Kusamono refers to a Japanese botanical art that developed alongside bonsai. Kusamono are potted arrangements of wild grasses and flowers in unique pots or trays selected to suggest a season or place. The name is composed of two Japanese characters-- “grass” and “thing”—which together suggest humble, everyday plants. Originally, this name referred to the small, potted grasses displayed next to bonsai as accent plants. More recently, creating Kusamono has developed into an art form of its own. A well-chosen kusamono reflects the season in which it is displayed. Some compositions are designed to include plants that will look good in several seasons. Besides the season, a Kusamono should suggest a specific natural habitat—such as a wetland, meadow or woodland. Whether using a single plant or a group of plants, there are three basic styles of planting: moss-ball, out-of-pot, or in a container.