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 BONSAI
The word bonsai is pronounced bone sigh,
j
means tray or pot and  means plant.
Bonsai refers to the plant being miniaturized
as well as to the technique used
( Bonsai originated in China about 1200 years
ago as a way of putting woody plants in
containers in courtyards
( Bonsai traditionally refers to a tree or shrub,
but today it may refer to any miniaturized
plant, including herbaceous plants. Succulents
are often used for bonsai today.
p AMPLpS:
1. Azaleas
2. Quince
3. Wisteria
4. plms
5. Cedars
6. Arbor vitae
7. Pomegranate, maples, oaks, cypress, boxwood,
pyracantha, pines and junipers.
 PRINCIPLpS OF DpSIGN
( Balance
( Movement and Rhythm
( pmphasis
( Simplicity
( Contrast
( Proportion
( Space
( Unity
 BALANCp
Balance is the equal feeling of weight in
perception. Balance in an art form may not really
have actual or physical balance, but rather an
illusion of balance, which is referred to as optical
balance or visual balance

*ASSYMpTRICAL
suggests a more dynamic feeling that is less
boring.
a. BALANCp BY VALUp
Smaller darker color can balance larger
lighter color.
b. BALANCp BY COLOR
Smaller bright color can balance larger more
neutral or duller color.
c. BALANCp BY SHAPp
Small, complicated shape can balance
larger simpler shape.
d. BALANCp BY Tp TURp
Smaller, rougher, and complicated surface
texture can balance larger, smoother texture.
e. BALANCp BY POSITION
A smaller object farther away from the center
can balance a larger object that is closer to the
center.
f. BALANCp BY pYp DIRpCTION
Certain edges or pointed shapes, which
draw visual direction, can transfer weight from
a heavier side to a lighter side.
à
à 
à
 MOVpMpNT
Movement is the directional path of our
eyes or the viewing flow when we look at a
work of art. By arranging the design
components and elements in certain way, can
create a force of movement or control the
direction the eye of the viewer travels along
the visual path of the design.
 Movement can also be achieved by
repetition and action. Repetition of similar
elements will create movement or a path that
the eye travels and if the repetition leads the
eye through a periodical or alteration
regularity and irregularity flowing path or in
staccato movement, then it will create a
rhythm.
MOVpMpNT CAN Bp ACHIpVpD BY
A. ACTUAL LINp
*Implied Line
Not a real line, but a visual path created
by the arrangement or shape of the components
for the eye to travel along the design.
*Psychic Line
This line is invisible to the eye and is a
psychological line created to draw and direct our
viewing.
 pMPHASIS
pmphasis is the intended focusing or
highlighting of a particular characteristic of
the design, which has the purpose of creating
a focal point or point of interest.
 SIMPILICITY
Simplicity is the elimination of non-
essential elements or details. Some features
that are not contributing to the essence of the
design, or which may distract from the
interest, can be eliminated. Such features may
distract from the focal point or lend a negative
impact to the overall beauty.
 CONTRAST
Contrast is the difference between or
opposition of various elements. Contrast can
create visual interest and add variation to the
design.
Contrast in bonsai can be found on the lines
and form of the trunk and foliage, the color of
leaves and flowers, the bark color and texture,
between the deadwood and live veins, between
the rock and the tree, or even in the color of
moss against the soil surface.
 PROPORTION
Proportion is the relation or ratio
comparison of elements in size or quantity. In
bonsai, proportion can refer to the anatomical
condition of a mature or post-mature tree;
this is what I call anatomical balance, which is
the size proportion of the trunk, branches,
tertiary branches and twigs.
 Proportion in bonsai can create
perspective and dimension; it can also
emphasize the chosen focal point. Good
proportion in bonsai can also influence the
comparative size illusion of the tree in relation
to the total presentation
 SPACp
Space is the interval or distance between the
elements
 UNITY
Unity is the hallmark of good design. All
elements and components should be
composed with integrity, in a consistent
manner, and successfully applied with the
principles of design in mind.
 Unity will give a sense of visual pleasure if
all the elements and components are
arranged in harmony, complementary to each
other, and with an appealing focal point,
instead of competing for attention.

When unity is achieved, the thematic

message will be more clearly communicated.
 UNITY CAN Bp ACHIpVpD BY
*CONSISTpNCY
*RpLpVANCY
*INTpGRITY
STYLpS OF BONSAI
 STpPS IN MAKING A BONSAI
1. Choose a desirable plant or style
2. Choose a style appropriate for the plant or a
plant that can be trained in the desired style
3. pxamine the plant carefully and for the style
chosen , establish front and back
4. Remember that the appearance of maturity is
important
5. The rule of three is a common principle to
employ, the triangle of heaven, man and earth.
5. Begin pruning growth that is undesirable to see
better the plant and its potential for the style
6. Observe the trimmed plant from several angles
and from across the room as well as close up
7. Continue to shape the plant to the style,
remembering that the plant will work with you,
making new growth to continue the development
of the style
 SOMp SPpCIFIC GUIDpLINpS IN
TRAINING YOUR BONSAI
 
The trunk is central to the development of the style chosen.
- pstablish a front for the bonsai and, therefore, a front of
the trunk. As a general rule the height of the trunk will be
six times the thickness of the trunk at the base.
- Curves in the trunk are attractive, but the trunk should
only have one or two curves or their effect is diminished
and the bonsai looks complicated rather than simple.
- Stripping some bark from the trunk, a technique common
with some junipers, can give the plant a weathered, aged
look.
 The branches display the leaves and enhance the
appearance of the trunk.
- A few well-trained branches are better than many.
Branches should not come out to the front of the bonsai
except in the upper portion of the tree.
- Branches are usually horizontal or angled downward
to indicate age. In upright and slanting forms the first
branch is usually about one third the way up the trunk.
- Branches should be balanced and not arranged
symmetrically.
- Branches should be narrower that the trunk and
should appear narrow from the front and taper to their
tips. Branches should not cross the trunk in front
›
Plants with small leaves are usually the
easiest to train. Small, compact leaves in a few
dense clusters are desirable.
-Too many clusters of leaves will
complicate the bonsai.
- Simplicity is desirable so that the overall
style is apparent.
-The leaves should reveal and complement
the trunk and branches.
 
Plant that are desirable for bonsai usually
have good surface roots. The crown should be
visible and the tops of major roots should be
visible in part. Avoid crossing and encircling
roots. A large exposed root should be limited
to the back so that it does not compete for
attention with the trunk.
 THp CONTAINpR
The container chosen should complement the
style of the bonsai.
- Deep containers are for cascade types.
- Shallow round, oval or rectangular
containers are for upright forms.
 THp SOIL MpDIA
( Use a good mix of sand, soil and composted bark
for the medium that is put around the roots.
( Water the bonsai regularly, often twice a day as
the medium of the roots is very porous.
( Protect the bonsai from adverse weather, keeping
it in a location sheltered from bright, hot sun,
winds, and freezing temperature. Most bonsai
should be kept outdoors as they will deteriorate
in an indoor environment and will not be able to
enter their seasonal rest period.
( Fertilize frequently to stimulate new growth.
( Prune new growth to enhance the desired
style
( Inspect your bonsai frequently for pests and
for wires that may be marring the surface of
the branches. Bonsai disfigured by wire marks
are of very little value.
( Bonsai can be the source of immense pleasure
and inspiration. pnjoy you bonsai!