Page 37 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2013Q4

veryone is crying loudly that forests are
dwindling at an alarming rate. When we go
on a journey, we do not see any forest in and
Earound our cities. But they do exist in small
patches around us. The important point is, do we have
time to stand still and observe this natural oasis? If
you do, you will find nature’s wonder, teaming with
beauty and life.
Normally in one area of forest, we find almost the
same types of trees and some similar varieties thriv-
ing in the same atmosphere and circumstances.
Forests are created by dispersal of seeds by unique
methods, some fly with their silky threads in the air Trees, shrubs and grasses grow around these boulders Top; Forest of Ficus longisland
and land in far off areas. Some seeds are dispersed and stones, developing unique scenery along with riv-
by birds and animals. At appropriate time seeds ger- er, streams and ponds. When we try to replicate this Bottom; Saikei of Juniperus
chinensis at Taipei, Taiwan
minate and start growing into seedlings, gradually scenery of trees and stones into miniature, Japanese
becoming trees. We see in a forest all sizes of trees, masters called it saikei
seedlings, some few years old while some well grown,
majestic, mature trees, all coexisting. Basic principles and guidelines to arrange trees in for-
Trees develop network of roots which anchor them, est and saikei are same. But saikei is more challeng-
ing as one has to create harmony, balance and three
find water and food from soil. When rain comes they dimensional effects with stones and number of trees.
stop erosion to some extent. To our understanding,
under the trees, weeds, grasses, creepers, ground cov- Bonsai artist has to act like an artist who specializes in
ers develop which actually help to stop the erosion painting landscapes, so that he can create depth and
by preventing the forceful impact of rain water and perspective of ‘far off’ and ‘near view’ scenes by using
many small streams that start flowing in a monsoon.
This undergrowth also prevents flying of soil particles
in dry season. It provides humus, microbes and pre-
serves humidity. They are the ones which give shelter
to millions of insects, small animals and birds which
develop in to a fine cycle of ecosystem.
We in bonsai try to replicate the tree that we see grow-
ing around us. We copy its shape in miniature. We
enjoy entire process of developing a fine specimen of
bonsai and also love the flowers and fruits.
Similarly, we bonsai growers, make group planting in
a tray which is a replica of forest in miniature. Each
forest bonsai may be a small one with 5 to 7 trees or
a large one with more than 41 trees of all sizes, well
grown to tiny thin saplings all beautifully arranged
to give stunning effect. Along with well groomed
trees, we create groups of trees placed in such way
that they build contours, suggesting pathways. Some
tiny grasses are planted; interesting green velvet moss
is used to complete the composition.
In nature, we do find forest spread out on large
stretches of land, at the same time in many areas
there are hills, slopes, cliffs and scattered stones on
the ground.

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