Bunjin,
Fukinagashi, Kengai, Shakan, Moyogi, Chokkan – Well, if
they sound like Japanese to you, you are spot on. These are some
of the basic styles of Bonsai. Bonsai, as some have crudely
put, is not the art of stunting a tree’s growth. Rather, it is growing
a tree in the confined space of a shallow container, simulating
the effect of great age, extreme weathering, twisted or contorted
form and so on. These art forms are very often inspired by nature,
the idea is to recreate some of nature’s most stunning and beautiful
effects on trees, which are reduced in scale. It was one sunny morning,
when we chanced on Indira Mehta and her bonsai collection.
Basically from Gujarat, but born and brought up in Tamil Nadu, Indira
says with certain pride, “I am almost a Tamilian”.
About
her interest in Bonsai, she says, “I was basically interested
in gardening and it was natural for me to switch to the art of Bonsai,
the highest form of agriculture. I visited Osaka in 1982, though
even before that I was practicing this art, there, I clarified a
lot of my doubts. In the beginning, I used to learn from books.
I lost many of my earlier Bonsai, as I strictly followed the books,
while the plants were not able to adjust to the climatic conditions
here. There is a tremendous amount of difference between 'our Bonsai'
and 'Japanese Bonsai', because of the difference in climatic conditions.
Right from the leaves, growth pattern, and branches everything is
different.”
When asked, about what is required to practice this art, she said,
“Patience (breaking into a smile)... lots of patience. It takes
years and years to get a nice Bonsai... more than 20 – 25 years.
They live for more than 100 years, if taken care of. They require
constant care.”
“I have chosen plants, which can withstand the Chennai heat;
sturdy types. If care is taken to keep them in semi- shade, and
if they are watered correctly, then there is be no problem. Mainly,
it is the Ficus species like Banyan, Gul Mohar and
varieties of Cassia. For an apartment or home, it is better
to have two Bonsai and keep them in the sun / semi shade alternately",
she added.
Indira
has got Bonsai, ranging from Rs. 250/- (young ones) to RS 20,000
(old ones). We were a little shocked to learn, that in Bonsaic
terms, 'young' meant four years old and 'old' meant 20 – 25 years.
Indira also teaches those, who like to indulge in this art. All
that is required, is a little knowledge of gardening and lots of
patience. She is also into cacti, bulbs, water plants, landscaping
and terrace gardening. She has won various prizes from competitions
held by the Gymkhana Club, VGP and the Horticultural
society.
Bonsai was a
popular art among the aristocrats and noble class of London
and Paris. Originally, it went to Paris from Japan.
The older the Bonsai, the more expensive it is. The younger
ones need more maintenance and care than the older ones.
Once in a year, the soil and the container should be changed.
Some Bonsai, are acquired from the cracks of old buildings
or from forests.
Address: Sheetal Decorative Plants,
3, Parthasarathy Gardens (Behind Chola Sheraton), Chennai 600 018. Phone: 4992864.
4:11:35 AM 
Bunjin,
Fukinagashi, Kengai, Shakan, Moyogi, Chokkan – Well, if
they sound like Japanese to you, you are spot on. These are some
of the basic styles of Bonsai. Bonsai, as some have crudely
put, is not the art of stunting a tree’s growth. Rather, it is growing
a tree in the confined space of a shallow container, simulating
the effect of great age, extreme weathering, twisted or contorted
form and so on. These art forms are very often inspired by nature,
the idea is to recreate some of nature’s most stunning and beautiful
effects on trees, which are reduced in scale. It was one sunny morning,
when we chanced on Indira Mehta and her bonsai collection.
Basically from Gujarat, but born and brought up in Tamil Nadu, Indira
says with certain pride, “I am almost a Tamilian”. 
About
her interest in Bonsai, she says, “I was basically interested
in gardening and it was natural for me to switch to the art of Bonsai,
the highest form of agriculture. I visited Osaka in 1982, though
even before that I was practicing this art, there, I clarified a
lot of my doubts. In the beginning, I used to learn from books.
I lost many of my earlier Bonsai, as I strictly followed the books,
while the plants were not able to adjust to the climatic conditions
here. There is a tremendous amount of difference between 'our Bonsai'
and 'Japanese Bonsai', because of the difference in climatic conditions.
Right from the leaves, growth pattern, and branches everything is
different.”
Indira
has got Bonsai, ranging from Rs. 250/- (young ones) to RS 20,000
(old ones). We were a little shocked to learn, that in Bonsaic
terms, 'young' meant four years old and 'old' meant 20 – 25 years.
Indira also teaches those, who like to indulge in this art. All
that is required, is a little knowledge of gardening and lots of
patience. She is also into cacti, bulbs, water plants, landscaping
and terrace gardening. She has won various prizes from competitions
held by the Gymkhana Club, VGP and the Horticultural
society.
