Saikei is the creation of a miniature landscape using stones, soil, water, grassy plants, moss, and small trees. Saikei should create an illusion of harmoniously combined miniature nature. All components should be placed in the container in a way that maintains proportions, and the composition should look natural.
In the case of Saikei, the soil, stones, and plants are arranged to create a natural model of a seaside, a hilly meadow, or a mountainous place. The trees themselves are similar to those used in classic bonsai. In addition to trees, various grassy plants are also used, which further enhance the illusion of a natural landscape. Saikei allows for more freedom in tree selection, and even small, 2-3 year old saplings can be used. Pruning, wiring, shaping, and repotting are the same as in bonsai.
Trees
Small or medium-sized trees, both deciduous and coniferous, can be used for miniature landscapes. Fruit-bearing trees are typically not used in this case. The number of trees depends entirely on the creator's taste. Unlike miniature forests, an even number of trees is allowed. A beautiful saikei can be made from just one tree. You can use either the same or different species of trees. Try to select trees with as small leaves or needles as possible.
When deciding to create a mixed-species version, make sure that the plants complement each other if you want your saikei to look natural. The characteristics of the plants should also be considered:
- Different species require different types of soil, watering, and locations. Therefore, when planting together, choose trees with similar "needs"...
- Trees are planted between or close to rocks.
- Use trees of different sizes, plant them at different levels to create a certain spatial illusion.
- The trees should not be arranged in a straight line, and they should not be hidden behind the stones.
- The initial pruning and shaping should ideally be done before placing the composition.
- The composition should be arranged in such a way that there is free space at the front of the container.
- It is also possible to use the "deadwood" effect on trees.
- Herbaceous plants and moss are also very important elements. Also, very often, moss of different colors and sizes is used.
Stones
When selecting stones, it is essential that all of them are of the same geological type and approximately the same color. The shape should be as close as possible to rocky formations, with a rough and worn surface. In this case, river stones or artificially smoothed stones are not suitable. If the composition consists of several stones, their sizes should differ. There should be no open spaces between the stones; they should be filled with soil, covered with moss, and herbaceous plants. Fine gravel is also used for creating the illusion of paths.
Soil
The soil used is the same as for bonsai, corresponding to the selected tree species. Unlike bonsai, the shape of the soil surface is of particular importance. If for bonsai, the soil surface in the container is leveled, for saikei, the uneven surface should remind us of a natural landscape.
A container
Saikei is made in a shallow container, usually with a rectangular, oval, or round shape. It is also possible to use flat stones with an uneven surface. The size is relatively large, with a length that may exceed 1 meter. Color: white, gray, dark green, brown. However, containers in bright colors may also be used.
For the creation of the miniature landscape shown in the photo, I selected natural stones and juniper brought from Italy. Compared to the tree, in this case, it was more difficult to "tame" the stones. They are quite heavy and turned out to be difficult to work with. In order to give this composition a natural look, I had to change the shape and arrangement of the stones several times.
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