Students of architecture and botany, architects, teachers, senior citizens and housewives were among those who signed up with curiosity for a workshop on the ‘Art of Bonsai’ that was conducted here on Saturday.
While many of the participants knew of bonsai only as miniature plants, they said that the workshop initiated them into the world of cultivating them and knowing about their facets, which is often considered as a sort of ‘meditation’ across the world.
K. Sivaji, President of the Chennai Bonsai Exotica, who conducted the workshop jointly with the Tamil Nadu Council for Enterprise Development (TACED), said that Bonsai cultivation involved mimicking tree varieties found in nature and growing their miniature versions with the help of a few techniques.
“There are many misconceptions that Bonsai cultivation is a form of cruelty towards plants but it is not so. In Japan, it is believed that Monks were the first to practice Bonsai cultivation and it is believed to be the highest form of meditation,” he said.
Speaking about the benefits of Bonsai cultivation, Mr. Sivaji said that while it required less space, it was a stress buster for many.
“Doctors advise Bonsai cultivation for many persons who are depressed or need relief from stress as it brings people closer to nature,” he explained.
He, however, said that awareness of Bonsai was yet to pick up in the State.
For a city like Madurai with tropical climate, Bonsai cultivation of coconut and palm trees, ‘arasamaram’ and ‘athimaram’ as well as tamarind, sapota and west Indian cherry trees was recommended.
During the workshop, the participants were introduced to the various factors involved in Bonsai cultivation and were also given hands-on training to initiate the process.
Chitra Rathnakumar, a valuer and builder from the city, who participated in the workshop, said that exposure to Bonsai cultivation was extremely useful for architects and students interested in landscaping.
“It promotes an interest and hobby with something close to nature and only very little space is needed which is needed today as most people live in apartments and small houses,” she said.
