Gardens

Bonsai Collection

Bonsai, pronounced “bone sigh,” is a tree in a container. As old as the pyramids, the art of sustaining a tree in a container was propagated by travelers from west to east. The Paris World Exhibition in 1900 opened the world’s eyes up to bonsai. The end of World War II in 1945 led to importing bonsai from Japan into the U.S. From there it has spread to Great Britain and Europe, Greenland to South America, South Africa to Australia. Bonsai is constantly changing and reaching further. It is a symbol of how small the world is really getting.

The art of bonsai design is to shape a tree through various techniques so that it represents, but does not duplicate, trees in nature. An aged effect is desirable, using shape, color and texture in ways that evoke a sense of how such a tree was formed over years of growth in nature. The tree must be healthy, sturdy, and displayed so as to enhance its impact. The pots are likewise selected to proportionately and artistically enhance the tree without taking away from it. Branch and leaf density, size, and location, as well as the trunk proportions, color, size, and texture are shaped to be in harmony with the whole. The use of mass and space and the relative location of the parts is critical.

Bonsai at the Morikami _______________________________________________________

Thanks to the hard work and enormous contribution of time and energy by the Bonsai Societies of Florida, the first Morikami bonsai exhibit opened to the public in 1978. To this day, with the development and refinement of the exhibit at the Morikami, the most comparable exhibits are in Washington, D.C., St. Louis, MO., New York City, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA.

The Morikami is always looking to improve the exhibit from donations, estate distribution, or outright purchase. With over 50 bonsai on exhibit, the quality and quantity of materials continues to improve. Displayed are trees that range in size from 6 to 50 inches, and in age from 5 to 400 years of age. All of the common styles of bonsai design are represented with a great variation of pots and containers.

VIEW THE MORIKAMI BONSAI IMAGE GALLERY

Classes & Volunteers ___________________________________________________________

The Art of Bonsai - Beginner and Intermediate Classes
The art of Bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container; an intermediate course is now available. More info.


Bonsai Exhibit Volunteers
Work in our Bonsai exhibit with other volunteers. Job requires a lot of standing and is outdoors year round. Experience with Bonsai is preferred. This shift is every Friday morning from 8 AM to 12 PM.More info.