Kusamono: The hand-sized garden

Maj Gen C S Bewli

The word kusamono is made up of two Japanese words: kusa meaning grass and mono paraphrased as an object. Kusamono is referred to a complementary or an accent plant displayed next to a well-grown bonsai in ceremonial exhibitions.

While doing so, to attract the initial attention, bonsai is exhibited as a dominant element in contrast to the kusamono.

Kusamono has evolved as an art form and now, with the changing times, more so in the tropical regions such as India where it may be considered as an arrangement of seasonal grass, foliage, flowering plants or even succulents.

Accent plant can be of a single species or an arrangement of mixed species that almost replicates the current season of display. These plants may be exhibited in a pot, stone or slate or even in driftwood. Pots should be uniquely shaped with charming glazes or dull finish.

Accent plants or hand-sized gardens having varied leaf textures, shapes and colours can also be an object of beauty even when displayed independently anywhere in the garden, balcony or living room, etc. Advantage of placing accent plant with bonsai:

n It complements the bonsai and improves the visual balance to give a landscape effect without dominating it.

n It renders a pleasurable feeling and adds a touch of seasonal interest.

Suitable accent plants:

There are many options of species for accent plants. They are easy to grow and are readily available in nurseries.

Foliage:Chlorophytum, peperomia, ferns, etc.

Water:Water lettuce or pistia stratiotes, neptunia oleracea, floating fern or salvinia natans, etc.

Flowering:Miniature begonias, oxalis, bougainvilleas, hedra helix minima, ranunculus crenatus, cyperus alternifolius, episcia cupreata, hosta, etc.

Humid area:Pilea involucrata, fittonia albivenis, peperomia obtusifolia variegata.

Succulents

Species of haworthia, echeveria, smaller growing species of sedums, drimiopsis, crassula ovata, aloe portulacaria afra variegated, etc.

The writer is president of the National Cactus & Succulent Society of India and President of Bonsai Culture Society

Growing tips

• In case of more than one species, plants should be compatible with each other and have similar water and sunlight needs.
• Potting mix should be freely draining.
• Water regularly only when the top soil dries.
• Use minimal fertiliser in order to restrict the plants from overgrowing.
• Rotate the pot periodically to encourage overall growth.
• Depending upon growth, pruning may be carried out to maintain the shape.