Bonsai is the fine art of "growing miniature trees in pots". It is an ancient art that has its origins in the Far East. Bonsai is the Japanese translation of the Chinese word pen- jing, which means 'plant in pot'

To be more exact, Chinese pen-jing literally means "tray scenery"), also known as tray landscape, potted scenery, potted landscape.

Miniature trees and rockery is the ancient Chinese art of growing trees and plants, kept small by skilled pruning and formed to create an aesthetic shape and the complex illusion of age.

As an art form, pen-jing is an extension of the garden, since it enables an artist to recreate in miniature parts of the natural landscape. Using artificially dwarfed trees and shrubs, these arrangements are created in special trays or pots, which are placed on ornately, carved wooden stands. Often, rocks and porcelain figurines are added to give the proper scales as part of the natural scenery.

Although it has been said that anyone can grow Japanese bonsai tree and that they make a wonderful gift for children, the pleasure of growing bonsai is not restricted to a certain age group or a certain fraternity. It is open to all who have the interest, and are willing to learn and grow along with their bonsai trees.

It doesn't require much in the way of space and makes for a perfectly enjoyable and relaxing hobby. Growing bonsai is an enjoyable and personally satisfying experience.

Also creating a bonsai micro garden in your home doesn't require much space. That's the beauty of bonsai. Any kind of tree that can be adapted to grow in miniature form can be grown as bonsai.

Whether you are just taking your first steps in growing bonsai or an expert, you can be sure that growing bonsai is about creativity and experimentation.

The most common bonsai styles include: formal upright, slant, informal upright, cascade, semi-cascade, raft, literati, and group/forest.

There are more than a dozen styles of traditional Pen-jing. Styles of the traditional Pen-jing in China are mainly classified and named after the regions of their origin.

Pen-jing or Bonsai, as it is known in the west is not limited to describing the sculptured miniature tree. Bonsai means both the tree and the pot, and to be successful the pot itself must complement the style of the tree. Pots can come in a variety of shapes and colours and can be glazed or unglazed.

Most evergreen bonsai are placed in unglazed pots, while deciduous trees are planted in glazed pots.

It is important in design that the colour of the pot compliments the tree. Some pots are highly collectible, such as ancient Chinese or Japanese pots made in regions with experienced pot makers such as Tokoname, Japan.

Containers with straight sides and sharp corners are generally better suited to formally presented plants, while oval or round containers might be used for plants with informal shapes.