Sui Han Penjing…. (where Sui : Land & Han : Water) is the art of planting a group of small trees interwoven with rocks or stones and soil contouring on a marble slate. You can see distinct land and water areas well-demarcated on the slate….hence the name Sui – han Bonsai / Penjing.
This is an advanced form of Bonsai technique….. rather it’s a Living Miniature Landscape, changing & growing with you & your family….. within the premises of your own living abode. Bonsai needs constant care and attn, very much like your own child, for it to BLOOM and BLOSSOM, filling your life with unconditional love for Nature……Material Required:
Lots of Love and adoration for these plants & Nature….
~ A set of Bonsai Tools & accessories… like wire, mud scoops, dusting cloth etc
~ Turn table
~ Marble Slate…. oval, rectangular, or uneven design.
~ Rocks or Stones…. in varying sizes.
~ Plants….Depending on the artist’s choice….
Same variety for a forest arrangement….
Different varieties for a mixed landscape….
~ Filler plants: Mondo Grass, Lal Bhaaji, Euphorbia milli
~ Medium Soil (Both dry and wet)
~ Peat moss (slightly wet) & Finely chopped Spagnum Moss (kept in water)
~ Water Sprayer
~ Cement
Method
First and foremost, visualize the arrangement in your mind and then once the picture you want to create is clear in your minds eye begin to give shape to it, in reality…… using your vision and skills, in accordance to the Bonsai rules, related to creation of a Sui han Penjing.
~ Place the slate on the turn table, so that you can turn it around and observe it from all possible angles…….
First step: Placement of the Rocks on the Slate
The largest & sturdiest rock, has to be placed first, & at an off centre position of the slate.
The second largest rock has to be placed second, followed by other pieces of rock, in varying sizes.
Once the final arrangement is in place…. we need to draw an outline around the rock arrangement and then one at a time, stick these rocks on the marble slate with the help of cement.
These rocks help in demarcation of land & Water areas on the slate and also help to hold the soil in place & at the same time give a natural undulating Contouring effect to the overall landscape.
Second Step: Erect a Boundary wall
Erect a Peat moss Boundary Wall (about an inch tall) around the slate, to demarcate the land area, on the slate
This is needed to keep the soil from being washed away with each watering….
Third Step: Preparing the Slate
Cover the slate with wet mud, (area which has already been demarcated by the boundary wall) giving a mud base for the placement of the plants.
Fourth Step: Placement of the Plants
Main Plant, (tallest & sturdiest) to be placed first…. @ off centre position on the slate…. near the vicinity of the main Rock. Add some dry soil to hold the plant in place
In this case the main tree used was an impressive twin-trunk small leaved Ficus.
This has to be well co-coordinated by the secondary tree (second tallest) and then a number of small leaved, individually wired, MULTI TRUNK plants (Multi trunk plants are single trees with multiple trunks thereby, giving an impression of a number of individual trees growing together in a group)
Placement of Plants should give an overall triangular effect ……to the landscape.
Add a lot of Soil to hold each plant in place….. giving a natural undulating contour to the landscape.
Spray some water with the help of the spray on the soil and later give final touches to the Penjing by placing a few filler plants where ever required, and covering the mud with sphagnum moss.
VOILA!!
Your own self made Miniature Landscape is ready to be displayed in your very own House….. be it indoors or outdoors….. These plants, breathe a new lease of life into your own mundane existence……. just by being there for you…. smiling & blooming, just for you, & ur family, …….for all times to come….
The awe-inspiring Penjing, showing the trees bent over the rivulet, forming an interminable groove over it, appears as natural as any man-made creation can be.
Last but not the Least: Upkeep Of this Penjing:
Can be kept indoors or outdoors….
First one week …. Keep it indoors, away from the sun. Gradually expose the plants to the sun.
Watering:
Preferably once everyday, or as n when the soil gets dry.
Trimming:
Trim the new shoots back in place as and when needed…..more often during the peak growing season.
Care:
Make sure you say hello….. to your plant every now and then and shower it with all your Love .
PS: A compliation : As demonstarted by Bonsai Masters Jyoti n Nikunj Parekh to members of ABA... Lko, April 2007.
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