Miniature trees are originally rooted in the mountains of China, where only a specific species of plants and trees grow. Because of its hostile weather conditions, the trees were often stunted and contorted. The strong mountain winds also left these trees twisted in ice and the cold. Essentially, it is nature that has rendered the inspiration for the art of potting trees as students of the art do their best to mimic what nature has created. By training trees through specialized means of pruning and shaping them to a desired height and structure, these students of the art were able to recreate the sample nature has provided.

Bonsai, a Japanese term for miniature potted trees, actually originated from the Chinese. Called pensai in China, these miniature trees first appeared in artworks and poems in this Asian country in 200 B.C. Early own, the mini-tree, or rather, the work of art, has already become a symbol of harmony and tranquility. Chinese Monks and the nobles or upper class, who appreciated the beauty and significance of plants and trees or nature in general, cultivated mini-landscapes of mountains, rivers and little tree houses placed on big plates. Sometime in the 15th or 16th century, this artistic hobby grew among the people of Southeast China. Many of them have become master designers and experts of the art of tree potting. What was known first known as a hobby of Chinese artists, monks and nobles in those days became a significant part of modern day Japanese tradition.

How this came to Japan was made possible through the officials of the Japanese government, who often come to China at the height of the Tang Dynasty and have brought the art back home. During the Kamakura period, while Zen Buddhism was introduced in Japan, these Zen masters also introduced the hobby of tree potting to its people. As a result, it became widely popular among the wealthy class (daimyos or feudal lords), the merchants and even the Samurais. In addition to this, daimyos even sought pottery masters on their employ, to make one of kind pots for their miniature plants.

Initially popular among the Japanese priests, the ruling class and those on the upper hierarchy, Bonsai eventually reached popularity with the middle class. As Japanese culture and their way of living dictates it, where the Japanese have always believed in keeping a harmonious relationship with their surroundings as beneficial, miniature gardening became one of Japans favorite pastimes. The fact that these potted trees took up just a small space inside the house was also compatible with how the Japanese lived. It was during these times too, that the word bonsai was coined.

Today, the art of Bonsai is still practiced in China. It is characteristically different from the Japanese versions as they are somewhat bigger than the popular Japanese Bonsai. And while thinking of potted trees, one easily attributes this to Japan, the hobby/art form appeals not only to the people of the East today, but students and enthusiasts all over the world have also become devotees to the art of tree potting.

Patrick From Mishobonsai seeds

When buying seeds from wholesaler, seeds are sold by weight. Seeds are mostly described with the following terms:

Common name

Some common names of tree species would be: maple, pine, boxwood.

Latin name

Latin name of the previous mentioned would be: acer for maple, pinus for pine and buxus for boxwood. These latin names constitute the scientific name for each species.

After the description section, the next information is technical. First, every supplier will have a monitor measure. Two measures are commonly used. The first is the count of seeds per pounds, and the second is the weight per thousand seeds.

Purity

Purity is expressed in %, and it represent the number of seeds versus the number of debris (dead leaves, stem) in the batch of seeds.

Germination rate

Germination rate is also expressed in %, it represents the number of seeds that will germinate with proper conditions.

Origin / source

The origin and source will determine the country the seeds originate from; where they were collected. Some suppliers will also list the state or province of origin.

Growing info

Growing info will refer to the needed condition for germination. Common details are pre-treatment, such as scarification and stratification, both hot or cold, and sowing technique.

Common use

Suppliers will often state the common uses or classification of species. For example, you could find all of the following:

Edible Fruit/Nuts

Fall Color
Medicinal
Rootstock
Shade Tree
Urban Tolerant
Tree
Poisonous
bonsai
Drought Tolerant.

Conditions of seeds

You can get winged or dewinged, refering to seeds that grow with a wing or two. Usually, dewinged seeds cost more since they require an additionnal step of preparation before they are sold.

You can get clean or uncleaned seeds. This usually happens with seeds that come from fruit trees. A clean seed will have the pulp of the fruit removed, while an unclean seed will almost come with the complete fruit.

You can also come across green or dry seeds. Green seeds are the freshest. The supplier has skipped drying the seeds for proper storage and is selling untreated seeds. A dry seed is not completely dry, but rather has a 5-8% humidity rate. The treatment is done to prevent decay of seeds in their shelf life. It mainly prevents rot.

Many ways can be used to accentuate the beauty of your house, and make your backyard more attractive. In your yard design, having a nice patio, a pool or even toys for the kids is great. But having a tree is often overlooked. We will develop ten uses for a tree in your backyard.

1. Create a shade spot in your backyard
2. Create a wind barrier on your property
3. Use tree as an edge fence
4. Hang your self an hamac under your shade spot
5. Have fresh fruit at reach in your backyard
6. Create a scent with a fragrant fruit tree
7. Use a small tree as bonsai and patio tree
8. Add colors to an existing flower arrangement
9. Have a tree house or a swing rope for the kids
10. Hang a bird feeder and attract beautiful bird species

As you see, this is a small list of utilities for a tree in your backyard. Other then those, planting a tree helps the environment by cleaning the air. It will also embelishing your neighborhood and give the surrounding properties, including your home, an increase in value.

There are many ways of acquiring a tree. You can sow a seed, either collected yourself or bougth. Many online website specialize in seeds, especially tree seeds. You could also buy a juvenile tree from a garden center or take a cutting of a tree you like, given it is an appropriate time of the year. You can always hope a neighbors tree will drop a seed in fall and next spring a tree will arise like magic.