Variety Reigns In Wimberley

Where tinier is better

Ranchers may not think there's anything arty about mesquite. But the pasture pest is shaped into works of serene beauty at Jade Gardens. This nursery specializes in tiny trees known as bonsai. Owners Chuck and Pat Ware painstakingly create miniature replicas of full-size trees using Central and South Texas plants: Texas ebony, sweet gum, mustang grape, Texas ash. They also work with traditional plants such as pine, maple and bamboo. On display are more than 150 examples.
The art of bonsai is not just keeping the tree small but also in producing a dwarf with the exact proportions of a full-size tree and in selecting an appropriate container for each tree.
Along with single plants, the nursery features elaborate miniature landscapes made from multiple bonsai arranged with rock formations into scenes that mimic nature.

The gardens generally are open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 12404 Ranch Road 12; 512-847-2514.

Technorati TAGS:

bonsai bonsai news bonsai story