Check out these miniature bonsai marvels

Martin Vincze has been a devoted member of the Kelowna Bonsai Club for nearly three decades.

As a clear and abundant statement of his passion, he has created a personal oasis of over 400 bonsai trees in his own backyard.

“When I get sit down with either a tree that's newly styled or has been styled for a while, you just kind of lose yourself,” Vincze told Kelowna10, noting Bonsai provides a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling demands of everyday life.

“You forget about all the bills you have to pay and what kids do. So, it's definitely relaxing for me.”

Vincze shed light on a prevalent misunderstanding about Bonsai: the misconception that it is merely a specific type of tree. However, the true art lies in meticulously cultivating miniature trees within pots, intentionally restricting their growth and preventing them from reaching their natural size.

“Whenever we do a Bonsai show, people will come and ask, ‘I thought Bonsai was a type of tree’. But Bonsai is making any type of tree look like they are,” he said. “They can be a spruce tree, a maple tree that's in your backyard. So, Bonsai is not a type of tree.”

The club recently celebrated their 40th anniversary with their continuous goal of bringing together like-minded enthusiasts of all different skill levels.

Vincze, who serves as the sensei of the Kelowna Bonsai Club, expressed his gratitude towards his first instructor, Stan Tanita, acknowledging that he is currently in a stage of his life where he can give back to those who are beginning their journey in the club.

“[Tanita] was a very caring, very giving person. And that's what's kind of translated over on to me. And that's what I'm trying to give back to the club now and give back to people who are interested in Bonsai as well,” he said. “I'm trying to help them achieve what I've done.”