Bonsai is a Japanese word meaning a tree growing in a pot.

But bonsai is more than growing. It is a living art, where the mind, soul and hand of man come together in cultivating and creating a miniature tree in a pot. But the image that they convey should mimic a tree growing in the wild.

Several characteristics are inductive for a tree to become a good artistic bonsai. Usually these features are associated with making a tree look old. A spreading root system, a tapering main trunk with old textured bark and the incorporation of deadwood, all help in achieving this.

When a bonsai gives this impression of old age it intrigues the mind. Old age lends more the sense of magic and mystique of the bonsai tree. Driftwood techniques can enhance this ‘great age illusion’. Indeed, these may entail making elaborate carved deadwood effects and incorporating hollowed trunks. The effects will then tell a story of the tree’s journey through time.

The Bonsai Culture Group - Malta (BCG) is Malta’s only bonsai club. Its premises are at Notre Dame Arch Street in Floriana, just a few metres from police general headquarters, as one is descending towards Sa Maison.

Primarily the club seeks to inform the public about the art of bonsai. The club also trains its members on the basic and advanced techniques of bonsai cultivation.

The club organises meetings regularly on Thursdays between 6.30 and 7.30pm during which lectures and workshops are held. It also organises other activities like trips abroad to visit renowned European bonsai exhibitions.

There will be small demonstrations at both the Mdina Medieval Festival today and tomorrow and the Annual Horticultural Spring Show at San Anton Gardens on May 14 and 15.

The BCG Annual Exhibition will this year be held in the garden adjacent to the BCG’s clubhouse on Saturday, June 4, from 1 to 7pm, and Sunday, June 5, from 8am to 7pm.

Various species of trees (around 80) will be exhibited in various styles.

• For more information, details or help about bonsai, contact BCG via Facebook on Bonsai Culture Group Malta.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.