By simple definition a bonsai is a "plant in a container". Two japanese words combine ("bon", meaning "pot" and "sai" which translates "to plant") to describe the art . In common use, bonsai has come to mean a tree, dwarfed by artificial means, planted in a pot and shaped to resemble a full size mature tree. Even more, a bonsai is a living work of art that has been inspried by nature but developed by the hand of man.

There's a common misconception that a bonsai is a specific kind of plant. Nothing is further from the truth. While most commercial bonsai are made of plant material that's easy to propagate (usually the ubiquitous juniper), a bonsai can be created from most any woody plant. I've seen some very nice bonsai created from grape, barberry, wisteria, porcelain berry and more.

Another concept that is not completely true is that all Bonsai must be very small. While bonsai are normally small, I've seen them from two inches high to 5 feet high. Admittedly, as the specimens get larger the line between having a bonsai instead of just a big tree in a big pot gets rather blurry.

Today the art of bonsai is practiced all over the world. Bonsai societies are plentiful and books, magazines, videos and instruction are widely available. Bonsai websites abound. It is not always an easy interest to pursue, but it if full of rich rewards both horticultural and artistic.