My First Contact with Bonsai

Out of curiosity, I took a few bonsai classes a few weeks ago. Before I took these classes, I had had zero knowledge in bonsai, and I wasn’t at all interested in growing a bonsai. I was just curious in finding out what separates good bonsai tree from bad bonsai tree. Why do some bonsai tree in the Flower Market cost less than HKD 100, while some others are being sold in auctions for a six-digit price? After taking the bonsai classes, I have finally learned the answers of these questions. Moreover, I have developed a deeper appreciation and respect for this special form of art.

Our instructor, Mr. Wong, is a bonsai enthusiast with over 40 years of experience in growing bonsai. During the class, he showed us how to create a bonsai from scratch. While this, to me, already seems quite challenging, the making of a bonsai is by far the easier part when compare it to the maintenance of the garden.

Because most city dwellers in Hong Kong don’t have sufficient space to grow bonsai trees at home, Mr. Wong has set up a bonsai workshop years ago, as a place for bonsai lovers to grow bonsai trees, as well as a gathering place of all enthusiasts to learn and exchange ideas with each other.