If you believe in the words 'small is beautiful', a visit to the 6th annual BBS exhibition at the Gulshan Ladies Community Club might prove worthwhile. The exhibit runs from 4th to 8th October, from 10am to 8pm.

Bonsai lovers in our country worked individually on this miniature art form way back in the 196os. Much later, the BBS was formed by a group of enthusiasts in 1999. Talking to a few members one got the idea that this journey was an arduous one.

Bonsai is a living art form. 'Long lasting variety of trees are chosen from the wild and kept small and trained by pruning branches and roots, by periodic repotting, by pinching off new growth, and by wiring the branches and trunk so that they grow into the desired shape. Bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not "special hybrid dwarfs",' said Mohammad Anisul Huque, assistant secretary of BBS. 'Small leafed varieties are most suitable, regardless of the size it grows to in the wild. Bonsai stocks are collected from the wild and take about two to three years to mature,' said Shaukat Islam, a society member.

A bonsai in a container is not a contradiction of nature but an attempt to portray nature in a miniature form. The purpose is not simply to emulate but rather capture the essence. Given proper care, bonsai specimens can be passed from generation to generation.

One saw the variety of styles at the exhibition such as the Informal Upright, Formal Upright, Landscapes, the Broom Effect, the Wind Slide, Roots over Rocks and much more. Prices range from Taka 500 to Taka 5,00,000. Not all the specimens were for sale though.

Although Bonsai originated in Japan thousands of years ago, the art form still has a universal appeal. BBS over the years has promoted this art and has earned acclaim. Given the fact that they started a whole new concept in our country, BBS has nurtured creativity and talent to newer heights.