Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees in shallow pots. The goal is to form small trees that mimic the shape of real-life trees. You might recall that Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita, teaches his knowledge of Bonsai, and therefore life, to Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio in the 1984 “Karate Kid” movie”.
CGC Members and guests recently enjoyed a fantastic presentation by Bob Zamastil of Bonsai Creations Colorado. Bob demonstrated how to take a jade plant from basic greenhouse form to a lovely display plant. Bob has 22-plus years of experience in bonsai, and clearly loves his job. He must, as he is the caretaker for up to 1500 plants which require frequent watering.
Bonsai can be created from nearly any woody-stemmed tree or shrub that produces true branches and a singular trunk. Root pruning is done to allow the plant to fit into a shallow pot, which is filled with potting medium specifically designed for bonsai. Bob uses a combination of gravel, lava rock and potting mix. The correct soil mix provides nutrients, drainage, aeration and just enough water retention. Throughout the life of the plant, it is shaped to limit growth, to send energy to areas requiring further development, and to meet the artist’s design vision.
The practice of bonsai can be life-enhancing. It develops patience. It fosters creativity. It creates a relationship with a living thing due to the nurturing required over a long period of time. Most of all it requires thought – planning, problem-solving and potentially learning new skills for trimming and training.
Bob and his wife, Susie, make semi-annual trips to Florida to buy plants including jade, Lavender Star, Green Island Ficus, boxwood and Brazilian Rain Tree. They also have a selection of house plants including African Violets, pothos, orchids, Ponytail palms and staghorn ferns.
Bonsai Creations Colorado is located at 1615 CR 308, (use exit 234 on I-70) in Dumont, CO. Bob can be contacted at 970-363-9977. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9 to 5, and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Their website is https://bonsaicreationscolorado.com
And by the way, it’s pronounced “bone-sai”, not “bon-sai”!