Some people say that growing bonsai trees is hard - but at least history proves people have been doing it successfully for many years! It was first conceived of by the Chinese, and as so often happens, the Japanese came along and developed it afterwards. It means "tree in a pot", and it simply involves 'dwarfing' the tree by constantly pruning the roots and branches.

This means that you have to shape the tree at a young age both below and above ground. The art, of course, is to maintain proportions. The smallest you can get is around two inches in height at full growth, while some can grow up to two feet tall.

How do I start?

First of all, choose the kind of bonsai you want to grow. There are many to choose from, whether you go for cutting or seed is up to you. Make sure that you have a variety with naturally small leaves.

Find a shallow pot and ensure that it is not glazed on the inside - this could prevent the tree from breathing. Check that you have sufficient drainage.

Put the tree first of all into a large pot so that it gains strength, and when it has matured enough, you can put it into the shallow pot.

Consider the soil - this is another key thing to consider when starting off. There are special bonsai soils that are designed to dry out faster than other soils, so ask your garden centre for this. They require frequent watering - although never too much. In autumn, they require nitrogen and phosphoric acid, so once more, check with your garden centre for the appropriate feed.

You should also consider humidity. Placing the pot in a humid area is sometimes not enough - you could do your own work by placing it in a shallow tray full of water, allowing that water to evaporate. Or just put it in the kitchen! It's your choice.

It's a rewarding hobby, but it does require a certain amount of work - so if you're prepared to put that work in and prune with care and attention on a regular basis, then you're going to be a very good bonsai tree grower.