We often come across the question: What is the difference between a bonsai and a niwaki tree? 🌿
Are bonsai and niwaki specific species of trees? And what exactly is a niwaki?
These are common questions, especially for those hearing the term “niwaki” for the first time.
So, let’s dive into the details and clear up some of the mystery!
First things first, there is no specific species of pine or any other evergreen plant that is exclusively for niwaki trees. Yes, certain species, like Japanese black pine or garden favourites such as azaleas and camellias, are more commonly used. However, niwaki is more about the artistic pruning and shaping of the tree than about the tree species itself. It’s a matter of using our creativity to sculpt the tree into a form that reflects the principles of niwaki, which brings us to the heart of the matter: the difference between bonsai and niwaki.
What is Bonsai? Understanding the Art of Miniature Trees
Bonsai is a Japanese art form that involves growing miniature trees in pots or containers. The word “bonsai” literally translates to “planted in a container,” and the goal of bonsai is to recreate the beauty of a full-sized tree in nature, but on a much smaller scale. These trees are meticulously pruned, wired, and shaped over time to create a miniature version of a natural tree, with each branch and leaf carefully considered. Bonsai are meant to be appreciated up close, as they showcase fine details and evoke a sense of calm and reflection. They require regular watering, repotting, and ongoing care due to their small container size, making them quite an intimate and delicate art form.
What is Niwaki? The Art of Shaping Garden Trees
Niwaki, on the other hand, is also a Japanese art form, but it focuses on pruning and shaping trees in their natural environment—in the ground, as part of a garden. The term “niwaki” translates to “garden tree,” and these trees are often large, full-sized trees that are shaped over years to fit a specific aesthetic. Unlike bonsai, which are confined to a pot, niwaki trees are rooted deeply in the earth, allowing them to grow large and thrive in the open air.
In traditional Japanese gardens, niwaki trees are pruned to reflect the natural forms found in nature, emphasizing the essence of the tree without the confinement of a container. These trees are shaped to fit the landscape of the garden and often symbolize strength, endurance, and balance. Niwaki trees are meant to be viewed from a distance as part of the overall garden composition. The pruning techniques used in niwaki are meant to highlight the tree’s natural beauty, with branches arranged in layers or clouds, creating a sense of age, wisdom, and elegance.
The Key Differences:
1. Size and Growth Environment:
• Bonsai are small, grown in pots, and meant to be admired up close.
• Niwaki are full-sized trees grown directly in the soil, often forming part of a larger garden landscape.
2. Purpose:
• Bonsai trees aim to mimic the natural beauty of a full-sized tree in miniature form.
• Niwaki trees are designed to fit harmoniously within the overall aesthetic of a garden, emphasizing their natural shape but on a larger scale.
3. Care and Maintenance:
• Bonsai require more delicate care due to their confinement in pots. They need frequent watering, pruning, and careful attention.
• Niwaki trees are less demanding on a daily basis since they are planted in the ground, but they still require regular pruning to maintain their shape over time.
4. Perspective and Viewing:
• Bonsai are meant to be observed closely, appreciating the intricate details of the branches and leaves.
• Niwaki trees are enjoyed from a distance as part of the broader garden landscape, contributing to the overall harmony of the space.
Is There a Special Species for Niwaki or Bonsai?
A common misconception is that bonsai or niwaki trees are specific species.
The truth is, many different species of trees can be used for either bonsai or niwaki. Japanese black pine, juniper, maple, and many types of evergreen trees are popular choices, but the key is not the species itself—it’s the way the tree is shaped and cared for. The art is in the pruning, wiring, and nurturing of the tree over time to create the desired form.
In niwaki, larger species like Japanese cedars, pines, and even camellias are often used because they can grow well in garden environments, allowing for the grand, sweeping shapes that define this art form. But remember, any tree can be trained and pruned to fit the style of niwaki as long as it can grow in your garden’s conditions.
*Note: While both bonsai and niwaki are fascinating art forms, at Prestige Garden Studio, we specialise exclusively in niwaki. Our focus is on providing beautifully pruned and shaped niwaki trees that enhance the natural beauty of any garden.
Explore our collection of niwaki trees today exclusively at Prestige Garden Studios!
