I have long believed that we should be promoting bonsai as an art form rather than an extension of horticulture. The horticultural practicalities are obviously very important but the end product is a work of art and should be displayed accordingly.

Anyone who visited the Cliffe Castle events in Yorkshire, and the Orangery at Margam Park in Wales, could not fail to be impressed by the gallery setting and the effect it had on the trees displayed

Most bonsai enthusiast have now come to terms with the fact that a good bonsai deserves a good pot, in order to complete the picture. Now, as many of us look to exhibitions in Europe and the further influence from Japan, we must commit ourselves to further bonsai education....the art of selection of the right stand / table, and the correct accent plant. In essence, the art of bonsai display.

The vast majority of us can't begin to comprehend what is involved to do it correctly and to achieve the desired effect. What about the trees themselves? To many bonsai enthusiasts an initial styling exercise is still the focal point for their hobby. They style a piece of raw material, place it on the bench and then look for another instant creation opportunity. With some routine watering and feeding, this is their hobby. Soon we have a bench of styled material but do we have any one tree showing signs of maturity or a refined bonsai image similar to those inspirational pictures from Japan? Has the average enthusiast mastered the relevant techniques?

Over the last five years I have tried to learn as much as possible about the refinement of bonsai. It was important for me to go beyond the excitement of the dramatic initial styling and to investigate the relatively slower, but equally rewarding transformation of ramification. There is a lot to learn and the information we need is not available in books. You have to watch, listen, question, experiment, observe, learn and then watch, listen...etc, again and again.

Suddenly, you're no longer "playing with plants"...you're working with nature, harnessing her powers, controlling the tree, working together to achieve the desired image. The bond is formed and, to me, this partnership is what bonsai is all about.

I have been teaching bonsai for over ten years but in my school, I am still the most enthusiastic and dedicated student. There is still so much I have to learn. My students and their trees are benefiting from my efforts. Only when you begin to appreciate how much there is that you don't know, can you take positive action to learn and progress to a higher level of bonsai achievement.

Envy the trees on display in Europe but not in dismay. If this is what you want, set your targets, make a commitment. There is enough good material and talent in this country to help you get there. In small groups around the country British Bonsai is moving forward and keeping pace with Europe.

Make sure you're part of it!!

Also see...

• Newstead Bonsai Award
• Bonsai Classes & Workshops at the Bonsai School >>
• John Hanby Bonsai School Study Group >>