SPIRIT OF NATURE

  By Vijay Chamundeshwari

This exactly is what we want to catch in our trays and pots and anything that we can put our hands upon – The Spirit of Nature. Bodhi Bonsai friends meet this time at the Defence Club in pretty large numbers to catch some creative ideas. We had our workshop on Penjing preceded by our President Dr Yogesh doing a PPT on the same that gave us an insight into facts like Penjing or Penzai as the Chinese call it being found in a Chinese mural in the tomb of prince Zang Huai as far back as AD 706! Tree Penjing pictures were very artistic and interesting. Penjing variants were seen with the Japanese and Vietnamese style. Modern day artists have become bolder in exploring styles which was seen in some of our very own displays. Even the container took us by surprise being the top of a TV Stand! by our Secretary Mr.Ramkumar. We had rocks for mountains and white sand or pebbles for water. Little terracotta chips made steps to a pretty little house. We had two men playing some game seated amidst natural surroundings by Suseela. Much more was displayed and here are some pics to feast our eyes.

Plant of the month being Carmona our senior member Molly Cherian did a Show &Tell presentation with a flat-topped Carmona, a Carmona mame and a Shohin. Lush green and beautiful were they all. While she said it was very difficult to propagate through cuttings and said we could be lucky if the fallen seeds germinated, George walked up to give us tips on how to make a cutting take root. This plant Carmona looked very interesting and all of us were inspired to get our hands working on one. We have a small leaf and a variegated variety too if prepared to take on the challenge.

Coming back to our miniature landscapes displayed – It was a pleasure to watch our members walk around clearing doubts and appreciating the art. Reminded me of Gulliver’s Travels making us all look like giants. Time for some chitter chatter while we had a penjing of snacks served along with fresh mango juice and tea. As I gazed at my white paper plate, the samosa looked like a hill and the cookie a flat rock. The plate was like water and the brownie a boat - my taste buds went a sailing.  Our defence club friends did take us on an interesting tour.