The art of growing bonsais is an ancient oriental tradition, in which bonsai means "tray gardening". There are traces of bonsais (miniature trees or bushes) in Egypt, Japan and China, and it was regarded as that the miniature tree would have concentrated the powers of the actual-size tree.

Bonsai trees require a lot of care. The branches, leaves and roots need regular pruning to maintain the shape from the plant. Pinching is also needed and even the use of tiny wires to keep the branches growing in a certain way.

Simply because the root system is extremely small, bonsais need to be watered regularly and correctly. They're also very sensitive to excesive heat (which makes water evaporate quicker), sun and wind.

Keeping bonsais in their shape is all an art and there are different styles that apply to different types of bonsai trees. The basic five styles are: formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, and windswept.

The cascade style is probaby the most interesting to display, as the branches of the tree eventually reach a level below the base of the pot.

For the Japanese, bonsais have aesthetic beauty and are meant to evoke the spirit from the plant being used. This may also include the use of rocks, mountains or water features to recreate the surroundings of the actual tree in reality.

This also includes choosing one of the most appropriate bonsai for an environment. You will find indoor and outdoor bonsais, and the Japanese placed them to suit a specific space using a type of spirit. Not all bonsai trees should be, according to this tradition, displayed in any place.

A bonsai is a very elegant tree to display outdoors, and it makes an interesting choice for an indoor spot. Get yourself started today with a Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (regarded as by some as the best bonsai for a beginner) and enhance the appearance of your chosen spot.