What is bonsai? The accepted translation of the Japanese word is "tree in a pot". But what we really mean or imply is that the tree or plant is placed in a pot with artistic intent so that some emotion is evoked in the viewer of the bonsai. Note that the word bonsai refers to the tree and the container; the one is dependent on the other. Top of page

When did bonsai start? A couple of thousand years ago travellers crossing arid regions of Central Asia carried plants in pots. But it is thought these were for food rather than for ornamental reasons. The Chinese developed the art of creating miniature landscapes centuries ago and this is generally recognised as the start of bonsai. Some five hundred years ago the practice spread to Japan and the art of bonsai began to develop to the form we know to-day with the recognition of different styles of bonsai and a settled tradition of plant-in-container cultivation. Top of page

When did bonsai start in Britain? Although there are previous records of dwarfed trees in Britain, a landmark was an exhibition of British-grown bonsai which was arranged in Liverpool in 1872. Then in the early 20th century some collectors began to assemble collections of Japanese-grown trees; one notable collector was Joseph Chamberlain, the politician. The next significant date is 1961 when the Japan Society staged an exhibition of bonsai. This probably marks the beginning of the present interest in bonsai in Britain. Top of page

Is bonsai art? Oh yes! Any activity that seeks to stir some emotion in the observer must be regarded as an art form and bonsai surely qualifies for this. Of course it's horticulture as well but horticulture is the range of techniques that enables bonsai artists to practice their skills. Top of page

How long does it take to make a bonsai? Another good question - and almost impossible to answer! If a bonsaiist saw a really good starting tree in a garden centre, was able to style it straight away and had a suitable container available then a presentable bonsai might be seen two years from the start of the process. But it isn't often that this happens and a minimum development time of five years is more realistic. Even then a bonsai is never truly finished since it will always need development pruning and possibly re-styling from time to time. Top of page

Isn't it cruel to trees? Trees don't have a brain or nervous system; they don't feel pain. Maintaining a tree in dwarf form by determined pruning is no more cruel than trimming a hedge. Top of page

Do bonsai have to be kept indoors? The species used to create the bonsai determines whether it should be kept indoors or not. Just like any other plant, a bonsai created from a tropical or sub-tropical species will require warmth and protection in Britain. Bonsai of native trees, and other temperate species, should be kept outdoors. Top of page

How do I start? Join a club is the best advice. If this isn't possible then buy a book for beginners - there are some good ones around. As to trees, try something that grows well and will stand some rough treatment (not too rough!); field maple and larch are good examples but be sure to read up about them or seek advice. Top of page

Where can I buy a bonsai? A specialist bonsai nursery is the place to go ideally. Here you will not only find a wide selection of bonsai but will get some good advice too. Most garden centres have a selection of bonsai for sale. Mostly these are of indoor species which is fine if you can provide appropriate protection for them. As with buying any plant, try to make sure it is in good health before purchase. Regrettably some retail outlets treat bonsai as ornaments which sit on a shelf until sold or until dead. Try to avoid these. Top of page

Is bonsai an expensive hobby? The only possible answer to this is that it can be. The price of a "finished" bonsai can be literally anything, say from £10 upwards to hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The main point though is that it costs very little to get started; a seedling from the garden planted in a seed tray and pruned with a pair of scissors is a bonsai and can give great satisfaction. Top of page

Are special tools needed? Tools which have been designed for bonsai training are without doubt the best to use. You can get away with using scissors and secateurs for some pruning tasks but sharp bonsai shears are much better. One essential material is aluminium wire which is wound on to twigs and branches in order to bend them to the desired shape. After some weeks or months the wire is removed using bonsai wire cutters - definitely an essential tool if damage to the tree is to be avoided. Top of page

What are bonsai seeds? There is no such thing as bonsai seeds. Unfortunately packets of seeds of tree species are sold under this name, the hype on the packet often giving the impression that sowing these seeds will inevitably result in beautiful bonsai being produced, as also helpfully indicated on the packet. Of course this could happen if the purchaser was lucky and skilled enough in bonsai techniques. However the point to make is that there is nothing special about the seeds even if they are of species favoured for bonsai. For example a "bonsai seed" of Scots pine will grow into a large tree if planted in open ground; it will not turn into a bonsai unless trained to do so.
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Do bonsai need special soil? Yes is the simple answer. In the horticultural sense bonsai growing can be thought of as container gardening. The roots of plants in small containers need air, water and food. They can only get this is if they are grown in an open medium which gives good drainage. In North East Scotland we tend to favour a one-to-one mixture of peat with really coarse sand. Proprietary mixtures are available but beware those consisting of very fine particles.
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Do bonsai need special containers? In the artistic sense, yes. A bonsai consists of both the tree and the container; one is incomplete without the other. And the pot must be chosen to complement the tree. As a tree is being developed however it is usual to grow it in a "training pot" whose appearance does not matter as long as it is roughly suitable in size and shape. Top of page

What are the best species for bonsai? We recommend hornbeam ( Carpinus betulis), field maple (Acer campestris) and European larch (Larix eurolepis ) or other larches. In our growing conditions these represent an excellent combination of being easy to grow and train as well as the potential of making a handsome bonsai. There are however many other suitable species for bonsai. Top of page

I was given a bonsai six years ago; will it need re-potting?Yes. Difficult to generalise on how often to re-pot but the roots of any bonsai should at least be looked at within a year of purchase to see if action is needed. Best to seek expert practical help on this one. Top of page

How old is it?Obviously the answer to this depends on the tree but it is probably the commonest question we are asked. We tend to be interested in a bonsai's years in training rather than its natural age. Top of page