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Here's how Mahadev Dey, From Calcutta, India got involved in Bonsai!
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When I was studying botany in my I.Sc classes during 1937-39, I developed my hobby of horticulture with only a few pots (4-5 nos.) that could be accommodated on the tiny balcony of my rented flat. A friend of mine suggested that I grow dwarf plants so that I can have more plants on this balcony, as is done in Japan, but he could not give me any further details. Luckily and maybe accidentally, I spotted a book, "Bonsai - miniature trees" by a Japanese author, in a book stall at Ahmedabad Air Port. The book was priced at Rs. 11/- quite a value in 1958. I purchased it and both the book stall owner and I were very happy; I, because I got a stepping stone for Bonsai growing and the book stall owner because this book remained unsold for many years. From the references given in this book I procured several other books on this subject from Japan and the USA. Using small plants which grew wild in the boundary walls of a big park near my residence, I started growing Bonsai plants seriously. By the year 1960 -61, I had been able to grow a few Bonsai plants of quite good quality. Some of these were exhibited by me at a local Flower Show and one of them fetched a First prize. Since then I received First prizes in every Flower Show I participated and this became my monopoly. Since 1980-81, however, I stopped competing when I overheard a few competitors saying they had no chance of getting First prize, as I had placed my exhibit for competition. Since then, every year I am posted as a judge, for evaluating the merits of Bonsai plants, in the Flower Shows held in and around Calcutta. I teach Bonsai growing to any one who shows a keen interest in this art. I was an honorary teacher in Bonsai growing with the Indo Japan Cultural and Welfare Association in Calcutta for several years. My roof garden in my house now has more than 50 Bonsai plants of quality and this would not have been possible without the help of my wife, Mrs. Kamala Dey, who is also a very keen Bonsai plant grower. I repeat, I am always ready to help any one interested in Bonsai plant growing with pleasure. Mahadev Dey Calcutta, India. email:[email protected] I would like to thank Mahadev for sharing his story with us. Hopefully He will frequent our message board and chat room often and offer his help and opinions to us. |
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