Unique Bonsai Styles

To the newcomer all bonsai are unusual. Anyone with an abiding interest may find that the repetition of working with the same old species, in a limited number of styles, becomes jaded in time.If we look beyond our indigenous species and traditionally used shrubs and trees, there are thousands of other species that are of great interest. Many of these can be used to create excellent unusual bonsai. They provide a welcome diversion, a talking point and give constant interest.Contrary to popular belief, bonsai are not always trees. The word itself consists of two parts – bon being a shallow dish and sai is a noun meaning “grow”. Read the early Japanese literature and you will find that many plants are used. Perennials, annuals, grasses, herbs, cycads and even cacti feature. Things which many of us consider to be “accent plants” are described as bonsai themselves in books such as “The Essentials of Bonsai” by the editors of Shufonomotu.If you are willing to put in the necessary effort, many unusual species can be grown from seed. This is an absorbing pastime in itself but does demand patience and something of a green thumb. I often see letters from readers who cannot get tree seeds to germinate. My seed trials are successful with over 90% of species sown and most failures can be attributed to older seed which has lost its viability. The trick is always in providing the correct conditions for growth. Seed sowing ‘rules’ are complex, as every species has differing requirements. Detailing the issues of dormancy, stratification, temperature, humidity and germination inhibitors would take me another article or two! Basically you must read the instructions or failing that, use common sense. Try to provide the conditions that the particular seed would enjoy in nature.