Bonsai trees are miniature trees grown in containers to resemble the size, shape and foliage of a native tree. This ancient art form blends horticulture with artistic principles to produce stunning results – something which has been practiced for more than one thousand years!
Caring for bonsai necessitates special techniques. Make sure to water them frequently and never allow the soil to become dry.
Brussel’s Bonsai
Brussels Bonsai is the largest bonsai nursery in America, boasting an expansive selection of trees – from budget-friendly gift plants to stunning creations designed by master bonsai artists.
Bonsai gardening requires a special expertise and meticulousness, unlike other forms of gardening. All bonsai require regular pruning to maintain their miniature size; this can be accomplished using either pointed-nose scissors or wiring depending on the tree type and desired aesthetic.
Bonsai can be an enjoyable hobby, though it may take some effort to get started. Plus, they serve as a great teaching tool for children about nature and science.
Henrietta resident William Valavanis maintains an acre and a half of bonsai on his property, spending many hours each day caring for the trees. He teaches classes about this art form, publishes an international magazine, and travels around the globe to share his enthusiasm.
His passion for bonsai has become his life, and he doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. His two children, Nicholas (17) and Chris (16), are both considering college options.
Bonsai, or Japanese bonsai, has been practiced for centuries in Asia. This ancient art involves cultivating and shaping trees to create intricate sculptures – often referred to as miniature living sculptures.
In Japan, the term “bonsai” is often used to refer to a small tree that has been meticulously cultivated and kept. These delicate trees are beloved gifts or decorations for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions due to their delicate form.
Brussels Bonsai boasts over 100,000 square feet of greenhouse space for growing bonsai trees, and the nursery is open five days a week. They also host the annual Rendezvous bonsai conference where internationally-renowned teachers provide workshops and demonstrations.
For anyone interested in learning more about the hobby or purchasing a bonsai tree, a visit to their website is a must. They have an extensive selection of trees for sale and provide shipping packages that can be delivered anywhere within the US.
Van Atta’s Bonsai Club
One of the best ways to learn bonsai is by attending a bonsai club. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share your hobby and gain expertise from experts in your field.
Van Atta’s Bonsai Club in Olive Branch is an international organization that provides a community for bonsai enthusiasts. They host several special events throughout the year and host an annual show in October where members can showcase their creations.
The group also hosts a monthly workshop to help members hone their skills. All levels of expertise are welcome at any meeting.
Studying a plant’s unique characteristics, root structure and growing conditions can provide invaluable insights. With this understanding, you’ll be able to craft stunning trees that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
Michael has experienced firsthand how much bonsai can bring peace and healing to a person’s soul, not only by connecting to nature but also sharing his knowledge with others. With passion he shares these lessons with others.
His passion for bonsai began in 2006 when he purchased his first tree at the State Fair. Since then, he has been collecting trees and honing their skills, eventually joining a club to share his creations.
He has attended nearly every general meeting and loves learning from all of the wonderful members of the club. By day, he works as an R&D engineer at Cambria Co. in Le Sueur and in his free moments he loves traveling and snuggling up with his cats.
The club provides seminars, field trips and a range of activities. They take part in home and garden shows, provide demonstrations to local groups and host visiting bonsai artists.
Each spring, they host a bonsai competition open to all enthusiasts of the art form. Trees are judged by an esteemed artist.
This free event provides an ideal chance for new enthusiasts to get involved with the hobby and discover what other local clubs are up to. Attendees can also trade Bonsai-related items like pots, tools, soil and trees for discounted prices.
On Memorial Day weekend, the nursery hosts Rendezvous: an annual bonsai festival that draws hundreds of enthusiasts from across America. There are lectures, hands-on workshops and demonstrations from internationally acclaimed bonsai professionals; plus its expansive grounds provide the ideal setting for an uplifting gathering.
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Washington, D.C. can be a daunting place with its impressive government buildings and monumental sculptures of our country’s founders. But the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at National Arboretum helps visitors regain perspective by connecting them with nature.
Established in 1976, the museum’s origins can be traced back to Japan’s gift of 53 bonsai trees in celebration of America’s Bicentennial. These trees served as inspiration for its creation – today boasting one of the world’s premier collections of bonsai and penjing art forms.
The museum’s collection is organized geographically, featuring trees from North American, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan – making it one of the most geographically diverse collections in America.
In addition to featuring exceptional bonsai specimens, the museum also keeps a variety of other art forms such as viewing stones, herbaceous companion plants (kusamono), and Japanese flower arrangements (ikebana). With these elements combined, the museum creates an inviting environment while reinforcing visitors’ connection with nature.
Curators are responsible for curating and cultivating an exceptional bonsai collection, providing education on the art form and supporting scholarly study of bonsai and related arts. Furthermore, it’s essential to maintain the museum setting with stands, scrolls, and containers which enhance how bonsai are displayed.
Since its founding, two incredible curators have faithfully carried the burden of caring for this priceless collection. Robert “Bonsai Bob” Drechsler in particular displayed remarkable skill and meticulous attention to detail during his 23 year tenure; his dedication and expertise made a lasting impact on how long-lasting this unique collection could remain intact.
Visits to the museum are always a rewarding and rejuvenating experience, offering visitors an escape from everyday life. The Museum features both contemporary and traditional exhibits that tell the stories behind these stunning horticulture wonders.
In early May, The National Arboretum and The National Bonsai Foundation co-host the PBA Bonsai Festival – an opportunity for bonsai artists of all levels to come together in celebration of this ancient craft. With workshops and demonstrations tailored towards both beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, this free event is open to the public.
Mississippi Botanical Garden
For anyone interested in viewing bonsai trees, the Mississippi Botanical Garden is an excellent destination to visit. They boast both tropical and deciduous plants on display that are all stunning to behold.
Take a tour of the garden to learn more about various plant species and their beneficial effects on the environment. This museum is free to enter, open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
At the garden, there are plenty of activities and sights to enjoy with friends or family. Conveniently located just off Center Hill Road in Jackson, MS, it should definitely be on your bucket list when visiting Jackson.
One of the most striking features of this garden is their extensive collection of bonsai trees. The museum boasts over 150 specimens that have been lovingly cared for over 150 years by expert bonsai masters.
Some of the world’s greatest bonsai trees have been created by renowned artists, such as Kimura Masahiko and Marco Invernizzi. Each is stunning in its own way and can teach you a lot about this ancient art form of bonsai.
Another unique aspect of this garden is their bonsai studio, where visitors can observe master bonsai artists at work and even receive a lesson from an experienced teacher.
At Mississippi Botanical Garden, the bonsai are carefully cared for and maintained by many volunteers with extensive expertise in this art form. Janet Lanman in particular had been a steadfast volunteer at the Museum since 1945 until her passing in 2018.
Learning about bonsai requires finding an experienced artist you can rely on and work with. At Mississippi Botanical Garden, there’s a workshop and highly-trained instructor available to teach you this craft.
Attend a bonsai demonstration or join in on a club meeting at Mississippi Botanical Garden to meet others with similar interests. It’s an excellent opportunity to network and make new friends who share your enthusiasm for bonsai.