Mr Jansen’s tree is one of dozens on display at the Otago Bonsai Society’s annual show at the Princes St community gallery.
‘‘Personally, for me, it's that artistic side of changing a tree and the horticulture of it, where you need to really know how trees grow and how to get them to do what you want them to do.’’
He said a lot of concentration went into getting the size and design right.
Mr Jansen bought the tree off society president Joy Morton, who first styled it in 1980.
‘‘I don't sell my trees lightly.
‘‘I've been doing this for a long, long time. Nearly 60 years,’’ Mrs Morton said.
Mrs Morton said bonsai was one of the oldest art forms in the world.
‘‘It dates back to the 3rd century and it's very, very popular.
‘‘It started in China, moved to Japan in the 13th century, and is known worldwide.
‘‘It's just about in every country in the world. So it's different in each country.’’
Ethusiasts have adapted the practice to the growing conditions of place across the globe, she said.
‘‘So it's very important that we grow trees. In the North Island, they grow them differently to what we do in the South.’’
Mr Jansen said they had to be very mindful about watering the trees weekly, lest they wither away and die.
‘‘In summer, if you're going to skip a day, the tree might die, actually.
‘‘So it's really critical in shallower pots, especially, that you water quite often.’’
The Otago society has more than 50 members.
Committee member Brian Ellis said there were several misconceptions about the art.
‘‘There is a myth that you keep it small by trimming the roots. That's not true.
‘‘You keep it small by trimming the foliage and maintaining the shape. You do have to trim the roots.
‘‘It's like anything in a pot. The roots will grow and fill up the pot.
‘‘The other myth is you put them on the dining room table.
‘‘You put them on the dining room table — in two months, it will be dead.’’
The exhibition runs until tomorrow afternoon.
