Felpham and Middleton Horticultural Society

At the monthly meeting of the Felpham and Middleton Horticultural Society, the 68 members present were given a talk by Frank Weaver, secretary of the Chichester Bonsai Society.

He said bonsai is the ancient art of tree sculpture and the word bonsai, in both Chinese and Japanese, literally means tree-in-a-pot. It is thought that the art of bonsai is approximately 2,000 years old, but drawings in caves have been discovered in the Pyrenees, which were thought to be 6,000 years old.

It became very popular in Japan about 1,000 years ago, where they formalised the art, but was thought to be mainly confined to the Japanese hierarchy, due to the cost. There are still thought to be some trees in excess of 1,000 years old in existence.

Bonsai is thought to have come to Europe about the 1800s, but again they were expensive, so a hobby mainly of the wealthy. However, about 100 years ago, after the war, it became much more popular. Standards in the UK have been improving rapidly and it is recommended you join a local society. Due to bonsai trees having longevity, owners consider themselves temporary custodians of these plants, to be passed onto the next generation.

If you purchase a bonsai and keep it indoors, it best not kept on window ledges, because it will get too much light, and not near electric appliances, due to the heat. There is no problem with having your bonsai in the garden, as they can stand most UK winter climates and they should be treated just like any other plant. They need sunlight, water, rest and pruning. Choice of a tree as your bonsai, either from buying a tree or creating your own tree, is important, especially with fruit trees as you can reduce foliage, but you cannot reduce fruit. Plants with small flowers are also considered preferable. It is imperative to make sure it has a good trunk. If you are going to plant your bonsai in a pot, consider the size and shape and remember a bonsai pot must have two holes to accommodate the wire. Wiring is required as the first task with your tree is to remove the ‘Tap Root’ and the wire will keep the tree in the pot.

Frank brought a selection of his own trees and gave advice, along with a demonstration of how to care for bonsai trees of varying types.

Chichester Bonsai Society has an exhibition at a local garden centre on July 6 and 7, and it also holds workshops there several times a year.

All are welcome at the society’s club nights, details of which can be found online.

The society’s next meeting is on Tuesday, May 28, at St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close, Felpham, from 7.30pm, when the speaker is Paul Gallivan from Woolbeding Garden.