Creating bonsai 'is like composing music'

GEORGE NEWS - The humble spekboom (Portulacaria afra) was the source of inspiration for a book by local paediatrician and bonsai enthusiast Dr André Swart, which he has just self-published after years of research and collecting information and photos.

Swart, a member of the local Kat River Kai Club, says in South Africa, local bonsai artists work on indigenous species and this has resulted in the development of unique African styles and trees.

With his book on the spekboom, he wants to provide information for both beginners and experienced growers who want to create their own spekboom bonsai.

"Spekboom is the underdog in the bonsai community. I wrote this book to highlight its potential and give it the recognition it deserves as excellent bonsai material."

He has been in involved in bonsai for more than 30 years and has been doing research on spekboom for 15 years, and much of this knowledge and experience was poured into the magnificent, 190-page book that is illustrated with sketches and colour photos. It is simply titled 'Spekboom Bonsai Masterclass'.

"It is a reference guide and training process in one, providing detailed instructions and photographs on essential growing requirements for spekboom and creating your own bonsai masterpieces. I'm proud of the effort I put into consolidating all my research and knowledge into my book," says Swart.

His interest in bonsai was roused after watching the scene of Miyagi collecting Yamadori (wild trees) in the movie The Karate Kid. Then, in 1996, during a scuba trip to Thailand, he met a man near Phuket who had an exceptional bonsai collection in his backyard which fascinated him. This was the beginning of his journey with bonsai.

He has about 450 trees of various species at home. "Each is at a different stage of development, but only about 80 are display-ready at any time. Many of them are my true pride and joy."

He says his bonsai often serve as backdrops for stories. "Each tree has its own unique history. Some trees are even named after my long-term patients."

He likens creating a bonsai to composing music. "It requires understanding of the individual notes and harmonising them to produce a beautiful melody.

"A true bonsai is not merely a small cutting or a tiny tree in an attractive pot. Instead, it is a miniature tree that exhibits proportional balance and realistic features.

"This is achieved through various techniques that enhance the tree's unique characteristics, resulting in the appearance of an aged, mature tree. In my view, a bonsai should tell a story. It should evoke emotions and bring a smile to your face."

This is indeed what happens when you take a tour of his bonsais at home where they are strategically placed in a spectacular garden that his wife, Isabel, an avid gardener, has created over many years.

The Kat River Kai Club meets regularly and also has a regular online Zoom meeting that can be attended by bonsai enthusiasts over the country.

Interested people may contact Swart on 084 800 4000.

A striking spekboom bonsai forest.