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how to
flowering bonsai
Flexible permanent Magnolia
branches allow for easy manipulation into a decorative treelike
formation.
Bonsai, which originated in China more than 1,000 years ago, is the art
of growing potted trees that are dwarfed and trained to artistic shapes.
The word “bonsai” is translated literally to “potted plant” in Japanese
and “tray scenery” space in Chinese. With the Asian influence still
strong in American home décor, bonsai is as popular as ever in the
United States.
Here, the trendy look of bonsai is re-created with a single permanent
Magnolia stem. The pliable wired branches are manipulated in every
direction to create a rhythmic growth pattern of buds and blossoms. The
“trunk” is arranged into a plastic-foam sphere, which is then covered
with moss. The aged finish of the pot is a perfect complement for the
look that is so steeped in history.
Experiment with shaping the stems into several configurations. Just as
no two bonsai trees are exactly alike, customers will appreciate a
selection of this distinctive permanent Magnolia style as well.
MATERIALS: permanent Magnolia from Autograph Foliages; Small Aged
Leaf Planter from Campo de’ Fiori; wood base from Oriental Trading
Company; Styrofoam® Ball from Smithers-Oasis; moss from Knud Nielsen
Company; plaster of Paris from craft store; greening pins from favorite
supplier.
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HOW TO
1:
Bore a hole through a plastic-
foam sphere, and insert a
permanent Magnolia branch
through the sphere. Shape
the base of the branch into a
spiral formation. |
HOW TO
2:
Mix plaster solution, and
pour it into the pot about half
full. Set the foam sphere into
the pot, with the base of the
branch in the plaster solution. |
HOW TO
3:
Cover the exposed portion of the foam sphere with moss, securing the
moss to the sphere with greening pins. |
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