My favorite event at the 1998 Kitsap County Fair was actually the free Stepenwolf concert. Of course, the horticultural exhibits were also interesting; particularly the bonsai exhibit. However, the results were too predictable. My father brought home most of the ribbons for a few of the specimens he grew at his nursery, Tomeo Nursery, in Poulsbo Washington. (‘Bonsai’ is incidentally pronounced like the words ‘bone – sigh’. ‘Banzai’(!) is an irrelevant exclamation that will cause bonsai artists to cringe.)

My father, who is actually not a career horticulturist, established the nursery about twelve years ago. The majority of production is bonsai stock, which is basic seedlings or cuttings that bonsai artists begin their work with. Many other specimens in various phases of development are also available, including some very mature specimens. To me, it seems that production of bonsai stock is similar to production of other horticultural crops. Bonsai specimens, however, can not be grown in crops, but require intense and individual attention.

Bonsai is one of the ultimate forms of horticulture as well as a highly refined and intricate art form. The word ‘bonsai’ means ‘tree in a dish’, a reference to the shallow containers in which the specimens are grown, often for centuries. Manipulation of the natural behavior of the specimens allows them to exhibit characteristics of maturity without attaining mature size. In small gardens or even home interiors, bonsai may portray large trees or trees growing wild in a forest.

Although bonsai specimens do not necessarily require much care, they do require specialized care. Bonsai procedures are easily learned, but may present challenges for novice garden enthusiasts. The intricate pruning and grooming are the m ost obvious of these specialized procedures.

Because the root systems are confined to small dishes for long durations of time, occasional root pruning is also necessary to minimize circling of roots. Confinement of the root systems necessitates specialized irrigation. Because evapotranspiration (evaporation of moisture from foliar surfaces) from the disproportionate foliar area can rapidly dry soil, frequent irrigation may be necessary. Soil must consequently be well drained but also exhibit adequate moisture retention. To avoid disturbing soil, which is usually deeper than the rim of the dish, the entire dish may be briefly soaked in a larger container of water almost as deep as the dish only until the soil is saturated.

There are many more aspects of bonsai that can not be adequately discussed in such minimal space. For example, selection of dishes for appropriate display of each specimen is very important. Likewise, the structure (shape) of each specimen is determined by specifications for each ‘form’ of bonsai.

Bonsai is an ancient art form that has been enjoyed by many garden enthusiasts for several centuries. Proficiency comes with experience and education, but perfection is never attained. The therapeutic qualities of bonsai seem contradictory to the slow gratification; which may take several decades or multiple generations. It is definitely a horticultural experience like none other.