Some people want to start gardening but find the task too arduous to take. They have their own reasons, but many believe that a bonsai tree is an easy replacement for owning a garden. This is wrong as one does not buy a bonsai. It is an art form that gives its caretaker pleasure and enjoyment, especially in creating the bonsai shape.

Unlike traditional gardening, it takes years to develop bonsai skills and longer in styling the plant.

As clich©d as this may sound, the first step in getting started with your bonsai skills is to buy a bonsai. The great thing about this plant is that you do not have to move them to another pot, if ever. Just as life is, there is always something new to learn and develop with this plant, hence your bonsai work will never be done and the need to replace the plant's pot will probably never arise.

Once you have brought your bonsai home, it is time to style it. There are no definitive guides to styling a bonsai; most of the time it is reflective of its owner's personal style. It is completely up to you how you think your bonsai should look like. You don't actually have to know all of the bonsai styles. However, traditionally there are two styles available €" the classic €koten' and the informal €bunjin'. The koten style basically has a large base and tapers off at the top while bunjin is takes the opposite form and is more difficult to master.

Your €potted tree' will need to be pruned and wired in order for you to style it. There are two types of wires available for the bonsai €" annealed copper and anodised aluminium. Although copper wire is harder and more durable than its aluminium cousin, bonsai newbies should begin with the latter as it is easier to work with. You can bend your bonsai's trunks and branches to change their position. It must be stressed that the wire should be applied evenly throughout the tiny tree.

Pruning is another delicate art form of its own €" it can be used to create your tree's initial form and will usually cause the bonsai's trunk to thicken due to the sharpness of the tools used.

Finally, as with all other plant life, do not forget to water your tree or it will wilt.
Do not give up hope if your first bonsai attempt fails. This is normal and it does take a long time to master the art of bonsai. It is probably the only plant life that teaches us patience.