The Japanese art form of shaping a miniature tree in the form of a bonsai ['bon' is tray and 'sai', means plant], dates back several thousand years, with roots in China's Tang dynasty in the 7th Century. It might be hard to believe but even ficuses and bougainvillea plants, usually seen with thick trunks and infinite blooms respectively, can be fashioned into pocket-sized bonsai plants in aesthetic pots.

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Since 2007, Bodhi -- The Chennai Bonsai Association, a small yet active community of bonsai enthusiasts, has been attempting to educate people in the city with such facts. For years now, they have been meeting on the second Saturday of every month, where information on shaping and correction of plants is exchanged through demonstrations and lectures.

Bonsai from T George's collection | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

After years of contemplation, Bodhi with its passionate community of about 35-odd members, began an annual showcase of Bonsai plants back in 2018. It is back for another edition between September 30 and October 2 at Lalit Kala Akademi. T George, an executive member of the association, says that about 120 plants will be on display. Plants of different heights with a variety of themes can be seen at the show.

They will include plants from his own extensive collection of about 80 odd bonsai plants. "There is one with a root over rock. The plant used is ficus long island. It represents a plant growing on the mountain or cliff. You will see if you drive down to Ooty or travel along the Chennai-Banglore route," he says.

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After the Bonsai exhibition, between October 2 and 5 at also gear up to attend a workshop where interested novices can participate in the mini landscapes. "During our monthly meetings, we discuss in detail the origin of the plant, where it comes from, and what are the styles we could use for it. Then, we talk about the fertilizer watering of the plant. Basically learn about how to keep the plant healthy. The workshop during the exhibition will help new members understand how to shape and wire plants," he says.

Bonsai from T George's collection

George says that he hopes many new people join their budding group. A glance at the Chennai Bonsai Association's well-maintained blog showcases how intent this community is. An excerpt from the latest post reads, "Our official ring leader George gave us tips on how to get our plants ready for the exhibition. The animated explanation, of how a wind swept can be added with an accent figure, got our cameras clicking away."

Is bonsai an expensive hobby? George says, "yes and no". "You do not have to go out and buy all the bonsai tools at one go. I began with just a pair of scissors and pliers. Only later, after it became a serious hobby did I buy concave and convex cutters and special scissors. Bonsai is for everyone," he says.

Catch the bonsai exhibit at Lalit Kala Akademi, Nungambakkam between September 30 and October 2. Entry is free. Contact 9841179183 for details.

Interested in the ancient craft of Bonsai plants? A Chennai community shows you how