai styles and a growing list of |
| the selected tree. It is also important to select a tree | | | | non-classical styles as bonsai art involves new |
| for the climatic conditions in your region – some | | | | cultures and new species. Aesthetics, however is not |
| trees will thrive in certain regions while others may | | | | an end in itself, but is linked to the physiology and |
| not survive. After deciding on the desired bonsai | | | | good health of the bonsai. |
| material, the next step is to prepare the appropriate | | | | Once you have proudly completed your work of art, |
| size pot. A pot that is too small, or a pot that is too | | | | you should become familiar with the basic rules for |
| large can hamper the growth of the bonsai. In | | | | maintaining your tree in good health so that it can |
| addition the pot should have an outlet or opening at | | | | reward you with many years of pleasure. Method |
| the bottom to allow water to drain freely. The | | | | and frequency of watering, lighting requirements, |
| amount and type of soil is also an important | | | | trimming and repotting, prevention of diseases and |
| consideration, usually a mixture of organic and | | | | insects, and plant fertilization are just a few of the |
| inorganic compounds. To allow for proper placement | | | | topics with which you should become familiar. There |
| in its container, you may have to cut some of its | | | | are numerous books on the subject of bonsai which |
| roots. By reducing the mass of roots in the pot, | | | | can provide step-by-step instructions on these |
| pruning provides space for young vigorous roots to | | | | subjects . Happy Growing! |