The art of bonsai, take a tour of Shanti Bithi Bonsai
Bonsai is often referred to as the Japanese art of miniature trees. However, the habit of dwarfing trees in pots began in China around 200 AD and it wasn’t until centuries later that these techniques were introduced to Japan. Unlike Chinese gardens, which were loose, free, and expansive, Japanese gardening, limited by space, was more precise and contained. There, the practice of growing bonsai was quickly adopted and refined. The tree designs and containers became smaller and more compact, and bonsai evolved into the horticultural art form that it is today.
A bonsai consists of two parts: the plant and the pot brought together in visual harmony. The plant is usually a tree or a woody shrub, and the pot can be a conventional pottery bonsai container, or even a slab of flat but interesting rock. Bonsai are not genetic dwarfs, but, rather, normal plants whose roots are pruned and contained in a confined space. The foliage is kept in proportion by continual pinching and regular pruning of new growth. And interesting shapes are achieved by bending branches with the use of wire. Bonsai can live for many years when cared for properly. In fact, in Japan, some bonsai are several hundred years old, and each passed down from one generation to the next.
Not too far from my home in Bedford is the Shanti Bithi Bonsai in Stamford, Connecticut. This remarkable nursery was created by garden designers, Carole and Jerome Rocherolle, and it has become one of the largest growers and importers of Bonsai in the United States. We paid a visit to them recently and I thought it would be interesting to give you a little tour of their beautiful establishment now, in December, and then return again in the spring, when their bonsai are in full splendor.   Â
Hello
Im watching your show now and then.
I live in Sweden and i was just stopping by to say Hi =)
//Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette | December 17th, 2008 at 2:42 am
Hi Martha,
Do you see the moose head in #20 pic on the trunk of the juniper?
I had heard about Shanti Bithi while living in CT but never visited until today! And you are so right...wouldn't it be great to have pics in spring to compare?!
The art of Bonsai and forcing that kind of balance is so very interesting; it prevails throughout the culture.
Love the Buddha!
Posted by: tinay | December 17th, 2008 at 4:56 am
I've learned the truth in the fact that if one has the right tools, the job can be done quicker and in the most effective way possible! I L-O-V-E garden tools and, as you can imagine, cherish ones from childhood that my folks handed down to me when they downsized their home. I had purchased several years ago a pair of MS hand shears - they're scissor-like (perfect for bonsai and topiaries, actually) - and I used them this summer basically for the first time to trim and shape some thyme that I wanted to keep in bounds - they were p-e-r-f-e-c-t for the job! I had them, knew where they were, never used 'em much, but knew they'd do the job (and it was a cinch!) One hand tool I'm never without is a pair of bypass pruners (they really need sharpened, though!)
I found it interesting that some of the bonsai remained outside there at the nursery, especially in the northeast winters! (And) I WAS aware of the potential sequoias have size-wise - in retrospect, those sequoia specimens WERE miniature versions, compared to what they could've become!
Yesterday's (12/16) Broken Arrow nursery segment on the show was nice - ambling around on their farm, seeing everything they offer. That wreath-making machine makes their life a whole lot easier and would make quick work in producing a homemade wreath. The ones on your show, too, were really nice...it's good to know our local Michaels stores might carry that wreath form! Pretty cool!
Speaking of cool, Martha, stay warm (and cozy!) I know you're getting the same precipitation as we're getting here in Maryland.
=^..^=
mrroww
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 17th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Dear Martha,
You will have to check out the beautiful bonsai collection at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. They keep the collection outside during the warm summer months.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | December 17th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Thanks for another interesting tour on 'A day in the life of Martha Stewart'. I love Bonsai trees but I never have any luck with keeping them alive. One lasted almost a year and then it dried up to nothing and I'm thinking maybe I pinched it too much!
We have some Japanese gardens at the Morikami Museum which is not too far from my home but I haven't been over there in years. Maybe I'll pay them a visit thanks to your blog. There is also an Orchid Society right next door which I'd like to see again. I'm sure they have tons more orchids since my last visit.
BTW, your wreaths look very nice in/on your windows. Maybe you will show us the decorated tree later. Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 17th, 2008 at 7:28 am
A note to Ida:
I noticed your comment in yesterday's blog about a truffle cake so I thought I would let you know that if you type in Truffle Cake in the green Search box on the home page, you will find a recipe for a Chocolate Truffle Cake in the list. It is from the April 2000 Martha Stewart Living Magazine. There is also a Chocolate Truffles recipe in the new Martha Stewart Holiday Special Issue which you can find at the newsstand.
I'm always amazed at the recipes and other things I find when I use that Search Box. I could spend hours on it and still not see everything! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 17th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I wanted to take a moment and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year !!!
All the best,
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy :) | December 17th, 2008 at 8:01 am
How absolutely SPLENDID!! So very interesting and educational. I have always had the Art of Bonsai on my 'to do' list, and you have just given me a much appreciated 'jump-start'.
Have a really, really great Christmas!!
Posted by: Shannon | December 17th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Hi Martha, I love all of these wonderful field trips you take us on. They are not only extremely fun, but absolutely informative. Your photos of the bonsai, etc. are absolutely phenomemal! I have always loved Japanese gardens and bonsai is the piece de resistance! Seeing the azalea bonsai, makes me think almost any tree or bush can be made into a bonsai. How fascinating. I can't wait to see the spring version of the beautiful Shanti Dithi Bonsai Nursery! Thanks so much for taking us along. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 17th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Hi Martha ~ Wishing you & yours a most magical holidays!!!
Chris / aka: SpOOky CK (-:
Posted by: Christopher Klingler | December 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I watch your show almost everyday ,but we dont have your newest show in Norway ,But thanks for all the creatives tips and inspiration you are giving me
Have a nice and lovely Christmas and a Happy new year.
And here is my Photogalleri from Sout Norway
http://picasaweb.google.no/karinlundekvam
Posted by: karin Lundekvam | December 18th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Dear Martha
I finally took time from work, it's our Board Meeting Day, to let you know that the Bonasi Collectiion that goes indoor is beautiful and the Korean Hornbeam is unabelievable, I never saw on like that. I want to thank you for sharing all your trips experiences,information and knowledge with all. Merry Christmas and Healthy and Happy New Year, to your Family and Associates, God Bless.
Jeannie
Posted by: Jean Kuehl | December 18th, 2008 at 3:32 am
Thanks Martha, a wonderful blog.
Posted by: Margie | December 18th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the tour of Shanti Bithi Nursery and the discussion of bonsai. I have long been interested in such trees.
Thanks again!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | December 19th, 2008 at 2:21 am