The Bonsai Bond

Bonsai, pronounced BONE-sigh, is a Japanese term meaning "tree in a pot' and represents the stylized art form most commonly seen today.

Bonsai are not miniature trees, but full-grown trees kept small through stunting and pruning their roots and branches, and repotting. They range in size from trees grown in thimble-size containers to trees requiring several men to move. With diligent care, bonsai can live hundreds of years.

While many trees are suitable for the practice, junipers, maples and pines are considered classic bonsai because of their well-tapered trunks, branch structure and small leaves. But even nontraditional plants, such as bougainvillea, can become bonsai.

Before buying a bonsai, however, Pressler and others advise beginners to join a club, many of which offer workshops on the care and maintenance of the trees. Taking lessons from a skilled bonsai artist is also strongly recommended.