Bonsai was first exhibited at the World Fair in Paris in 1878 and reactions were mixed to the very different way of cultivating trees. The art gained popularity in the west after World War II, with diplomats and servicemen bringing back bonsai as souvenirs of Japan.

Training takes the form of formative root pruning where the central taproot is removed to encourage lateral root growth. The tree is then pruned for shape, particularly to encourage lateral shoot growth. Branches may be wired to modify the natural arrangement of branches and encourage growth in a classic style. Copper or anodised aluminium wire is used, thicker for the trunk and thinner for branches. The trunk or branch is wired from the bottom up, ensuring tightness does not restrict sap flow. Wire is regularly removed and rewound to prevent it becoming embedded. The trunk or branch can then be arranged in the desired position.

REGION: QLD > Brisbane