Bonsai Direct’s Bonsai Trees – As Seen on ITV this weekend on Love your Weekend
Bonsai stepped into the spotlight this weekend as four beautiful trees from Bonsai Direct were featured on the latest episode of Love Your Weekend with Camilla Bassett-Smith and Alan Titchmarsh. Once seen as a specialist art admired from afar at garden shows, bonsai is now firmly rooted in British homes – so much so that Camilla declared bonsai trees her ‘Plant of 2026‘.
The segment perfectly captured what makes bonsai so special: beauty, symbolism, wellbeing, and the simple joy of cultivating nature in miniature.
Bonsai: An Ancient Art, Made Accessible
As Camilla explained, bonsai isn’t a type of tree. It’s the art of cultivating miniature trees in containers. Almost any tree can become a bonsai, from oaks to evergreens. With careful pruning and root control, you can keep them perfectly proportioned.
While bonsai can look intricate and refined, the show highlighted just how accessible they are, even for beginners. With the right tree and a little “little and often” care, bonsai can thrive on windowsills, patios, and in gardens across the UK.
The Outdoor Stars: Aleppo Pine & Chinese Juniper
Two evergreen outdoor bonsai from Bonsai Direct stole the show:
Aleppo Pine Bonsai
Graceful and full of character, the Aleppo Pine is a symbol of longevity. Its fine needles and sculptural form look just as captivating up close as a full-sized pine in the landscape. Perfect for outdoor growing, it thrives best in a sheltered spot where it’s protected from harsh frost.
Chinese Juniper Bonsai
With exposed surface roots that cling dramatically to the soil, the Chinese Juniper is the ultimate example of bonsai’s “tree in miniature” charm. Representing strength and resilience, it’s a hardy choice for outdoor spaces and a favourite for those who love classic bonsai styling.
Both trees demonstrate how outdoor bonsai can bring year-round interest, structure, and meaning to your garden.
Indoor Favourites: Jade Bonsai & Roseapple Zen Garden
Moving indoors, the focus turned to bonsai that fit beautifully into modern living spaces:
Jade Bonsai (Money Tree)
An easy-care variety, the Jade is also an ideal beginner’s tree. With smaller, fleshy leaves and a naturally compact shape, it’s easy to care for and thrives in a bright spot away from draughts and central heating. Traditionally associated with wealth and prosperity, it’s a wonderful choice for the year ahead.
Roseapple Zen Garden
Combining living bonsai with raked sand and stones, the Roseapple Zen Garden brings calm, creativity, and mindfulness into the home. Moreover, these miniature landscapes invite gentle interaction and are perfect for families too. Even children can get involved in shaping and caring for them.
Why Bonsai Is Perfect for Wellbeing
One of the key themes of the episode was how bonsai supports wellbeing. Caring for a bonsai encourages patience, focus, and a connection with nature. Pruning new shoots, shaping branches, or even raking sand in a Zen garden becomes a calming ritual.
As Alan noted, bonsai care is about being gentle – never heavy-handed – and enjoying the process as much as the result.
Start Small, Grow a Passion
While some bonsai trees are over 100 years old and can cost thousands, the trees featured on Love Your Weekend show that you don’t need to start big. Many bonsai are around 10 years old, affordable, and perfect for beginners. Also, we have starter kits available for those who want to grow their bonsai journey from the very beginning.
From outdoor evergreens to indoor Zen gardens, bonsai truly offers something for everyone. Furthermore, if you are unsure about which bonsai to start with, why not get in touch and we can help you find the perfect bonsai tree!
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