This summer, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its precious bonsai collection with grand events, paying homage to this Eastern tradition that combines gardening, art, and patience.
From June 14th to October 19th, the garden will host a series of “Bonsai 100” commemorative activities, including new exhibitions, weekend tours, outdoor art installations, workshops, and even Japanese manga themed around bonsai.
The C.V. Starr Bonsai Gallery within the garden will showcase a rotation of rare pieces, including rarely seen treasures and some of the smallest works; while the outdoor Magnolia Plaza will feature seasonal displays. Highlighted works include a 500-year-old Rocky Mountain juniper, a Daimyo Oak that changes color with the seasons, and a Trident Maple growing tightly against rocks.
In the Greenhouse Gallery, the manga “The Mountain, the Tree, and the Man” created by Japanese-American cartoonist Misako Rocks humorously tells the life story of a bonsai and pays tribute to the legendary bonsai curator Frank Okamura.
Weekend bonsai tours and live demonstrations have been running since June 14th, with the garden offering various programs monthly. Workshops in the fall will allow the public to experience this art firsthand. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the Yellow Magnolia Café in the garden serves Japanese cuisine and will introduce several sake dinners in September that require reservations. The garden’s store, Terrain, also sells bonsai starter kits, planting vessels, and limited edition tote bags featuring original illustrations by Okamura.
Unless otherwise noted, all activities are included with the garden admission ticket, free of charge. Whether you are a bonsai enthusiast or a beginner, this year is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with this miniature art form.