Bonsai are miniature trees or shrubs that are grown in containers and meticulously pruned and shaped over a long period of time to mimic the shape and style of full size trees. The practice of growing bonsai originated in China and Japan where it was seen as an art form that required great patience and skill to cultivate small trees that capture the essence of their larger counterparts in nature. Bonsai are appreciated for their natural beauty and aged appearance that is achieved through careful tending and pruning of the miniature trees over many years.