It's a full time job

Nanda Gallage has a way with plants. What started off as a hobby more than 10 years ago has seen her mastering the art of "bonsai" (tray planting), a full-time job that commands patience, dedication, and creativity.

A founder member of the Sri Lanka Bonsai Association, Ms. Gallage will hold her annual exhibition and sale of bonsai plants for the fifth consecutive year at her residence at 41/1 Attidiya Road, Ratmalana from January 29-31. There will be over 200 plants on display. A distinctive feature will be a free demonstration on all three days starting at 2.30 pm.

Explaining the process of bonsai, Ms. Gallage says, "You should be able to apply a style that suits the plant without spoiling its natural beauty." The idea is to make the plant live longer. And if properly attended they could live upto 200 years or more. After deciding on a style you have to cut all the unnecessary roots and branches which, incidentally, should be alternate branches. The trunk should be clearly visible and the foliage should have a triangular shape. Then you wire the branches to train them. The wires could be removed once they're properly trained.

Five ingredients are used for the base of the pot, namely bricks, charcoal, dried cow dung, river sand, and normal soil, taken in equal quantities, chopped and sifted. The surface soil should be covered with moss to prevent it from being washed away and to keep the moisture. Proper drainage is a must. The plants need to be watered twice a day.

For those who are really interested, bonsai could be a thoroughly satisfying experience. "You have to be at it as it's a full-time job. Day by day I get more absorbed," says Ms. Gallage.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 8.30 a.m to 6.30 p. m.

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