How to Plant and Care for a Garden Bonsai

I’ve always been fascinated by the calm and harmony that Japanese gardens evoke. One of the most striking elements in these gardens is the Gartenbonsai, or “garden bonsai”—trees shaped with extraordinary care and artistry to resemble miniature natural landscapes. In this article, I’d like to share everything I’ve learned about these impressive garden trees: what they are, their cultural background, how they’re shaped and maintained, and how you can even try creating one yourself. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive into the world of Niwaki, I hope this guide inspires you to see trees in a whole new way.

Garden Bonsai: Shaped Trees in the Japanese Style

Garden bonsai are central elements of Japanese gardens. Here you’ll find key information about these trees as well as tips for planting, care, and pruning.

What Is a Garden Bonsai?

A garden bonsai refers to trees that are planted in the ground in Japan, or grown in very large containers in Western gardens, and shaped using a Japanese technique. In Japan, both the trees and the shaping method are called Niwaki. In the West, they are also known as Big Bonsai, Japanese Bonsai, or Macro Bonsai.

History of Garden Bonsai

Trees and shrubs are vital elements in Japanese garden design. However, garden space in Japan is generally small, as habitable land is limited to large plains, coastal strips, and some mountain valleys — only about 20% of Japan’s total area is inhabitable. The rest is natural landscape with forested mountains, rocks, rivers, and lakes. These natural elements are reflected in garden design, a tradition spanning over 1,000 years.

The landscapes that inspire these gardens are influenced by:

• Shintoism, Japan’s original religion, which features animistic beliefs — including reverence for nature, where trees or rocks may house spirits.
• Feng Shui, which uses elements arranged to create a positive influence on life.
• Buddhism, introduced in the 6th century, promoting meditation and contemplation, reflected in many Buddhist temple gardens.

Japanese gardens aim to evoke feelings of peace, harmony, and balance. Trees are cultivated and shaped to blend into these miniature landscapes, designed in the traditional Japanese style.

Which Tree Species Are Used for Garden Bonsai?

In Japan, native plants have long been used for garden bonsai or Niwaki, often the same species cultivated for over a thousand years. These include:

Conifers:

• Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana)
• Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata)
• Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)
• Japanese junipers
• Sago palm
• Chinese windmill palm

Deciduous Trees & Shrubs:

• Japanese evergreen oak (Quercus acuta)
• Japanese maples
• Japanese holly (Ilex crenata)
• Magnolias
• Zelkova
• Katsura tree
• Empress tree
• Ornamental cherries
• Camellias
• Privet
• Rhododendrons
• Azaleas

Typical Garden Bonsai Shapes

The Niwaki style includes various forms:

• Trunk styles: Curved, straight, twin-trunk, or multi-stemmed.
• Crown forms: Spherical “clouds” of various sizes, step-like layers, or shell-shaped. Organic, oval shapes are favored over perfect circles. The final silhouette should always be distinctive.
• Branch positioning: Main branches may arch over an entryway or form a natural arch, similar to a rose arbor.
• Hedges: Garden bonsai can be arranged in a row as an open hedge, maintaining privacy while keeping a light, airy look.

How to Showcase a Garden Bonsai

In Japan, garden bonsai are traditionally planted in the ground, becoming part of a symbolic landscape. Surrounding elements like ponds, rock arrangements, and gravel all have symbolic meanings:

• Raked gravel represents the sea or riverbeds.
• Rocks or mossy mounds stand for mountains.
• Tall vertical stones may symbolize the sky.

In Western gardens, garden bonsai are often displayed as exclusive floral features in prominent locations like:

• Front yards
• Garden ponds
• Near patios
  They are commonly placed in oversized decorative containers.

Companion Plants for Garden Bonsai

In traditional Japanese gardens, garden bonsai are typically surrounded by:

• Bamboo
• Ornamental grasses like dwarf sweet flag (Acorus gramineus) or mondo grass (Ophiopogon)
• Flowering plants such as hydrangeas, irises, and chrysanthemums (especially in autumn)
• Moss, meticulously maintained and cleared of fallen leaves, is essential. In Japan, moss can even be purchased like sod.

What Does a Garden Bonsai Cost?

Garden bonsai are cultivated over many years by skilled specialists, making each one unique. Since they often require 30 years of cultivation before sale, prices starting at €1,000 are common — with virtually no upper price limit.

How to Plant and Care for a Garden Bonsai

Site requirements:

• Prefers full sun or partial shade
• Needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot

Hardiness:

• All garden bonsai are hardy but should be suited to local climate conditions.

Planting:

• Cultivated like balled and burlapped trees in nurseries, with roots periodically pruned to stimulate fine root growth.
• Dig a hole at least 1.5 times the size of the root ball.
• Loosen compacted soil and add gravel or sand if needed for drainage.
• Place the tree (with the burlap intact) into the hole.
• In some cases, let the root ball protrude slightly above ground.
• Cut open the burlap and backfill with amended soil, pressing it firmly.
• Build a watering ring to help with irrigation.
• Use a support stake for larger specimens to protect developing roots, especially in windy conditions.

Watering & Feeding:

• Water and fertilize based on species and site conditions.
• In containers, take extra care due to limited root space.

Pruning:

• Prune at least twice a year.
  • In spring: shorten or pinch out new growth on conifers.
  • In autumn: thin out new shoots.
• Techniques are similar to those used in traditional bonsai care.

Can You Train Your Own Garden Bonsai?

Yes, it’s possible to train your own garden bonsai from older trees or young saplings. Suitable species are those adapted to your local climate and amenable to pruning. Key requirements:

• Patience and long-term dedication
• Willingness to learn Japanese pruning techniques (Niwaki)
• Understanding that in Japan, this is a highly specialized practice carried out by experienced professionals

Working with Gartenbonsai has taught me that gardening can be more than just a hobby—it can be a meditative, deeply rewarding art form. The patience and attention to detail required might seem daunting at first, but with time, the process becomes just as fulfilling as the result. Whether you choose to admire these living sculptures in a traditional setting or try your hand at shaping one yourself, I hope this article has sparked your appreciation for the beauty and philosophy behind Japanese-style garden trees. I’m certainly looking forward to continuing my journey with Niwaki—and maybe you are too.