The beauty of bonsai

The art of bonsai is a unique combination of horticulture and aesthetic craftmanship which requires skill, dedication and patience. Bonsai trees are often associated with balance, harmony and mindfulness, and cultivating bonsai is often seen as a meditative practice and an expression of nature’s beauty in a small form. In Zen Buddhism, bonsai trees are revered symbols of the interconnection between life and the beauty of imperfection, but people from all walks of life appreciate the spirituality of practicing bonsai, or even being near a bonsai. Needless to say, they are rather good at fostering a sense of calm and tranquillity in an office space! 

How to incorporate bonsai into a design scheme

Bonsai trees can bring a touch of under-stated elegance to any design scheme. They are so eye-catching, they can often be used in place of art. They create a wonderful focal point in a reception area, either singly or repeated to define a space. Bonsai do like lots of natural light, and if you have one (or more) they should be shown off, so positions by feature windows and in light filled atriums are ideal. In silhouette, on a windowsill, they are truly something to behold. They are also quite effective in boardrooms, imparting an invaluable sense of tranquillity!

Looking after bonsai

A mature bonsai requires consistent care to stay healthy. Most bonsai trees need lots of natural light, but some indoor species, such as ficus or jade, can thrive with less sunlight. Judicious watering and fertilising are important, as is good drainage! Regular pruning is required to maintain shape and good health – our skilled plant maintenance team does this as part of our maintenance package. As with all trees, tropical species should be kept indoors during winter, while temperate species like pines and maples can remain outdoors year-round, with protection from extreme cold. In short, as long as you know what you are doing, bonsai aren’t that difficult to look after!

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Bonsai facts

– The word "bonsai" is Japanese and translates to ‘planted in a container’ (‘bon’ meaning tray or pot, and ‘sai’ meaning plant or tree).

– Although bonsai is widely considered to be a Japanese art form, refined over many years, it actually originated in China, where it was called ‘pun-sai’.

– The oldest known bonsai tree is over 1,000 years old and resides in Crespi Bonsai Museum in Milan, Italy.

– A truly impressive bonsai requires decades of skilled, meticulous cultivation. 

– It is not uncommon for the very best examples of bonsai to sell for six figure sums. In 2011 a large white pine sold for $1.3 million at the International Bonsai Convention in Takamatsu, Japan.

– Two species often chosen for bonsai are the Japanese Maple (acer palmatum), known for its colourful, delicate foliage, and the Juniper tree (Juniperus), which is hardy and easy to shape.

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For a unique focal point, that is elegant and understated, but leaves a lasting impression, bonsai are hard to beat. And who doesn’t want their office to be a bit more ‘zen’? If you’d like to explore options for your space, call one of our planting experts today.