Inside the Museum, Museum Curators, NBF News
Brendan Bailes
Spring Arrives with Fresh Blooms and Budding ...
Spring Arrives with Fresh Blooms and Budding Bonsai
Bonsai People, Inside the Museum, Museum Curators, Museum Donors Trees
Brendan Bailes
Introducing Stunning Recent Additions of Bonsai ...
Introducing Stunning Recent Additions of Bonsai and Suiseki
Inside the Museum, Photographing Bonsai
Brendan Bailes
Our Best Bonsai Photos of 2023
Our Best Bonsai Photos of 2023

Vote for Us in Best of DC 2025!

In just two minutes, you can help build our community by voting for bonsai.

Please vote for us and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in the Washington City Paper's Best of DC 2025.

Help more people discover the beauty and serenity of the art of bonsai. Voting is open until June 12 at 5 PM (ET). For more than five years, you've kept us among the top spots in several categories. With your vote this year, we can stay there!

Will you take a moment to vote for us in the following categories?

Write in “National Bonsai & Penjing Museum”:

Best Museum (Non-Smithsonian)

and then…

Write in “National Bonsai Foundation”:

Best Arts & Culture Nonprofit

and then…

Write in “Potomac Bonsai Association Festival”

Best Arts & Culture Festival


We need everyone to vote for bonsai, so please share this with your friends and family too. Simply send them this link: bonsai-nbf.org/blog-archive/bestofdc25

The National Bonsai Foundation helps protect and share the Museum’s trees and viewing stones and promotes the art of bonsai across America – so more people can experience the resilience and tranquility found among bonsai and penjing.

Voting closes on June 12! Thank you for taking the time to honor and promote the National Bonsai Foundation the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, an ever-evolving emblem of intercultural understanding and friendship.

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World Bonsai Day 2025

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A celebration of community, living art, and the spirit of bonsai

What an awesome turnout: We estimate that more than 8,000 people joined the Potomac Bonsai Association Festival and World Bonsai Day!

We were thrilled to support PBA as they hosted yet another incredible annual festival. All weekend long, the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum buzzed with activity, joy, and curiosity. Guests explored the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, watched awe-inspiring bonsai demonstrations, sipped tea in honor of the Yamaki Pine, participated in hands-on workshops, browsed vendors, found their next bonsai project... and celebrated the art of bonsai together.

As Museum Curator Michael James reflected, the scale and spirit of the event was inspiring. "It was amazing to see the Museum honored by the presence of thousands of visitors from all walks of life," he said. "World Bonsai Day gave us a chance to show how deeply this art form connects people across cultures and generations."

L to R: Aaron Stratten, past president of the Potomac Bonsai Association; Ambassador James Zumwalt, Chairman, Japan-America Society; Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, the Ambassador of Japan; Dr. Richard Olsen, Center Director of the U.S. National Arboretum; Michael James, Curator, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum; Ben de Guzman, Director, Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs

This year we celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Yamaki Pine, also known as the Peace Tree, which stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, peace, and friendship. We marked the occasion with a formal tea toast led by Dr. Richard Olsen, Center Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, and Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, the Ambassador of Japan. This meaningful recognition added a moment of elegance and quiet reflection to a busy, joy-filled day. We are grateful for the specialty Japanese tea service provided by local DC shop Teaism.

L to R: Dr. Richard Olsen, Center Director of the U.S. National Arboretum; Le Ann Duling, President, Potomac Bonsai Association; Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, the Ambassador of Japan; Ambassador James Zumwalt, Chairman, Japan-America Society; Michael James, Curator, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum; Ben de Guzman, Director, Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs

Alongside Dr. Olsen and the Ambassador, we were honored to welcome a remarkable group of speakers and special guests whose presence elevated the spirit and significance of the event:

  • Ambassador James Zumwalt, Chairman, Japan-America Society

  • Ben de Guzman, Director, Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs

  • Le Ann Duling, President, Potomac Bonsai Association

  • Aaron Stratten, Immediate Past President, Potomac Bonsai Association

  • Michael James, Curator, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

We are deeply grateful to them for joining us this year to share their thoughtful reflections on the art and practice of bonsai around the world.

Aaron Stratten and expert guest artist Andrew Robson of Rakuyo Bonsai

Guy Guidry of NOLA Bonsai

The weekend featured engaging, expert-led workshops that drew large, enthusiastic crowds. Our special guest artists, Guy Guidry and Andrew Robson, brought decades of experience and a passion for sharing the art of bonsai. Guidry, known for his bold, expressive styling, demonstrated dramatic transformations that captivated onlookers. Robson, a rising leader in American bonsai, focused on naturalistic approaches to deciduous trees, blending tradition with innovation. Attendees learned both foundational skills and advanced techniques, and many walked away with fresh inspiration and new perspectives.

Sandra Moore reads from her book about the Yamaki Pine.

Sandra Moore, author of The Peace Tree from Hiroshima, joined us as well, sharing the story of the Yamaki Pine with families and young visitors. Her engaging presence and thoughtful readings helped connect the history of this remarkable tree to new generations, reinforcing the themes of peace, resilience, and cross-cultural friendship at the heart of World Bonsai Day.

Museum Volunteer and Docent Phillip Merrit

This festival simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated volunteers from PBA, who showed up in full force. Members from Brookside Bonsai Society, Maryland Bonsai Association, Northern Virginia Bonsai Society, and Richmond Bonsai Society helped make the entire weekend run smoothly—with visitor guidance, knowledgeable advice, and hands-on event support.

We also welcomed friends from Baltimore Bonsai Club, the Potomac Viewing Stone Group, and even a full busload of members from the Pennsylvania Bonsai Society, one of the oldest bonsai organizations in the United States. We are so appreciative that they made the trip to celebrate with us! Dan Angelucci and Ross Campbell from the National Bonsai Foundation’s Board of Directors were also in attendance, and we're grateful for their leadership.

A family enjoys World Bonsai Day at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

Le Ann Duling, President of PBA, noted that everyone went above and beyond, highlighting how vital our regional clubs and members are to making this festival possible. "Everyone did more than their jobs," she said. "This was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community—and how much we can accomplish when PBA clubs come together."

Grillmaster BBQ serves visitors at World Bonsai Day.

A heartfelt thank you to the food trucks that kept our guests fueled and smiling throughout the weekend: GrillMaster BBQ, Taco Dirty to Me, DC Slices, Blossom Bakery, and Captain Cookie. Their presence helped make the day deliciously memorable.

Workshop participants at World Bonsai Day

World Bonsai Day reminds us that bonsai is more than an art form—it’s a living tradition that brings people together across generations and cultures. The day was founded in honor of bonsai master Saburo Kato, who taught that bonsai no kokoro, or the spirit of bonsai, is rooted in peace, respect, and shared connection. The PBA Festival showed that this spirit is alive and well.

Thank you to the honored guests, expert artists, dedicated volunteers, helpful partners, and curious visitors who made the weekend so unforgettable! We’re honored to celebrate the beauty, tradition, and future of bonsai with all of you.

Thank you to the volunteers who help the Museum grow

Museum volunteers Akiko, Lori, and Joe.

At the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, every tree needs expert attention—watering, pruning, wiring, and daily care. Much of that work falls to a very small and highly skilled team of staff and curators. They’re joined in this effort by a dedicated group of volunteers who help care for the Museum's collections, offering support rooted in their deep passion for the art of bonsai.

These volunteers assist with a wide range of tasks, from preparing soil and weeding, to helping set up displays, to carefully maintaining the artistic and biological needs of these living artworks. They offer an extra set of hands during routine work and also assist with bigger projects that require more time and effort.

Museum volunteers David, Alex, and Mackenzie.

Museum volunteer Le Ann.

Their tasks vary by season and need: Sometimes it's repotting, styling trees, and organizing tools, and other times it's cleaning workshop areas or helping set up for special exhibits. Many return week after week just to water trees or assist with routine care—small, consistent actions that make a big difference. Whether working directly with the plants or supporting behind-the-scenes efforts, these volunteers provide a reliable presence that the curators count on.

Curator Michael James with Museum volunteer Steve.

One example was a moment when the Imperial Japanese Pine, an illustrious bonsai more than 230 years old, needed to be repotted. Not only a masterpiece work of art, the tree is large and very heavy — so the work had to be done quickly to avoid stressing it. One volunteer spent the entire day with the team outside in the elements lifting, moving, monitoring, and supporting the process until the tree was back in its display area, as if it had never been touched.

Museum volunteer Tom.

That kind of dedication shows up every week at the Museum. Volunteers step in when needed and stay until the job is done. They help the curators focus on what matters most: The precise, daily, and deeply intentional care that keeps each tree alive, evolving, and full of meaning.

To everyone who has ever spent time supporting the Museum: Thank you! Your dedicated efforts and energy help protect, preserve, and promote America's national collections of bonsai and penjing.

Museum volunteers Ryan and Paula.

Volunteers are also essential to the success of events like our World Bonsai Day celebrations during the Potomac Bonsai Association Festival — coming up May 10-12 — where their help makes it possible to welcome guests, host exhibitions and programs, and share the beauty of the art of bonsai with the public.

To see the full schedule, please visit bonsai-nbf.org/wbd2025. And if you see a volunteer while you’re there, say thanks.

 

Volunteers at the Museum
Click on any photo to enlarge. Scroll with arrows.

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Honoring artists who are shaping the future of American bonsai

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Clockwise from top left: Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway; Western Hemlock by Nick Lenz, donated by Mike McCallion; Douglas Fir donated by Bjorn Bjorholm and Richard Le; Horseshoe suiseki from Seiji Morimae and Ronald Maggio; Crepe Myrtle from McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm.

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
RECAP

Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared the stories behind the five remarkable additions to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s collections. These gifts, from visionary bonsai artists and collectors, reflect the vibrant evolution of this traditional art and its expanding scope in North America.

Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway.

Thanks to the generous donors, these bonsai and suiseki continue as a living legacy — one that will inspire, educate, and connect people through the power of natural art.

Douglas Fir collected by Richard Le and cultivated by Bjorn Bjorholm.

These pieces are far more than beautiful additions to the Museum’s renowned Japanese, Chinese, and North American collections. They represent an evolution that honors tradition while propelling the art of bonsai forward.

Crepe Myrtle by McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm.

Each tree tells a story of American creativity rooted in carefully selected native species. The Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, Crepe Myrtle, and Western Hemlock are not only emblematic of North America’s diverse landscapes, but also demonstrate how bonsai in this region is developing its own voice—one that values innovation while continuing to pay homage to its rich history.

The suiseki offers a moment of peaceful contemplation, presenting evocative symbolism of the earth and its waterways that reminds us of our deep connection to the natural world. It also stands as a symbol of connection, friendship, and the enduring bonds between cultures that have preserved and shared this art form across generations.

Western Hemlock by Nick Lenz, donated by Mike McCallion.

In case you missed the full series, here’s a look back at the impressive additions to the Museum in 2024. Click any of the images to enlarge, and click the links below to read the story of each one:

A beautiful Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway, president of the American Bonsai Society;

A striking Douglas Fir, collected by Richard Le and cultivated by Bjorn Bjorholm;

An intricate Crepe Myrtle from McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm;

A majestic Western Hemlock, created by innovative artist Nick Lenz and donated by Mike McCallion;

Horseshoe suiseki donated by the family of Ron Maggio, presented by Sieji Morimae.

And a remarkable Horseshoe suiseki presented by Seiji Morimae on behalf of the family of Ronald Maggio.

In 2024, the Museum focused on North American artists, species, and collectors celebrating the growing influence of American bonsai within a global conversation. These additions remind us that bonsai is not static but constantly evolving, shaped by the hands of dedicated artists, curators, and supporters like you.

Arboretum Director Dr. Richard Olsen, Assistant Curator Andy Bello, Curator Michael James, and artist Dr. Karen Harkaway.

The generosity of donors makes it possible to preserve, care for, and share these living works of art with the world. Every gift supports the Museum’s mission to foster appreciation of bonsai as a cultural and artistic tradition, rooted in nature and alive with possibility.

NBF Board Member Ross Campbell, former PBA president Aaron Stratten, Curator Michael James, artist Bjorn Bjorholm, and NVBS president Roberto Coquis.

The National Bonsai Foundation is proud to help introduce these five remarkable specimens into the permanent collection at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. We extend our deepest gratitude to the artists and donors: Karen Harkaway, Richard Le, Bjorn Bjorholm, McNeal McDonnell, Nick Lenz, Mike McCallion, the family of Ronald Maggio, and Seiji Morimae.

We invite you to come see these new additions in person at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. — and to continue following these stories as they grow.

If you missed our original announcement, you can read the introductory blog.

A Natural Treasure From the Abe River in Japan

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Part 6/6

In 2024, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum welcomed five remarkable new additions—four exquisite bonsai and a striking suiseki. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the artistry, history, and evolving traditions of bonsai. Carefully selected for their cultural significance and artistic merit, these new acquisitions highlight the diversity of bonsai and its growing influence in North America. Join us as we explore the fascinating origins, creative vision, and horticultural mastery behind these latest treasures.

On behalf of Ron Maggio’s family, Seiji Morimae presents the Horseshoe suiseki to Dr. Richard Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, in 2024.

When searching for suiseki, or “waterstones,” beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Like other art forms, these viewing stones are open to interpretation, and every viewer will find their own meaning in each one. But when a special stone is discovered, it’s hard not to be compelled to share its captivating form with the world.

The Horseshoe suiseki, or waterstone, on its Kiribako display.

Viewing stones, which can be appreciated for their likeness to naturally occurring scenes or objects, are often sourced from rivers or beaches where centuries of water movement, tumbling, and erosion shapes and softens their sharp edges.

In 2024, the family of the late Ronald Maggio, a passionate and prolific collector of bonsai and suiseki, donated one such stone to The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

Maggio, who also cared for bonsai, exhibited several suiseki throughout his life, including at the 61st Exhibition of Suiseki Masterpieces, the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, and the 10th Japan Suiseki Exhibition. He was known for hosting suiseki displays and demonstrations and for his meticulous stone records. He liked to exhibit suiseki in the name of his son and grandson, and he could often be found traveling around the world with his wife JoAnn, hunting for the next enchanting suiseki.

Seiji Morimae at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in 2024.

Seiji Morimae — a renowned bonsai and suiseki expert, board member of the Nippon Suiseki Association, and longtime supporter and donor to the Museum — previously owned the stone. Maggio purchased it from his personal collection on a trip to Japan. On behalf of the Maggio family, Seiji presented the stone to the Arboretum’s director, Dr. Richard Olsen, during a recent visit to the Museum in 2024. Peter Warren, an international bonsai professional based outside London and one of the few who has completed a full six-year apprenticeship in Japan under legendary expert Kunio Kobayashi, accompanied the trip and served as translator.

This particular suiseki, nicknamed the “Horseshoe stone”, was formed by natural geologic processes in Japan’s Abe River. The Abe — which is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain scenery, and as the likely birthplace of wasabi cultivation due to its mineral-rich streams — flows near Mount Fuji and the city of Shizuoka on Honshu, Japan’s main island.

A vintage description of the suiseki.

The remarkable viewing stone is displayed atop a Kiribako, a wooden box traditionally carved to protect and present special gifts and goods that also serves as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The two Japanese characters on the box translate as “seisen”, literally “ground water coming out naturally” — otherwise known as a natural spring. Including the Kiribako, which helps to display the stone’s unique formation, the suiseki measures 14.5 cm wide by 12.5 cm deep by 10.4 cm tall.

This Abe River stone, naturally shaped by wind and water over centuries, holds deep spiritual significance. The Horseshoe stone’s “heavenly pond” feature embodies the serenity and spirituality found in Japanese tea ceremonies. Metaphorically, the puddle that collects within it can represent a hole that contains the entire universe.

Museum Curator Michael James, Peter Warren, Seiji Morimae, and U.S. National Arboretum Director Dr. Richard Olsen at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

The stone adds another layer of cultural and artistic depth to the Museum’s collection, offering visitors a unique look at suiseki, a medium closely linked to bonsai and often placed side-by-side with tree displays. Through the dedication and generosity of collectors like Morimae and Maggio, the Museum remains a place where visitors can appreciate the rich heritage of these art forms. In this way, the Museum continues to serve as a cultural bridge between East and West, preserving these ancient traditions for future generations.

The stone now finds a home at the Museum, honoring the legacy of Ron Maggio, who passed away in July 2024. We are deeply grateful to the Maggio family for their kindness and generosity in donating the stone.

Seiji Morimae (center) explains the significance and artistic merit of the Horseshoe stone, alongside Peter Warren (left) and Dr. Richard Olsen (right) at the U.S. National Arboretum.

We send special thanks to Seiji Morimae for facilitating its delivery and for his longtime support of the Museum.

We also recognize Jason Cederberg, member of the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York, for assisting JoAnn and Seiji in transporting the display to its new home; and Peter Warren, who accompanied Seiji to deliver the stone and served as translator during his visit.

Garden Renovations at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Next year marks the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s 50th anniversary! The museum was founded in recognition of the gift of 53 bonsai from the country of Japan to the people of the United States to commemorate our country’s bicentennial. Since then, additional collections have been added, pavilions have been built, and gardens have been planted to create an environment worthy of displaying these and many more national treasures. In preparation for the anniversary, the U.S. National Arboretum’s Public Horticulture and Engagement Unit has begun renovating the museum’s entrance and Japanese Stroll Garden.

Gardens are like bonsai, in that they are always changing and never finished. They both contain microclimates within microclimates. An area that was once in full sun may turn to shade and vice versa. A fifty-year-old focal branch can wither if the crown above isn’t thinned. The Cryptomeria Walk and Stroll Garden have both gone through major changes. Plants have been removed over time due to too much and not enough light.

The garden just inside the Museum’s front gate is known as the Cryptomeria Walk. The intent of its original design was to give visitors the feeling of walking through a forest in preparation for the scaled down versions of nature within. The shady understory was planted with wild-collected specimens from the explorations of past U.S. National Arboretum director John Creech. Many of these were released into the nursery trade as representatives of the Arboretum’s Elite Plant Collection.

A 2025 sketch of the plan for the renovated garden by Museum Curator Michael James.

After selecting and digging up the plants that needed to be saved for the final planting, granite boulders were incorporated into the landscape. Rob Page, of Page Stonework and Landscape, handpicked over 30 of these large stones from New England. Due to the size of the boulders, some of which weighed nearly 5000 lbs., and lack of accessibility for equipment, a crane was utilized for their installation. They have given the gardens an instant feeling of age, with remnants of glacial erratics providing a sense of a geological timescale.

On the hillside directly below the Directors conference room and office, a group of Arboretum staff changed the topography to shape a stoney riverbed that flows through hills evocative of the Blueridge mountains. This effect will be reinforced by future plantings of shrubs that will be shaped into mounds by shearing. Two mounds of soil at the top of the hill will be planted with groves of Virginia Pines that will be pruned with a forced perspective to evoke the feeling of seeing them from a great distance.

The plantings of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials will begin this spring, so the garden will have time to establish a full season of plant material before next year’s 50th anniversary. The garden will continue to evolve, as the training and growth of the plants will have just begun. We are excited to watch the garden’s development for many years to come.

This Western Hemlock Went from a Backyard to a Bonsai Museum

Mike McCallion with his Western Hemlock.

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Part 5/6

In 2024, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum welcomed five remarkable new additions—four exquisite bonsai and a striking suiseki. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the artistry, history, and evolving traditions of bonsai. Carefully selected for their cultural significance and artistic merit, these new acquisitions highlight the diversity of bonsai and its growing influence in North America. Join us as we explore the fascinating origins, creative vision, and horticultural mastery behind these latest treasures.

Among the many influential artists who have left their mark on the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the late Nick Lenz stands out for his bold creativity and unconventional approach. From his eye-catching exhibits to his enthusiastic teachings, Lenz has left an intriguing legacy on the art of bonsai in America.

Mike McCallion and the Western Hemlock.

He is remembered as a prolific New England ceramicist, bonsai artist, and author of Bonsai from the Wild, which described how to use native plant material for bonsai. Most recently arriving at the Museum is Lenz’s Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), native to the Northwestern United States and sporting an informal upright style. Lenz planted the tree in one of his own ceramic containers.

As an informal professor of bonsai, Lenz liked to hold styling and training classes in his yard. Several of his students are known to collect his work. One such pupil is the hemlock’s donor Mike McCallion, a professional engineer and small business owner who became hooked on bonsai when a juniper bonsai Christmas gift in 2000 led him to the Toronto Bonsai Society (TBS).

The Western Hemlock in its original setting.

His very first TBS meeting centered on collecting wild trees, and within a month he was out foraging for pitch pine, Eastern white cedar, and larch with a senior TBS member. Mike met Lenz in 2004, leading to a dozen years of weekends at Lenz’s house with a load of trees to be critiqued and worked on.

Mike served several roles on TBS’s board, from librarian to vice president and eventually as president from 2007-09. Meanwhile, he built on his experience by hosting workshops and bonsai demonstrations. He then served as the founding president of the Bonsai Society at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario.

The Western Hemlock in the North American Pavilion at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

Lenz purportedly delivered the hemlock to Mike directly during a beautiful misty morning in April 2006. He told Mike once that the hemlock originally resided in an “old lady’s garden” and he pestered her until she “let him take it.”

The bonsai last experienced a repotting in 2021, and now lives comfortably in a fine, soilless mix to retain moisture. Aside from the Western hemlock he donated, Mike also owns Lenz’s stunning Eastern larch named “Penelope.” This is just one example of the ways that Lenz’s art and enigmatic nature touched the lives of so many aspiring bonsai students.

We are deeply grateful to Mike for his donation, which brings the vibrancy of Lenz’s legacy to the permanent collection at the Museum. We are honored to share it with you and with all of the visitors who witness the power of this majestic tree.

 

(Click on images to enlarge.)

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Spring Arrives with Fresh Blooms and Budding Bonsai

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Japanese apricot (Prunus mume 'Kobai')

Sunlight glinting off bright, young leaves. The aroma of sweet quince drifting across your path. The ambiance of refreshed, peaceful trees in the courtyard.

No, this is not a dream — it’s just a peek into the sensory experiences that await you at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum this spring.

Kusamono display

The energy of the season always brings lots of activity to the Museum, from new growth and fresh buds to tree placement shuffles and pavilion adjustments. In an interview this week, Museum Curator Michael James shared an inside look at preparing for the surge of warm weather visitors, and he discussed what makes the beauty of bonsai so unique.

The Post-Winter Waltz

Sensitive trees are protected in the greenhouse with controlled temperatures during the frigid months. Meanwhile, the consistently cold weather this past winter has prepared the trees for strong growth this spring. Winters that are peppered with warm and sunny days encourage bonsai and penjing to open up earlier than preferred, Michael said.

“When those leaves emerge under glass or in a protected environment, they’re extra thin, and sensitive to sun and wind,” he said. “If we move the trees out at that point, any slightly harsh weather can easily damage that foliage. This year, the trees have stayed very dormant, so we can move the deciduous trees outside before they sprout.”

Trident maple (Acer buergerianum subsp. forosanum ‘Miyasama’)

Every spring, staff complete a major structural change at the Museum by removing the roof of the Chinese Pavilion, which no longer requires winter protection. But the trees aren’t yet completely in the clear. Museum staff remain on frost watch, in case a cold snap sweeps through and requires them to protect these specimens once again.

“There’s this spring dance in horticulture of watching the weather for that last cold night, that last freeze, and moving sensitive plants back inside for a night or two as needed,” Michael added.

A New Focus

The springtime shuffle also allows staff to intentionally ponder this year’s displays. Michael, alongside Assistant Curator Andy Bello and other Museum staff, build the bonsai, penjing, and stone placements from scratch each year, ensuring the dominant flow of directional branches leads visitors through the enchanting exhibits.

Sargent juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii)

The courtyard display for 2025 showcases native species from the Museum’s collections, aligning with the U.S. National Arboretum’s Lahr Native Plant Symposium, hosted annually in March.

“It’s amazing to see every pedestal in the central courtyards display a native tree this year,” James said. “These species are all relatively new to bonsai, because they weren’t used in the Chinese and Japanese tradition. It really shows how bonsai is global now.”

Though leaf removal, root care, and other maintenance might need different approaches from more traditional bonsai species, Michael and his team have developed their expertise by working with native trees and getting to know their unique characteristics.

Native species also naturally draw pollinators, which facilitates a healthy ecosystem. They are well-adapted to the local environment, making them excellent choices for bonsai cultivation that reflects the natural appeal and resilience of regional landscapes.

Spring Showstoppers

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

As with most gardens or naturally occurring vegetation, the beauty of bonsai flourishes in the spring. Small vegetative buds open up on deciduous trees, while the flowering species flaunt their scents and petals.

Drummonds red maple (Acer rubrum var. drummondii)

Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis)

In the international pavilions, inconspicuous red pearls on maple varieties will unfurl into delicate, star-shaped flowers, while the Japanese apricots boast bright pink blooms. The Chinese quince will display unique flowering, which occurs on bare branches before vegetation sprouts, as well as the cherries. Crab apples and tricolor Higo camellias already have leaves when flowering. Satsuki azaleas will be in full bloom for May visitors – with "satsuki" referring to the "fifth month" in Japanese.

Can’t-Miss Events

Please join us for the Potomac Bonsai Association Festival on the weekend of May 10-11, which coincides with World Bonsai Day on May 10. We will also be celebrating an incredible milestone: The 400th anniversary of the legendary Yamaki Pine. Stay tuned for more about these events in the next few weeks!

World Bonsai Day will include a Beginner Bonsai Workshop (Saturday and Sunday), as well as appearances and workshops from Andrew Robson of Rakuyo Bonsai (Saturday) and John Naka student and contemporary Guy Guidry of NOLA Bonsai (Sunday), who will demo work on his tree in the North American collection.

We hope to see you soon to absorb the beauty of the art of bonsai this spring! Stay tuned for more information on World Bonsai Day and plan your visit here.

 

Click images below to enlarge. Photos by Stephen Voss.

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Queen of the Crepe Myrtles

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RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Part 4/6

In 2024, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum welcomed five remarkable new additions—four exquisite bonsai and a striking suiseki. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the artistry, history, and evolving traditions of bonsai. Carefully selected for their cultural significance and artistic merit, these new acquisitions highlight the diversity of bonsai and its growing influence in North America. Join us as we explore the fascinating origins, creative vision, and horticultural mastery behind these latest treasures.

The magnificent bonsai displayed at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum often hail from unassuming locales across the world. This particular crepe myrtle seemed destined to land back at the U.S. National Arboretum.

In May 1978, the U.S. National Arboretum officially released a cultivar of crepe myrtle called Lagerstroemia indica, or Natchez, that had been specifically bred for its resistance to disease. The seeds were a cross between Asian crepe myrtle genes, impervious to powdery mildew, and U.S. genes that produce the iconic crepe myrtle flowers and mottled bark. They were sent to nurseries all over the United States.

Cliff Pottberg, owner of a Florida nursery called Bonsai at Pasiminan, grew this specimen for more than 35 years, alongside a field of 25 other crepe myrtles. Brussel Martin – founder of Brussel’s Bonsai, the largest nursery in the United States – purchased the tree in 2013 and cared for it for 10 years.

Martin’s nursery manager helped transplant the crepe myrtle from Pasiminan and was told that the tree was either of Natchez or Muskogee cultivar, but this mystery remained unsolved. Although its specific origin had been lost to time, the tree stood out as a quintessential example of a flowering bonsai.

Recognizing the uniquely special characteristics of the tree, McNeal McDonnell – previous co-owner and now sole owner of Brussel’s Bonsai – generously donated it to the Museum. McNeal is a business entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for the art and beauty of bonsai.

In early 2024, the crepe myrtle arrived in Washington, DC. Noted bonsai expert Bjorn Bjorholm, with support from Curator Michael James and Assistant Curator Andy Bello, styled the tree in the Museum’s Yuji Yoshimura Lecture and Demonstration Center. Guided by Bjorholm’s artistic insight while honoring the original vision for the tree, they trimmed, wired, and shaped the crepe myrtle to prepare it for its new home on display among the native species in the North American Pavilion.

Assistant Curator Andy Bello, Curator Michael James, and bonsai artist Bjorn Bjorholm after styling the Queen of the Crepe Myrtles, 2024.

Four months later, the tree finally flowered. This allowed a botanist on staff to determine that this species was none other than Natchez, the very same cultivar that the Arboretum had introduced back in the 1970s – bringing the Lagerstroemia indica full circle, back to its roots.

Curator Michael James said this cultivar demonstrates how a plant’s value can increase both through breeding – ensuring a species is disease resistant, tolerates droughts, produces more ornate flowers, etc. – and through artistic training techniques.

U.S. National Arboretum Director Dr. Richard Olsen admires the crepe myrtle.

“People often don’t make the connection between bonsai and scientific institutions,” Michael said. “But if you’re going to care for a plant that will last longer than your lifetime, it’s important to start by choosing a plant with strong attributes.”

With its glossy, dark green leaves and pure white flowers, this elegant deciduous tree became known as the “queen of crepe myrtle,” a perfect example of how the Arboretum’s and Museum’s missions are intertwined. The species’ mottled cinnamon bark and powdery, mildew-resistant foliage flaunts its long-tapered pure white flowers between June and September.

We look forward to seeing you at the Museum this summer, when you will be able to witness the crepe myrtle’s full bloom.

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An Award-Winning Bonsai Joins the Collections

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Dr. Karen Harkaway with the spectacular Blue Spruce she donated to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Part 3/6

In 2024, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum welcomed five remarkable new additions—four exquisite bonsai and a striking suiseki. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the artistry, history, and evolving traditions of bonsai. Carefully selected for their cultural significance and artistic merit, these new acquisitions highlight the diversity of bonsai and its growing influence in North America. Join us as we explore the fascinating origins, creative vision, and horticultural mastery behind these latest treasures.

If you work in bonsai, chances are you’ve come across a blue spruce. Picea pungens is one of the most common of the 35 species in the Pinaceae family, originating in North America, Northern Europe, and Asia. Hard to miss – but have you ever seen one like this?

In early 2024, Karen Harkaway, a former board member of the National Bonsai Foundation and president of the American Bonsai Society, donated a beautiful blue spruce to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), 2024.

President’s Award 2024, Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies.

Her captivating conifer previously appeared at the 2022 and 2024 Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies' Spring Festivals and the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition in 2023, where it won the North American Award for Finest Native American Bonsai.

In its natural habitat, a blue spruce can grow up to 200 feet, enduring heavy snowfall that forces it to form dark, flakey rough bark – one of its best bonsai attributes. For a bonsai display, that protective covering provides a lovely contrast with the spruce’s vibrant green needles and potential for beautiful deadwood features.

Todd Schlafer, of Denver-based First Branch Bonsai, first collected the specimen in 2016. Two years later, Harkaway purchased the tree from Schlafer’s vendor booth at the 2018 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. 

Harkaway’s spruce then underwent two stylings in 2019 and 2022 with Italian bonsai master Mauro Stemberger. Stemberger published videos on both the original styling and restyling, where you can learn about the importance of shade and moist, acidic soil for the spruce, as well as the duo’s styling choices.

Harkaway explains that the blue spruce had lived in a growing box and sought to regain health in her greenhouse, before its 2021 repotting with bonsai artist and former NBF board member Chase Rosade. The current moon-style container may appear as stoneware, but is actually European artist Erik Krizovensky’s cement creation – custom made to Harkaway’s specifications.

This tree is on display in the North American Pavilion at the Museum during your next visit. Don’t miss this incredible example of American artistry using a native species with a unique flair.

(click images to enlarge)