Pansai Garden

A quick detour around the corner of El Cajon Boulevard to Menlo Avenue will yield a visit to an interesting little shop which specializes in Bonsai trees.

The shop's owner, Yip prepares the bonsai trees himself. He explained that bonsai are to be watered regularly from the top and need good drainage because the roots can easily rot. Yip also showed the technique used to bend the miniature trees into windswept shapes by wrapping a copper wire around the branch to hold it in shape for a month or so before removing it.

The pots used for the bonsai and the flower arraingnments are beautiful, often in bright cobalt blues and interesting shapes that add visual interest and set off the composition nicely. The bonsai are very elegant, and the yellow narcissus compositions are bright, lively and sweetly scented.

The pricing is very attractive, with figures averaging between $15 and $40 for most varieties and more for larger items. Miniature gardens with succulents in a pot make a wonderful gift even for those who don't have a green thumb. They look lovely, are easy to maintain and can be enjoyed for years.