FountainFlow.Com

How To Grow Bonsai – The 12 Amazing Styles

Owning miniaturized versions of bigger trees or bonsai trees please a lot of people not because they could own a tree and care for it, but because they can have fun having choosing from the different styles of bonsai trees. These styles are formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, slant and windswept. These are the different types of bonsai trees available for shaping, training or forming. After choosing the styles, the bonsai lovers can choose specific pots for the specific style the bonsai tree is trained to be and decide which caring tips they need to grow the trees properly.

Upright styles of bonsai trees

Some people love their trees upright. The trees suitable for this style are Pine, Larch, Juniper and Spruce. This style has tree trunks that are straight upwards and their first lower branches are far wider than the rest. The rest of the branches shape an overall triangular look. Beginners tend to love this style as it is simple. A variation of this style that lends the tree an impression of motion is the informal upright style. The trees suitable are Beech, Japanese maple and Trident Maple trees. They are similar to the formal upright except that the top branch needs to be extended forward instead of upwards.

Slant types of bonsai trees

If the Informal upright types of bonsai trees style are suitable for Beech, Japanese maple and Trident Maple trees, this slant style can be chosen for almost all bonsai trees. This is the style wherein the trunk extends to one direction while the lowest branch extends to the other direction. This style is quite common and very easy to shape and train.

Cascade style

If they do not like the simple styles of upright and slant, then they can choose among the cascade and semi cascade styles. These styles have a sloping effect plus the trunk is vertical and turned to one direction. Aside from that, the branches are trained to slope or cascade lower than the surface of the pot. Sometimes, some people do not want the trunks turned into one direction so they choose the semi-cascade style, which is the same as the cascade style except the trunk gradually slopes.

Windswept style of Bonsai

Some people would have fun owning a bonsai tree that does not look too pretty and orderly. If so, they could choose the windswept style which is a miniature version of a tree that has been overwhelmed by strong winds. It looks a bit unruly and beautifully unkempt.

Pruning Helps to make the styles of Bonsai tree

Getting the style of bonsai tree you want is easy. All you have to do is prune and trim. These styles have been practiced for centuries as an art form. This is one of the most important maintenance issues of this particular plant. Aside from shaping the bonsai into the desired form, pruning and trimming could maintain balance of the bonsai tree as you reduce growth taking place above the ground.

January 19 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »

Perfect Combination of Japanese Gardens and Lanterns

Japanese gardens are beautiful and creative. One of these lush retreats will consist of hardy plants that appear delicate, exotic flowers, and ornamental dcor and lighting.

The paper lantern is a common light of choice for a Japanese garden. This type of light creates a subtle glow that gives the garden a peaceful and romantic ambiance. These lanterns are constructed of woven wire and a particular type of parchment paper that is generally painted with an Asian theme. The most common lanterns are spherical in shape and white in color, but if you’re adamant and dedicated in your search, you can find a wide variety of shapes and colors.

Cuboid lanterns are also a popular choice. This style of light is typically a strand of miniature lanterns made of the same parchment as the larger variety and consists of a pallet of bright colors. Mini lanterns run on low-wattage, a nightlight bulb works nicely and is not too overpowering for the small shades.

“Guide lights” are another typical feature in the Japanese garden. Originally used as pathway lights for temples, they are now used to light the way for guests attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony; these ceremonies are generally held in the evening.

Guide lights are made from granite or a ‘granite-like’ material. These lanterns are typically rectangular in shape and are outfitted with a wooden window frame filled with acrylic panels to allow light to escape. They stand upright (much like a tiki-torch) and are supported by a sturdy but aesthetically pleasing dowel. These lights make an excellent addition to a garden pathway or a sidewalk.

Hanging lanterns will add subtle lighting to many areas in a Japanese garden and can provide additional imaginative and artistic flair to the already plush landscape.

Silk lanterns are another popular choice. While beautiful, they are extremely delicate, therefore it is imperative that these lanterns be used in an area that will allow them protection from the elements. Silk lanterns are a feminine choice and are generally very rich in color. They can be either ceiling mounted or attached to a standing pole. The light they give off is soft and romantic.

If you’re a fan of the Japanese garden, you can certainly add touches of ambiance to your current surroundings by incorporating the Japanese lantern or landscaping with boulders. Test your natural landscaping skills by throwing in some bamboo and Asian inspired colors to create the feel of the Japanese garden with little of the effort. You should be able to find many Asian inspired decorations, including the ever popular lantern and the landscape boulders, online or in specialty shops. eBay is always an excellent source for finding those unique but ‘hard to find’ touches that will add individual panache to your garden or patio.

September 17 2008 | Gardening | No Comments »