Bonsai is a beautiful Japanese art form, in which you grow miniaturized or "dwarfed" trees in containers, making them as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
This process is very involved and can take some time, in many cases it can take years to properly grow a Bonsai tree, but the end result is an amazing and unique work of art that anyone can appreciate.
The overall artistic effect is of utmost importance when growing a Bonsai tree.
Everything must be proportional.
The tree size, its leaves or needles, the fruit, flowers and the container in which it grows.
In Bonsai, the container is very important and must harmonize in shape, color and size with the tree.
Bonsai trees are made in five size classifications: Mame: Which is the smallest, usually only 1-3 inches tall.
Shohin: Usually ranging between 5-10 inches, these are the most common and there are several different styles of Shohin Bonsai.
Kifu: A medium sized Bonsai that is usually around 16 inches.
Chu/Chuhin: These Bonsai are in the medium to large range, usually between 16-24 inches tall.
Dai/Daiza: The largest of the Bonsai trees, these giants can be over 40 inches tall.
Bonsai trees need to be "dwarfed" properly by pruning branches and roots in a way that keeps from ruining the overall look of the tree.
The Bonsai tree shapes are usually controlled by stringing or wiring both the branches and the trunk.
The final look of the Bonsai tree is completely up to the owner, each has it's own unique look born from the imagination of the grower/artist and they are all usually a beautiful addition to any home.