Tiny big passion

The bonsai kolam drawn at the entrance of M Subramanian’s home is a clear enough indication of the 75-year-old’s passion for growing ‘miniature trees’. For almost three decades, Subramanian has been collecting, growing, and maintaining bonsais.
They occupy the entire front yard, sidewalk, backyard and terrace of his home in Meena estate, a residential area close to the bustling streets of Puliakulam in Coimbatore.In fact, the miniature trees are scattered everywhere, leaving visitors with little space to move around, and giving them the feel of being in a mini jungle.
“Tread carefully,” says Subramanian, as you enter his home, because a misstep could cost him a tree that he has lovingly tended to for years.
“I loved the idea of growing treesin trays both in an aesthetic sense and for the love of nature. It gives me great joy to see a rare tree species growing in my backyard which is otherwise found only in the wild. Bonsai has made it possible,” he says.
Subramanian started spending a lot of his time on Bonsai research after 1995, when he retired from service in the Coffee Board in Pollachi. From then on, his interest grew and today he has more than 300 miniature trees.
“My collection includes banyan, peepal, kagitha poo, guava, silk cotton, tamarind, naval and sapota trees. The banyan tree is less than three feet. I am also proud of my Adansonia baobab, a deciduous tree that has a lifespan of 2,000 years. It is locally known as ‘pei maram’. My baobab is 65 years old. ”
Subramanian learned the Japanese art of growing miniatures on his own and took some guidance as well from Nambeesan, a former professor in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University who used to grow miniature trees. “Root pruning, repotting, and pruning of the upper part (leaves and branches) must be done to keep the shape and height intact. ” Subramanian attends international and national exhibitions, where he displays his Bonsai art.
“To keep some of the trees in a natural a setting, I grew in the natural crevices found on the rocks. It’s a technique known as rockstyle,” says Subramanian, adding that his wife Selvi supports him in his passion. “I have spent from my pension on my passion, but I don’t regret it. It’s an enduring love of 30 years. ”