The Art Of Bonsai

SAN MARINO, Calif. Equal parts horticulture, art form, and philosophy, bonsai has cultivated a passionate following among people of all walks of life. From its ancient origins in China and Japan, the art of creating miniature trees has grown in popularity to become an international hobby reflecting both the diversity of its practitioners and the botanical variety of plants from around the world. Some of today’s best known bonsai masters will be exhibiting their work and demonstrating their techniques at a Bonsai-a-Thon on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. The event is open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days in The Huntington’s Botanical Center.
In addition to viewing displays of masterpiece trees, visitors can watch morning and afternoon demonstrations by bonsai masters Ben Oki, Ted Matson, Denny Roche and others. A pair of morning workshops for children and adult beginners will be offered on Saturday only. (Pre-registration and fees are required for the workshops; call 626-405-2125 to register.) An ongoing “Bonsai Bazaar will feature a wide array of merchandise for sale, from plants, pots, and gardening tools to painted scrolls, and collectibles. Visitors can also make bids on the silent auction throughout the day, enter a benefit drawing for the chance to win bonsai-related prizes, or participate in a live auction of trees, art, and other valuable items at 4 p.m. each afternoon. Proceeds from the event help support the Golden State Bonsai Federation Collection at The Huntington.
Additional examples of bonsai can be seen in the Japanese Garden area. The Bonsai Court, located across the zig-zag bridge, provides an authentic backdrop to showcase nearly two dozen beautiful trees of international merit.