28th Annual Greater Hartford, Connecticut, Bonsai Exhibits Growing Art

Bonsai trees have been a fascination here in western society for many, many years. China started this wonderful art some 1700 years ago. The term bonsai means tree in a pot. It is a living art sculpture which combines three dimensional design and horticulture. A tree can only be considered a bonsai if it is an *"idealized form of nature and the result of a creative expression." The tree, the pot, and any decorations, or other plants with the tree, all must conform to a main theme, as well, to be considered a bonsai. This is achieved by extensive pruning and shaping of the tree and it's roots. Most of these little trees live outside like their big counterparts, but tropicals and sub tropicals can remain indoors. Most people looking at these awe inspiring trees have one common question, "How old is the tree?" The answer to this can actually vary. Some trees due to pruning and shaping can look as old as a hundred years, when in fact, they are only a few years old.

On July 11 and 12, The Bonsai Society of Greater Hartford, held their 28th annual bonsai tree exhibit at Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut. The exhibit boasted many beautifully sculpted trees from members of the society. Trees ranged in age from one year, to about 20. Some ages were hard to determine due to the care switching hands. One tree, which is now being used as an instructional tree for the Sanctuary Bonsai, was first cared for by Yugi Yushimora, and then passed down to a relative, who in turn passed it down to the sanctuary. This is actually a common practice with families since trees can outlive humans by thousands of years. Another tree on exhibit was crowned Best of Show from the Midatlantic Bonsai Society for 2009.

This show is held every year in hopes of educating new bonsai enthusiasts to learn about this wonderful art. A lecture was given by Todd Hansen's Sanctuary Bonsai on what bonsai is and the art of caring for them. The lecture was very in depth and discussed everything from fertilizing and watering to pruning and wiring, the lecture even touched on the history of the art, noteworthy artists like Yugi Yushimora, and where the oldest living tree in the world is (Spain).

Some new enthusiasts may seem overwhelmed when they look at their little tree and wonder how they could ever prune a tree to look as pretty as the famous one in the Karate Kid II, but from what I've gathered from this show and lecture, having a tree flourish in your home is not any more difficult than caring for a common house plant. Before this show, I too, was an overwhelmed enthusiast. Even though I'm an avid indoor gardener of ivy and herb plants, I never thought I could care for a bonsai. I used to shy away due to not knowing the proper pruning techniques, and lets not even discuss watering. I had tried over the years, don't get me wrong, because I'd receive these beautiful trees as gifts, but I was only able to keep one alive throughout the years.

I was convinced that this tree that had rocks glued to the soil when I first got it, was just determined (or stubborn) to stay alive. I had no clue as to what I was doing to it. I watered it, gave it Miracle Grow when it needed fertilizer, and after the first week of owning it, I transplanted it in a regular pot with regular potting soil. The only pruning I did was when the leaves would shed from time to time in the fall season. The other thing that I did a lot to it was nothing at all. I let it sit on an occasional table in the living room and I'd look at it and admire it from afar. I now know, thanks to this show, that I did all the wrong things to it for all the right reasons. The tree is still alive, and that sometimes can be half the battle. And the next time I have an itch to get rid of a branch that doesn't do anything esthetically for the plant, I won't be as squeamish about it.

The artists of the exhibit, the members of the society, and members of the sanctuary were all on hand to pass out informational pamphlets and offer great advise on how to care for these gems. You could also purchase your own bonsai at the exhibit to try the art for yourself at home and you were also welcomed to join the society for monthly informational meetings. These meetings offer tips on how to care for your tree, as well as, discussing the art of pruning and shaping. This exhibit can not be missed for any enthusiast next year because many of the society's members are willing to pass on their expertise with this growing art. That in my book makes it a wonderful exhibit and hobby for anyone at any age.

*Information taken from The Bonsai Society of Greater Hartford's Introduction to Bonsai Basics Pamphlet.