SHILLONG, SEPT 19: The Japanese art of Bonsai is gaining popularity in Shillong as participants from all over the state displayed their potted trees at an exhibition organized by the Shillong Bonsai Association (SBA) at All Saints hall on Thursday.
Bonsai of all sizes and shapes were being exhibited.
According to experts, the Bonsai which has all the feature of an original tree and flower differs from the original only in size and weight.
The show has been praised by those who visited the exhibition and was also on display Pinus Parviflora which is believed to be 145 years old, adding another oak tree also known as ‘Crocus’ which is reportedly 60-70 years old.
People thronging the exhibition also witnessed the well displayed Schefflera, Vaccinium which of 37 years, Trident maple, Ficus, Japanese black pine.
“To create the art of Bonsai requires patience and constant care. It is like caring for one’s pet giving it nourishment on a daily basis,” SBA V Singhania told reporters. He said the objective of holding such exhibitions on an annual basis is to popularize the art. Bonsais, he added, has a soothing effect on the mind once placed inside people’s living space.
SBA has been holding such exhibition from 1993 which is sponsored by the department of agriculture.
Bonsai is the Japanese art of dwarfing trees by pruning of leaves and roots. Singhania said that the most important factor for the growth of a Bonsai is the tray in which the tree is nurtured. More than 100 Bonsais of all sizes and shapes were kept for exhibition.
Singhania also stated that the constant watering of the tress is also necessary for the flourishing of the Bonsai trees. “In winters it has to be watered twice in a day for giving it the natural look,” he added.
Moreover, the branches are also curved into different patterns by wiring the branches when young.
On the environmental degradation, Singhania said, “The role of Bonsai is crucial in the preserving and conserving the nature’s gift. Through this art, plant species which are said to be on its extinction can be preserved.” He added, “We can take from the bonsai and grow the some plants which are on the verged of extinction through tissue culture.”
Some of the popular tree varieties used to make Bonsais is Chinese Juniper, Pine etc although Bonsai enthusiast also experiment with Banyan and other trees. “We are also selling pots specially ordered from Mumbai depending on what dimension Bonsai enthusiast like to create their trees,” Singhania informed. – By Our Reporter
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