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 refined into an art form that requires skill, dedication and patience to properly shape and care for bonsai trees. Bonsai trees can live for many decades if properly cared for and are appreciated for their natural beauty and artistic expression that is captured in their miniature yet naturalistic forms.