The term kusamono refers to an ancient Japanese art, through which small bonsai are created but using spontaneous flowers and wild herbs.
This practice was born in Japan as a complement to bonsai, but over time it has become an autonomous art form, a symbol of the connection between man and nature. The kusamono represents not only a plant composition, but also a reflection on the passing of time and the ephemeral beauty of the seasons — a central concept in the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
Specifically, kusamono is a real composition of shrubby or “herbaceous” plants, grown in pots; this technique is imbued with meanings that trace the ancient tradition of Japanese gardening. (Read also: Kokedama: what they are and how to make them)
Kusamono: what are they?
The art of kusamono joins the more famous art of bonsai but, unlike the latter, kusamono is a potted composition of wild herbs and flowers that we can simply define as “herbal bonsai”.
The name is of Japanese origin and is composed of two words “kusa” meaning “grass” and “mono” which translates as “plant” or “thing”.
These small creations are minimalist and essential and, above all, they recreate a microenvironment, a real undergrowth, around simple plants and flowers such as a daisy, a violet or even a grass plant.
An art minimal but within everyone’s reach, which unlike bonsai does not require too much effort both in terms of manual skills and in economic terms.
Originally, kusamono were used as decorations alongside bonsai in teahouses or displays, to signify the current season. Today, however, they are often protagonists of contemporary artistic exhibitions and compositions.
Kusamono: who can make them?
Anyone can make a kusamono, because they are small vase compositions that are quite simple to make; yes, because herbs and flowers are easily recovered during a walk in the open air.
Plus, kusamono pots are small and take up very little space in your home and don’t require too much care and attention, making them perfect for beginners.
The only flaw with kusamono concerns the duration, since these compositions have quite short life cycles, limited to the season or at most to the period of the year. But it is precisely this characteristic that makes them dynamic, always different and constantly evolving.
Creating a kusamono is also a sustainable gesture: local plants, often spontaneous, are valorised and you learn to better observe the surrounding nature. It’s a simple and relaxing way to bring a little zen even to small urban spaces.
Which plants to use to make a kusamono?
To make a kusamono, different species of plants can be used, from mountain ones to wild herbs, such as narcissus, borage or chamomile, up to horticultural and aromatic species.
Furthermore, it is possible to make a single composition using a single species or several to create a varied and colorful kusamono.
How to make a DIY kusamono
Making a DIY kusamono is very simple; Let’s find out how to do it step by step. What you need:
Procedure:
How to maintain your kusamono over time
To take care of kusamono it is necessary to water when the soil is completely dry, and guarantee light or shade depending on the species of plants used. In addition to watering, the kusamono should be rotated from time to time to ensure uniform growth and should be repotted every year or two, replacing some of the soil. In winter it is best to protect it from frost, while in summer it should be kept away from direct sun during the hottest hours.
If you are curious to see how a kusamono is made, watch the video:
Kusamono is much more than a simple ornamental plant: it is a small exercise in patience, observation and harmony. Each composition contains the essence of the seasons and the Japanese philosophy of living in balance with nature.
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