Essential to any self-respecting Zen garden, garden bonsais, cut in clouds or in specific shapes, bring a note combining traditionalism and modernity. Very graphic, they structure and magnify the space.
What is a garden bonsai?
Garden bonsai, unlike conventional bonsai, which are miniature trees kept in pots, are planted in the ground and do not undergo pruning at the roots. Named "Niwaki" in Japan, the aerial parts of the garden bonsai are pruned or guided to recreate existing landscapes in nature. This art is inspired by the Shinto and Zen cult and uses a very pure, very graphic aestheticism. The trees are thus an integral part of the landscape and constitute a decor in their own right.
The most used species
Many trees are used in the form of garden bonsai.
Among them is the Pine tree, which is automatically included in every Japanese garden as a symbol of victory in the face of adversity. It is pruned into clouds giving it a very vaporous side. It can be used at the entrance of the Zen garden but also as a single subject on a lawn or a mineral surface. Many pine species are suitable for this use: Pinus Thumbergii, Pinus pentaphylla or Pinus sylvestris are commonly used.
Among the conifers that are very interesting for the rigidity of their foliage are the Chamaecyparis obtusa, which is very easy to prune into rounded clouds, or the Chamaecyparis filifera, whose slightly drooping foliage brings a very natural touch to the compositions.
The yew (Taxus cuspidata) is also part of the range of garden bonsais. Easy to grow and maintain, it allows the creation of beautiful rounded and vertical shapes. It should be pruned in early spring and autumn to keep its bonsai shape.
Among the deciduous trees, the holly (Ilex crenata) is a tree traditionally used for the creation of garden bonsai for its ease of cultivation, its adaptation to most soils and its tolerance to shady exposures. Easy to prune, it will be pruned after flowering in June and a second time in autumn.
In shady areas, Japanese maples will do wonders. Their glowing red foliage perfectly enhances the minerality of a pure decor or a pebble fountain with a very Zen spirit.
The flowering trees are also part of this art of Niwaki. The cherry trees, with or without weeping flowers (Sakura), guided and pruned in a very pure way, are a delight for the eyes every spring thanks to their delicate pastel flowers. They are synonymous with renewal and the victory of life.
Azaleas will form beautiful balls covered with flowers that break the mineral monotony and green tones of other shrubs.
