You know it's topics like this that stimulate me to redefine myself and my plants as far as my commitment to my daily bonsai routine.
When we start out in bonsai we make a commitment to our plants, that we will give them the care they need to survive and if we're fortunate enough to keep learning about the Art of Bonsai our trees respond and they age and grow gracefully and we get enjoyment out of the commitment we initially made when we started taking care of them.
There are all types of Bonsai people. Hobbiests and amatures, growers and propagators, collectors and connoisseurs.
The one thing we all have in common is that we strive to make our bonsai the best they can be. I'm still amazed that my bonsai, whatever plant they may be, wake up in the spring, put out growth and act like ordinary plants in the landscape-it's a real wonder to me.
I don't own or have I raised my masterpiece
and I probably never will. Possibly my son or his son will if I we can continue to sustain the miniatures that are now in our possession, because the
Art of bonsai lies in twisting a branch here or there, moving the tree a little to the left or right, finding a better pot, checking a disease, etc. All the pinching and those times during the day when you think about your plants and go out and spend time with them and check them to see if they are OK. That's what make bonsai Bonsai!
In the end though I think it's their beauty at whatever stage they are in that keeps me at it— trying to paint that masterpiece.
I wonder if there is a perfect bonsai?................................ Nah!