Greenhouses and Gardening

Many individuals automatically dial the florist for flower delivery. However, quality professionals have many different possibilities, including small trees. A bonsai tree is unique, beautiful and has quite a long life span. There will be a continuing reminder of you in the home or office of the recipient. Ask your flower professional whether they carry these trees, or order through online florists.

Even though bonsai is a Japanese word for potted plant, the bonsai does not actually come from Japan. Growing miniature trees in containers was the custom of an ancient Chinese dynasty, and the Japanese pronounced the Chinese word for these little trees as bonsai. The trees later became more common in Japan, and these days they are nearly always called bonsai outside China.

A bonsai tree is a deciduous tree (which sheds its leaves in fall or winter) or an evergreen species. In the west we think of them as indoor pot plants, but in Japan they are very popular both indoors and out. Some bonsai trees are actually more suited to the outdoors. When given as a gift, bonsai trees normally come with care instructions.

A bonsai tree is the result of constant pruning and shaping of the branches as well as paring of the roots to create a tiny tree with small leaves. Trees come in sizes ranging from tiny to large. Tiny trees may be one inch in height or less while large trees might be up to four feet tall. Most florists stock small and medium trees but should be able to order larger trees if you want one.

In creating a bonsai tree, one must realize that it takes several years and a lot of specialized care. This is one reason that these plants are such special gifts. The limitations of an undersized pots helps to restrict the root growth. Meticulous pruning also helps to confine the growth of the tree. You must prune and cut the roots while the tree is latent to ensure that it is seasonal. Specialized tools are also utilized in this process.

When a bonsai tree is young, its wood is soft. It may be wired to maintain shape until its wood becomes firmer. Once the wood hardens, the shape is set and there is no longer a need for wiring. Because bonsai trees symbolize longevity and permanence, they make ideal wedding gifts. They also provide a thoughtful way to memorialize a lost loved one.

Tags: gardening, greenhouse