ART OF BONSAI
Miniature trees a growing obsession during pandemic
Bonsai — the practice of growing miniature ornamental trees in pots — is a hobby to some. To others, it’s an art form, as the caretaker expresses shapes, ideas and even emotions through trimming and training the branches to grow in interesting ways.
“Really though, it’s an obsession,” said Michael Stern, president of the Pittsburgh Bonsai Society.
He and others have seen growing interest in bonsai and the society since the pandemic began. Founded in 1957, the society is one of the oldest in the country, and currently has more than 100 members.
After two years off, the society is hosting its 40th annual Bonsai Show on
June 11-12 at Monroeville Mall. The show is free and open to the public and will feature finished bonsai trees, supplies and styling demonstrations by experienced growers. (See related story).
Stern, 67, a retired child psychologist, joined the society in 1981 and now has a collection of more than 100 trees. His grandmother introduced him to the Japanese art as a kid, and he’s developed a lifelong passion for growing them and bringing new growers into the fold.
“If you’re trying to perform the art of bonsai, it’s like the art of painting in a way,” he said. “If you have multiple trees and practice regularly, you’ll learn to produce something truly beautiful. But if you only paint once a year, it may not be very good.”
Still, getting started with a single tree isn’t terribly expensive or timeconsuming, he said. An already styled tree can cost as little as $30; the only maintenance is watering the tree and trimming it back during growing seasons.
Some trees may not last longer than a few months if they aren’t properly watered, but there are plenty of free resources available to help new growers
learn the ropes. The most common mistake newbies make is placing their tree indoors rather than in a more greenhouse-like environment.
“They’re a little worse than pets, though,” Stern said. “If you forget to provide a pet water for a day, it’s not good but should be all right. If you miss watering a tree, you could doom it.”
“Bonsai is a Japanese word that literally means ‘tree in a tray,’ ” said Ian Evans, a former jazz drummer who began selling bonsai trees and equipment during the pandemic.
The Peters Township man explained that the practice originated in China a few thousand years ago as a form of landscape composition before
migrating to Japan. This is why traditional displays include a stone, figurine or accent plant, to complete the composition.
“And the only three tools you need are a pair of secateurs — clippers — chopsticks and your hands,” Evans said.
Bonsai society members meet once a month in Squirrel
Hill to trade tips and watch demonstrations by national and internationally renowned bonsai professionals. Everyone is welcome.
“Your status in this world has nothing to do with your status in the standard economic world,” Stern said. “Race, age, sex, it doesn’t matter.”