Bonsai

Everyone knows the word, and everyone knows that it refers to the miniature trees that some people talk about just like die-hard stamp collectors. But where does Bonsai come from? Bonsai is from China, but the word is Japanese and is a contraction of two words: bon (meaning flat dish) and sai (meaning to grow). In the Netherlands, this is translated as 'tree in a pot'. Due to the diplomatic contacts and the trade between Japan From China, the miniature trees arrived in Japan in the 13th century. The Japanese adopted the art of growing the small trees and managed to perfect that art even further. From Japan, the Bonsai tree has conquered the entire world. They were first exhibited in Europe at an exhibition held in London in 1904. This was followed by the Netherlands, where the trees became a minor craze.   At the Floriade of 1972, a large pavilion was set up by Japan where many special bonsai trees could be admired. In that year, the Dutch Bonsai Association was founded.   According to Bonsai hobbyists, growing Bonsai trees is an art form in which trees growing in nature serve as models. No special tree species are required. Almost all trees and shrubs found in the Netherlands are suitable for making miniature trees. The images on the Chinese stamps prove that beautiful results can be achieved with patience and great care. Do you feel like getting started with Bonsai yourself? Then take a look at the website of bonsainederland.nl† Good luck!