WORLD OF BONSAI

If you are a bonsai practitioner, you are participating in an art form that has taken root worldwide. This industry has grown to meet the needs of bonsai enthusiasts everywhere.

From its origins in China, trees on trays have spread worldwide: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Australia, every country in Europe, Israel, South Africa, and the Americas.

A new generation from Europe, the USA, and South America have served formal apprenticeships with Japanese masters, some for six years.

Artists in many countries are creating world-class trees. Some countries have Japanese-accredited schools. Other countries and regions are developing their own style of bonsai that reflects their geography and climate. Bonsai Conventions worldwide draw thousands of participants and tens of thousands of visitors.

In North America, you’ll find a bonsai club or society in every major city, along with bonsai nurseries that grow, sell, and teach bonsai. Many vendors of trees, books, tools, pots, and supplies can be found on the Internet. For a listing of bonsai clubs in Canada and the US, visit the American Bonsai Society or Bonsai Empire.

BONSAI IN BOOKS:

From how-to to coffee-table art, books on bonsai abound. Hundreds of English titles by authors include John Naka, Herb L. Gustafson, Paul Lesniewicz, Harry Tomlinson, Colin Lewis, Dan Barton, Amy Liang, Peter Chan, and Deborah R. Koreshoff. Many of these authors, and more, can be found in the club library.

BONSAI IN VIDEOS:

Educational videos that present bonsai basics to videos featuring advanced techniques are available from our Club library and Online. Bonsai Empire offers excellent Online bonsai courses taught by well-known bonsai experts. Eisei-en Bonsai by Bjorn Bjorholm and Bonsai Mirai by Ryan Neil offer courses and tutorials for a fee.

BONSAI MAGAZINES:

In North America, print and digital magazines devoted to bonsai include; Bonsai Focus, BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Magazine, International Bonsai, and ABS Bonsai Journal. These magazines feature the work of the best bonsai artists and bonsai clubs worldwide.

PERMANENT COLLECTIONS:

Fine bonsai collections in North America can be found at the Montreal Botanic Gardens, the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, BC, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Steinhardt Conservatories, National Arboretum in Washington, DC, the Pacific Bonsai Museum, WA and private collections such as Elandan Gardens in Seattle, WA, The Kennett Collection in Kennett, PA, and Mirai Bonsai in Portland, Oregon.

BONSAI CONVENTIONS AND EXHIBITS:

Bonsai conventions and exhibits are everywhere. Whether local, regional, national or international, these conferences and exhibits draw participants and visitors with demonstrations by bonsai masters, specialized workshops, and lectures. International conventions often offer related tours before and after the convention. These are great opportunities to mix a holiday with a bonsai adventure.

The Bonsai Society of Winnipeg can be your gateway into this fascinating bonsai world. We offer ongoing programs, annual exhibits, and bi-annual workshops that feature internationally recognized bonsai artists and teachers. Every February, we host a virtual visit to the garden of a renowned bonsai artist and collector.