Members Please Note: 

The September 08 Meeting will take place at the Arboretum - For more information please see the Calendar page.

The Bonsai Tradition

Bonsai, (pronounced BONE-SIGH) is a Japanese word which means a miniaturized tree potted in an appropriate container. Bonsai is a living art form which is an integral part of the Japanese cultural tradition.

Historically, the art of bonsai had its origin in China where trees battered and twisted by winds and burdened by ice and snow in winter were found in the high mountains. Bonsai enthusiasts sought to create specimens using these trees as models for the living art form of bonsai.

The art moved to Japan where initially the ruling class and priests admired these small trees. Rapidly it became popular with all Japanese who have always lived in harmony with their surroundings. No longer confined to the Orient, the art of bonsai appeals to people throughout the world.