An ancient Chinese Art is thriving in 21st century Middlesex.

Bonsai has its origins in the far east. The word comes from Japan and, in its most simplistic translation, means "something that grows in a shallow container". "Tree in a pot" is a better description of this unique blending of art and horticulture.

Bonsai is not a species, but a technique which can be applied to almost any tree or shrub. The hobby originated in China in 200BC and now has a worldwide following. Originally, stunted trees were collected from the wild. Trees which are more twisted and contorted were highly valued because they were believed to hold spiritual powers that would be inherited by their owners.

It was a hobby of the upper classes, and bonsai collectors sought out the best specimens for them. Eventually, the supply of natural trees was exhausted and techniques were developed to shape normal trees into copies of the ancient specimens. It was many years before the hobby took off in Europe, but its popularity flourished with the return of troops from the Far East after the Second World War.

Roger Gibbs, chairman of Middlesex Bonsai Society who has a collection of about 40 maple, pine and juniper varieties, said: "I have been growing bonsai trees for around 20 years and got hooked because I have an interest in modelmaking, which makes me appreciate all things miniature. The twisted and contorted appearance of many bonsai trees creates a wonderful illusion of age."

An outstanding bonsai tree is 90 per cent art and 10 per cent horticulture. But, to dismiss the importance of being green-fingered would be to undermine the very point of the hobby. Care of a bonsai requires a daily acquaintance with the tree through watering, feeding and grooming, in much the same way that an apple tree or a prized rose bush is carefully trained to grow.

Critics says that bonsai is unnatural and involves stunting the growth of the tree, but the specimen retains its entire natural look except its size.

Any specimen can be tried, but it is easier for a beginner to start with small leaf varieties. The leaves can be reduced, but fruit and flowers will remain the same size as those of a full size tree. For many, their first encounter with a bonsai tree will be when they receive one as a present and are unsure of how to look after it. The majority of these are tropical, imported from China, Korea and Taiwan and although not hardy enough to withstand the British climate, will survive indoors.

As well as an adequate supply of water, the soil in which bonsai grow is of vital importance. It has to be free draining, but should never be allowed to dry out. Water in the atmosphere is also beneficial and this can be achieved by regular use of a mist spray or by standing the tree on wet gravel. For indoor varieties, position is also critical: putting a bonsai by radiators or on top of a television will dry out the air. They also need plenty of natural light.

"I can find myself watering the trees two or three times a day, depending upon the time of year," said Roger, whose collection is grown entirely outdoors.

Middlesex Bonsai Society has about 40 members who meet regularly to share experiences, and it holds an annual show. For more information, call 020 8997 1042 or 01844 353121.

July 9, 2002 12:00