Bonsai enthusiast pick trees to grow at Bonsai expo

'Beyond the Spirit of Bonsai – 2016', an International Bonsai Convention and Exhibition turned a perfect platform for several bonsai enthusiasts who wanted to raise bonsai plants.

The people in good number were found rushing towards the stalls erected at Avadhoota Datta Peetham to purchase the Bonsai plants and much sought were Shammi, Carmona, Prenna, ficaus, micromoria, lipsticle ficus.

Wide variety of exquisite collection of bonsai plants (miniaturised plants) have been demonstrated in the venue. Apart from choosing different kinds of beautiful art Bonsai plants, they were inquiring with the sellers about their maintenance, how to raise trees in containers; techniques, and Bonsai plants which are easy to grow and for maintenance were inquired.

Botany student Chandini who had come from Hassan said: 'I love to raise Bonsai. This is the first time am coming across such event. The display and sale of Bonsai plants, bonsai materials and demonstrations on how to grow bonsai are very informative.'

“Growing and caring bonsai will not only give relaxation, but its a beautiful art work. I spend less money on jewelleries, whereas more on purchasing wide variety of Bonsai trees. I have more than 200 exquisite collection of bonsai plants at home, and love to spend time with these plants,” says Bhagayalakshmi who has come all her way from Hyderabad to take part in the on-going 'Beyond the Spirit of Bonsai – 2016', an International Bonsai Convention and Exhibition.

'Bonsai gardening is not so popular locally. People who are visiting the expo are found over enthusiastic and expressing wish to raise bonsai plants. Already those growing trees are also purchasing good number of different species of bonsai plants,' said Seth Moosem who has come from Mumbai.

Seller Savitha Gole from Pune said: 'Bonsai plants enhance the beauty of home. The prices for the trees depends on its age. Ornamental, herbal plants, planet plants (navagraharas) have good demand.'

A tamarind tree bearing fruits, orange tree, mango tree, Trident Maple, Bonsai herbal plants, Field Maple, Hedge Maple, Red Maple, Desert rose, Bougainvillea, Lebanon Cedar, Trident Maple Bonsai, Cypress, Hinoki Cypress, Dogwood, Cotoneaster, Cupressus, Weeping Fig, Chinese Banyan Fig and several other rows of species of plants were drawing attention of visitors.

The premises of Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram has turned a selfie spot. Bonsai lovers from across country, and overseas have taken part in the event were found clicking selfie in their smart phones with backdrop of Bonsai tress at the expo. The expo timings is 9.30 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 7 pm.

Prior to this, Sasya Bandhu Awards were conferred on Jiro Fukuda from Japan, Lindsay Bebb from Australia, Chen Tsang Shing from Taiwan, Walter Liew from USA, Boh Twang Keng from Singapore and Madhu Sudhan from Hyderabad.

Highlights

* Bonsai world has come alive at Ganapathi Ashram. People from across country and overseas have took part in the International Bonsai Convention and Exhibition.

* Nurseries specialised in selling Bonsai trees have come from Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Pune, Vadodara, and several other states.

* The prices of Bonsai saplings starting from Rs 200 to upto Rs 60,000 are on sale.

* Visit between 9.30 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 7 pm to watch the exquisite collection of bonsai plants.
* The event has been jointly organised by Avadhoota Dattta Peetham and Bonsai Study Group of the Indo-Japanese Association, Mumbai.

* Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji interest in Bonsai led to establishment of the sprawling Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden in the Ashram premises. The uniqueness of the garden is showcasing Bonsai plants according to various spiritual themes, such as plants for planets (navagrahas), and plants for Pancha Tattvas (Pancha Bhutas).