Page 67 - BSAM 2017 Q3

BCI member, Chee Peng Tan from Muar, Johor, Malaysia has been very keen on bonsai since his early school days but his plans for bonsai were set aside because he was needed in his family business. In
2006 he acquired his rst bonsai tree to decorate his courtyard. From there on, he decided to pursue his penjin dream.
“In order to pursue my bonsai dream, I decided to use my 4-acre back yard for a bonsai nursery. From here, the name UA Bonsai Art was created.” says Tan. “We are specializing on 2 types of plants, Juniper Chinensis and Podocarpus Costalis.”
ere are thousands of trees under cultivation in his garden, divided into two categories; bonsai and large courtyard trees.
e young seedlings require 5 to 6 years to grow and when the diameter of the main trunk is around one inch they reach the rst stage of wiring. A erward, they need trimming, pruning, and wiring for another year to become a bonsai tree. ere is no time frame to cultivate a bonsai. In order to create an outstanding bonsai, sometimes it require 5 to 10 years or more.
Besides contributing his time and efforts to the bonsai community and sharing his knowledge and experience with many bonsai enthusiasts, he also takes part in many national competitions and exhibitions.
“When I win a competition it makes me very happy, because my efforts are being recognized, but my vision is promote penjin and bonsai art to our local community and a society that I hope to see in future."
His personal approach to the art of penjin and bonsai: Must dare to try. To bring out the idea of bonsai design and shape towards your own personality.
You might face many failure along the journey, but must not give up, always gaining the experience from the mistake. My enthusiasm toward bonsai, together with patience and adherence, will overcome all setbacks.
Learn more about Chee Peng Tan at www.uabonsai.com.my
Top left; Chee Peng Tan of UA Bonsai Art re nes one of the junipers cultivated from cuttings.
Top right; A view of UA Bonsai Art nursery with specimen trees on dispaly.
Middle; A member of BCI, Chee Peng Tan takes part in many national competitions and exhibitions in Malaysia
Bottom; A Juniperus chinensis that Chee Peng Tan has culivated and styled.
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