How to Display Bonsai Using Benches – Bonsai Tree Gardener

At some point, your bonsai tree masterpiece will reach a certain level in its development when you can proudly share its exquisiteness with the world.

Not merely a matter of artistic skills, and not merely a matter of horticultural knowledge – designing your bonsai and placing it at the right spot does take a healthy dose of imagination and skills.

On the bright side, you can learn how to display bonsai using benches, among other available display methods. Benches make a wonderful option for bonsai enthusiasts of all levels of experience – they are versatile in size, type, color, and you can also get down to crafting your very own DIY bonsai display bench.

Proper display of your bonsai is a multifold process. When done properly, it helps in triggering the full array of emotional responses when contemplated upon while simultaneously making sure that the new arrangement fulfills the unique requirements of your miniature tree.

Pros and Cons of Bonsai Display Benches

Taikan Bonsai Museum – Image Source

Without any doubt, displaying a bonsai tree is a step that is just as essential as all the efforts, passion, and time you have put into growing a miniature tree masterpiece.

Video by: Smart Pictvids – Inspiration for Backyard Bonsai Displays
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However, there are both pros and cons of opting for bonsai display benches.

Pros of Bonsai Benches

1 – Freedom

Opting for benches grants you tons of freedom when it comes to the arrangement of your bonsai masterpieces. The construction materials can also vary, so there’s freedom on that note, too.

2 – Affordability

Whether you go for DIY bonsai display benches or choose to opt for readily-available ones, you can find affordable options to otherwise costly alternatives.

3 – Ease of Maintenance

Just do your job of assembling and setting benches the right way, and maintenance can feel like a breeze based on your personal requirements and preferences.

Cons of Bonsai Benches

1 – Durability

If you want to make your bonsai benches last for more than a couple of years (1 – 2 years on an average), then you need to act accordingly – do your proper research, choose the most suitable materials, and make sure you take into consideration the external factors that will affect the durability of the benches.

2 – Design mistakes

It might be the case that you finish your bonsai benches arrangement just to notice that once displayed, the trees seem to lack the visual depth which adds to the much desired authentic looks.

Nonetheless, you might just notice that it’s difficult to reach all your bonsai trees with ease, resulting in tough times when it comes to maintenance.

Below, we will focus on helping you learn how to display bonsai using benches with a focus on avoiding the most common beginners’ mistakes on that note.

Choosing the Best Materials for a Bonsai Bench

Taikan Bonsai Exhibition – Image Source

When choosing the most suitable materials for bonsai benches, you want to take into account three basic factors: stability, strength, and form.

Timber

Reclaimed timber can work beautifully, and it is the most cost-effective option.

Well-seasoned and not prone to wrapping, reclaimed timber also gets bonus points for its naturally aged appearance. However, you need to check for any traces of fungal and/or insect damage. Also, beware of nails when cutting reclaimed timber.

New timber can help you achieve a smoother, more refined bonsai benches’ appearance. It’s best to opt for pressure treated lumber.

Concrete block

Often underestimated, concrete blocks can work wonderfully for crafting bonsai display benches.

For instance, the Bonsai Garden Oakland features a fantastic example of a concrete bench that is designed in a circle. Sturdy and possible to be further upgraded and beautified, you can also choose to take advantage of re-purposing concrete blocks obtained from a salvage yard as to enjoy their aged finish.

Video by: Eastern Leaf – Bonsai Gardens: The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
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Railway sleepers

Railway sleepers are long-lasting. They make a perfect choice for those who want to build a very solid bonsai bench. However, the preservative layer can easily soften in contact with sunlight, leaving marks or spots on pots, as well as your clothes and hands while working. Nonetheless, cutting railway sleepers does require a great amount of strength.

Bonsai Benches Start-Up: Contemplation and Planning

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Even the most carefully selected types of bonsai benches will fail to fulfill the purpose of displaying bonsai masterpieces in the best way possible if you don’t take the time to choose a good display site, accompanied by a well-structured benches arrangement.

Because of this, contemplation and planning go hand in hand.

For a start, sit in the location where you are about to display your bonsai masterpieces.

Will the site provide the right amount of sunlight, airflow, and protection from accidental mechanical damage?

Is the site convenient when it comes to easy maintenance? Will you be able to water and monitor your plants without facing any difficulties?

Don’t be afraid of drawing a sketch plan just to realize you’ve come up with better ideas, requiring you to start creating a new plan from scratch. Remember, patience is a virtue.

Video by Bonsai Buddy – How to Build a Beginner Bonsai Bench
Source: youtube.com

The Takeaway

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Well-proportioned, well-arranged benches can bring the art of bonsai to a whole new level.

It’s not just about learning how to display bonsai using benches but it’s about taking advantage of the unique character that benches can give to the display site. When constructed and positioned well, benches can further help to improve the healthy development of your miniature masterpieces – so skip the rush and choose wisely as to make your bonsai thrive and flourish while bringing profound pleasure when gazed upon.