The Japanese art of bonsai has several keen enthusiasts in Pune, but what sets them apart from others pursuing different hobbies is that these bunch of people also impart knowledge about this ancient art.
The Japanese art of bonsai has several keen enthusiasts in Pune, but what sets them apart from others pursuing different hobbies is that these bunch of people also impart knowledge about this ancient art.
It is said that bonsai is 90% art and 10% horticulture, and bonsai lovers in the city agree with it. To those who have never tried their hands on cultivating a bonsai garden, it may initially seem difficult but it is certainly an enjoyable hobby.
The Japanese tradition dates back over a thousand years and the word bonsai broadly means ‘tray plant’. It is the art of growing miniature trees in containers.
Bonsai are kept small and trim by pruning branches and roots. It also includes periodic repotting, pinching off new growth, and wiring the branches and trunk so that they grow into the desired shape.
The most well-known bonsai expert in the city is Mangala Rao, who has been growing plants for more than 30 years and is striving to spread the art.
“I am now more than 60-year-old and the art still fascinates me. I would say it is one of the best hobbies one can have, for me it has become a passion now,” said Rao, who runs classes for bonsai at the NIBM area in Kondhwa.
She has been teaching the art for quite a long time and has designed a one-month course.
“It is not an art where you get instant results. It’s a long process to grow a bonsai plant so I also have learners who come even for a year,” she said.
The course comprises theory about the basic concept of bonsai, what it is all about, how is it practised and the practical part includes putting the theory in action. She also has an advanced course which is about how to refine the art of bonsai and what are the advanced techniques to grow bonsai.
Rao, who hails from the town of Ambejogai, Beed, took her hobby for gardening to the next level by developing an interest in bonsai. “The main reason why I am so fascinated with it is that it keeps me close to nature. It is for those who really love nature. It brings creative satisfaction,” she added. She is associated with the Friends Bonsai Society, which is supposed to be one of the
oldest bonsai clubs in the city.
The club meets at Mukundnagar on the first Monday of every month to share their experiences, new experiments, advanced knowledge and technique and recent developments in bonsai.
They have workshops, discussions and demonstrations on the art of bonsai. This brings the bonsai lovers together and helps them learn more.
“The bonsai lovers are still a small community. More efforts are needed to spread this art,” believes Rao, whose expertise and guidance is sought by various institutions and individuals.
Concerned with the fact that many working people cannot join regular bonsai clubs, she started a group called Shohin, a Japanese word for small.
“We have 15 members who are working people from NIBM area and are interested in the art of bonsai. This group meets on Sunday or when they have spare time. Since they have busy schedules, it is not possible for them to join regular clubs so this is a good option for them to keep in touch with the latest trend in bonsai and learn more,” said Rao.
Another enthusiast is Shailaja Krishna who has turned her hobby into a profession. She teaches bonsai at her residence in Pimpri. “It’s nature in miniature form. It brings you closer to nature but at the same time it is the test of your patience,” she says.
Associated with bonsai for thirty years, she has a collection of more than 100 plants which include some 40 to 50 years old plants. She runs short courses of two-day duration and also provides guidance online.
“My course is to give an idea of the art to the beginners and it includes theory and practical. This hobby requires patience and perseverance. It’s a kind of meditation technique. Concentration comes naturally to those who develop it as a hobby. It has a lot to give, including peace of mind,” said Krishna, who runs Kapila Creations under which she teaches various arts, including bonsai.
She also demonstrates the art at institutions, clubs and even sells bonsai plants.
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