Bonsai is an art that strives not to look like art. The goal of bonsai gardening is to create a scene in miniature that looks as though it occurred naturally. Weights and wires, pruning of limbs and trimming of roots all go towards create a tiny tree that looks as though it were shaped by wind on a sea cliff. Bonsai trees may be created in any of several different styles, with the use of specialized bonsai tools. A beginning bonsai enthusiast many be interested in a bonsai kit, which comes complete with tree, tools, container, and instructions. Keep in mind that the type of tree used will affect the style achieved. Cascade style and informal upright are probably the most popular styles. In cascade style, the tree spills out of its container, and the growing tip is below the bottom of the pot. Informal upright has several bends in the trunk. Slanting style, as the name implies, has a trunk that grows diagonally, and windswept style has the bulk of the branches on one side of the trunk. Roots-over-rock style creates trees that look like they grew on a stony mountainside. There are also multi-tree bonsai that look like tiny forests in containers. Note that a bonsai includes both the plant and the pot, which must be in harmony. With the exception of cascade style, most bonsai pots are quite shallow, with large drainage holes. Saucers are uncommon, so the best way to water bonsai is to put them in the sink with an inch or so of water and wait until the top soil is moist.
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