Zen and the art of bonsai

The Japanese practice of cultivating bonsai combines artistry with good old-fashioned gardening. Its slow nature requires growers like Paul Homan to tune into nature so it’s a great way to de-stress, he says

Paul Homan, with a maple, says growing bonsai helps to ‘slow the world down’ Picture: Maura Hickey

Some may see bonsai as a time-consuming, tricky process only suited to those with the patience of saints. But, in today’s world of instant gratification, Paul Homan sees this as a good thing. “It helps slow the world down. You have to stop, you have ...