The following extract is from a series of gardening-related articles, videos and tips about growing bonsai trees …

Bonsai gardens can offer so much more to you than merely a beautiful decoration. Granted, the unique beauty of the trees is truly a natural wonder to behold. However, they also offer serenity in a disorganized world. Just as the ancient peoples of yesterday cultivated these wonderful little trees and derived from it the benefit of a peaceful state of mind, so too can the modern day creators of bonsai art turn a creative hobby into a stress relieving experience.

The history of the bonsai tree began in early China, during the Han Dynasty, almost 2000 years ago. Trees were first pruned to their miniature size so that their trunks would simulate various things, such as animals, dragons or birds. Many myths and legends still exist surrounding the gnarled trunks of bonsai trees. Today, however, the bonsai trees are mainly pruned so that their foliage takes priority over any bark images. These are two of the bonsai art forms that are prized in the culture of today’s bonsai society.

Over a number of years, Japan and China began to merge some aspects of their unique cultures together and the bonsai tree was one of the many things that was incorporated into the highly cultured country of Japan. Initially, only the Buddhist monks used this art form, yet eventually, the aristocracy adopted the bonsai art and it became a status symbol for a long time. After this time and for many, many years afterwards, the art of bonsai lay exclusively within the Japanese culture. As time passed and Japan began to open up its doors to other countries, bonsai art became highly sought after in western countries for its serenity and beauty.

Bonsai trees have only been known in North America since the early 1900s. However, time has moved on and now, garden lovers all over the world have the opportunity to experience the bonsai art form in their own gardens. The bonsai trees have a very significant and important history for the countries of Japan and China. As the world becomes smaller, so too do the cultural items that define a country. Now these items can be used today to connect gardeners all over the world.

For more articles on bonsai trees, go here: Bonsai Garden Care