|
|
|
|
Jyoti and Nikunj Parekh, two of the best-known bonsai enthusiasts from India, presented a live demonstration of pruning and shaping miniature trees in Muscat on January 24 at Devyani Sampat’s house in Qurm.
Devyani is herself an accomplished bonsai artist and had invited the couple to share their knowledge of tropical bonsai with her like-minded friends.
During the last three decades, the Parekhs have organised and conducted events across India by way of workshops, lectures, demonstrations and exhibitions.
They have co-authored Wonder World Of Tropical Bonsai and Wonder World Of Bonsai and Saikei. Jyoti and Nikunj trained with bonsai masters Saburo Katoh, Susumu Nakamura and Toshio Kawamoto. They have also given demonstrations in the UK, the US, Europe, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, and have received 50 awards, as well as citations from various countries, organisations and groups for their work in bonsai art.
Devyani’s best bonsai creations were on display in the Sampats’ garden, where the practical class was conducted on caring for and nurturing bonsai trees. “Bonsai can be best explained as a tree planted in a small pot, pruned, shaped and ‘trained’ in a certain way.
It is a miniature tree growing in a container,” said Jyoti. Nikunj added, “It is an ancient horticultural art form, presented to the world platform by Japan in the 70s. It is an art to love nature and greenery at the micro level; when we appreciate this art, we are bound to love the big trees that we take for granted.”
The duo gave many tips on selecting the right tree, the type of soil to be used and the type of shaping required for the trees. The trees were pruned in front of the audience, each specimen placed on a round turntable so that it could be seen from all sides – an important aspect if the tree is to look attractive from all angles.
“Bonsai art is a game of patience, understanding the tree, environment and the nature of the tree’s growth.” There are many factors involved in caring for bonsai trees. “The front, back and the branches of the tree should be such that sunlight, air, wind and energy should pass through.
In other words, ‘Birds should be able to fly in and out with ease,’ meaning that the branches should be well spaced and not crowded,” said Nikunj. For a good specimen, the trimming of leaves should be done regularly, especially in the growing season. Each new shoot has about six to eight leaves that must be cut back to the second or third leaf.
This practice helps keep the bonsai small. When a shoot is cut, a new one grows from its base, so the procedure can be repeated until the tree comprises short and compact branches. In a few seasons, trees acquire a pleasing three-dimensional shape that resembles a full-size tree growing in nature.
It is quite simple to choose a tree to cultivate as a bonsai, said Nikunj. “Usually fruit trees with small fruits and proportionately smaller leaves are preferred. Also, the trunk of the tree should be brown and not greenish, as it has to last a long time.”
When asked about the types of bonsai trees that would grow best in Oman, Nikunj and Jyoti recommended only those trees suitable for the climate here. “Any local tree would be good, but Ficus benghalensis, the Banyan tree, bougainvillea and fruiting trees like mango, figs and tamarind would be ideal.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reader Comments
Be the first one to post your comment
All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. TheWeek reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason.
Post a Comment
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately
|
|
|