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Dr. Richard Olsen

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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.

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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.

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From Wilderness to Wonder: The Journey of Little Lonely Doug

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Bonsai artist, expert, and donor Bjorn Bjorholm with Little Lonely Doug outside the North American Pavilion at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Part 2/6

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.

In 2016, in the nooks and crannies of the Rocky Mountains in the greater Denver area, Richard Le discovered “Little Lonely Doug”.

Little Lonely Doug, 2024.

The tree – unique in its scale, taper, age, and character – represents one of North America’s oldest and largest conifers, the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). It was named in honor of Vancouver’s iconic, 230-foot “Big Lonely Doug,” the last Douglas fir standing in the Gordon River Valley, after intense and devastating logging deforestation.

Le, who spends time hunting for large yamadori, or “bonsai from the wild”, sells the trees he collects for use as bonsai or ornamental landscape trees. Little Lonely Doug, which was one of Le’s most compelling discoveries, ended up at Eisei-en, the well-known bonsai artist Bjorn Bjorholm’s nursery, garden, and school in Nashville.

Little Lonely Doug was the first tree to arrive at Bjorholm’s nursery upon its opening in 2018. There, the Eisei-en team repotted the fir in a more suitable container. In the spring of 2020, the tree went through another repotting and styling, while it finished out its term as a centerpiece at Eisei-en.

Staff from the U.S. National Arboretum position Little Lonely Doug in the North American Pavilion at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

The fir was one of the last trees to leave the nursery when Bjorholm moved his business to Kyoto, Japan, where as a student he had completed a study abroad program and met his future wife. He also spent 16 years as a bonsai apprentice in Osaka. Marianne Duhamel, Montreal Botanical Garden’s penjing curator, rewired and styled the tree again under Bjorholm’s direction, just before its arrival at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. In March 2024, Le and Bjorholm donated this striking specimen to the Museum.

Staff from the U.S. National Arboretum, including Director Dr. Richard Olsen, Museum Curator Michael James, and Assistant Curator Andy Bello, were on hand to welcome the bonsai to the collections. They were joined by NBF board members Stephen Voss and Ross Campbell, as well as Executive Director Bobbie Alexander.

Left to Right: U.S. National Arboretum Director Dr. Richard Olsen, NBF Board Member Stephen Voss, NBF Board Member and Officer Ross Campbell, bonsai artist, expert, and donor Bjorn Bjorholm, Museum Curator Michael James, Assistant Curator Andy Bello.

Also joining the welcome committee were Aaron Stratten, immediate past President of Potomac Bonsai Association, and Roberto Coquis, President of the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society. Our local clubs do so much to support the art of bonsai, and we are grateful for their presence. Everett Miller, the Diplomatic Associate for the Economic Section of the Embassy of Japan, attended the ceremony as well. We greatly appreciate their partnership and friendship.

Left to Right: Museum Curator Michael James, NBF Board Member and Officer Ross Campbell, immediate past President of Potomac Bonsai Association Aaron Stratten, bonsai artist, expert, and donor Bjorn Bjorholm, President of the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society Roberto Coquis, Assistant Curator Andy Bello.

These esteemed guests helped Little Lonely Doug find its home in the North American Pavilion, where it proudly represents an American species of evergreen conifer with a rugged appearance, hardy resilience, and uniquely “wild” look.

You can see more about the tree’s life and journey to the Museum’s North American Pavilion in Eisei-en’s beautiful tribute.

Little Lonely Doug also found a spotlight as the star of the National Bonsai Foundation’s limited edition World Bonsai Day 2024 clothing line, designed by Aaron Stratten.

The Museum is open daily (see hours), if you want to help Doug feel a little less lonely!

Arboretum Profiles: Dr. Richard Olsen, Arboretum Director

Dr. Richard Olsen

Dr. Richard Olsen

Dr. Richard Olsen didn’t always plan for a career in horticulture, but a lifetime of appreciation of the outdoors and inspiring mentors guided him to where he is today –– director of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Founded in 1927 under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Arboretum is located on 451 acres of land in Northeast Washington, D.C. and contains more than nine miles of roadways. The Arboretum conducts research that benefits both American growers and consumers, and its collections house specimens for scientists to conduct research in fields like botany, horticulture and medicine.

Although he didn’t intentionally set out to help lead the nation’s premier bonsai and penjing collection, Dr. Olsen recalls that his first horticulture book he ever received was about bonsai. He recently sat down with the National Bonsai Foundation to discuss his goals as the Arboretum’s Director and his vision for the future of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. 

Olsen’s ambitious plans for the Arboretum and Museum are backed by a successful career in horticulture and education. He has three degrees in landscape design and horticultural science under his belt. After finishing his doctoral degree at North Carolina State University, Olsen came to work for the Arboretum as a geneticist. In 2010 he headed the Arboretum’s germplasm program, which strives to maximize the plant genetic resource conservation. Following his stint as acting director in 2014, he was officially appointed director of the Arboretum in 2015.

Olsen pollinating x Chitalpa as part of his NCSU doctoral studies.

Olsen pollinating x Chitalpa as part of his NCSU doctoral studies.

“In my life, I spent many weekends outdoors growing up in North Carolina, so I pretty much always had a profound connection with nature,” he said.

Olsen has held leadership roles on the Casey Trees Science and Technology Committee, the Morton Arboretum Center for Tree Science Steering Committee and the J.C. Raulston Arboretum Board of Advisors. He also previously advised the U.S. Department of State and currently contributes to the Interagency Working Group on Scientific Collections, which helps the federal government make informed decisions on science and technology policies.

His relationship with horticulture stems from a deep respect for nature, cultivated in early years through exploring the family garden and his time as a Boy Scout. What began as an appreciation for the artistic beauty of the outdoors eventually sparked a scientific curiosity that Olsen has explored throughout his career.

“Horticulture is really part art, part science, and bonsai is the epitome of that,” he said.

Left: Olsen with high school soccer coach Chuck Hess at 1992 Eagle Scout Ceremony Right: Olsen at his 1997 summer internship at the renowned Heronswood Nursery

Left: Olsen with high school soccer coach Chuck Hess at 1992 Eagle Scout Ceremony
Right: Olsen at his 1997 summer internship at the renowned Heronswood Nursery

Olsen said the influence of positive mentors in his early careers from horticultural icons – like Dan Hinkley, who sponsored Olsen’s internship at Heronswood Garden in Washington State, and the late J.C. Raulston, his former academic advisor – evoked the importance of intergenerational knowledge and nurturing.

“Raulston taught me about the value of connecting people with what you do, and the generosity of giving and acknowledging the greatness of others,” Olsen said.

Olsen has championed sustainability throughout his career, from researching trees that are resistant to climate change and disease to reimagining the future of the Arboretum. Just in the 2017-18 fiscal year, the Arboretum’s budget increased by 17 percent. 

As part of the National Bonsai Foundation’s partnership with the Arboretum, Olsen works with NBF staff to outline goals and initiatives that can support the Museum. 

“If it wasn't for NBF, we wouldn't have the Museum as we know it today,” he said. “But now we have to look to the future.” 

That future includes exclusive program funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on part with its other programs, Olsen said, resulting in more permanent recognition at the federal level for the Museum. 

“It’s baffling that the Museum does not have specific funding to operate,” he said. “If there's one thing that's worthy of its own funding line at the Arboretum, you would expect it's the Museum. So that's where we need partners, like NBF and bonsai lovers from around the world.”

Olsen and Hayato Shimizu, Mayor of Saitama City, at the ceremony confirming the Sister Museum partnership between the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum 

Olsen and Hayato Shimizu, Mayor of Saitama City, at the ceremony confirming the Sister Museum partnership between the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum 

Olsen added that he believes in the power of bonsai to connect the public to the importance of plant life.

“I call bonsai the charismatic micro flora,” he said. “They're sort of this introduction to the world of nature, the importance of plants in our lives, they're front and center. Plant blindness is not a problem when one is contemplating a bonsai specimen in the Museum.” 

Olsen speculated on opportunities to use the Museum to get visitors to connect and engage with wider elements of the Arboretum. In fact, many of the specimens featured at the Museum have full grown counterparts on Arboretum grounds. He strives to properly represent the Museum as worthy of its status as a national collection through having national impact.

 “The Museum provides an opportunity to connect with folks and remind them that plants are important, not only important in our lives, for the economy and agricultural wellbeing, but actually as objects of art,” Olsen said. “They feed the soul.” 

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The National Bonsai Foundation Announces Retirement of Dr. Johann F Klodzen

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Dr. Klodzen to step down after nearly 20 years as Executive Director

Johann Klodzen at the U.S. National Arboretum (2020)

Johann Klodzen at the U.S. National Arboretum (2020)

As of February 1st, 2020, Johann Klodzen will step down from her role as Executive Director of The National Bonsai Foundation (“NBF”). All of NBF’s officers and members of its Board of Directors are sincerely grateful to Johann for her nearly 20 years of service guiding NBF’s work in support of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum (the “USNA”).

During her tenure at NBF, Johann collaborated closely with several Directors of the USNA, most recently Dr. Richard Olsen; supervised NBF’s involvement in numerous projects at the Museum, including the complete rebuilding of The Japanese Pavilion and most recently the development of a master plan for the future renovation of the rest of the Museum; oversaw NBF’s efforts to give NBF and the Museum a significant online presence; oversaw the inauguration and publication of NBF’s Annual Report in 2016, which received several awards for design; and worked tirelessly to give the Museum an increased recognition in the United States and across the world of bonsai enthusiasts. Her passion for and knowledge of the artform was infectious to all of those who had the privilege to work alongside her. Though she is leaving the position, we know Johann will continue to be a part of our bonsai family.

While we conduct a search for a new Executive Director, we are delighted to announce that Bobbie Alexander will step into the role as Interim Director of Administration. Bobbie has served as Chief of Staff and Managing Director of Governance for the American Diabetes Association, as a Senior Administrative Consultant for The Food Allergy Research & Education Association and most recently as Chief of Staff and Operations for the National Health Council. We are confident that during this transition period, we are in very good hands.

Though we begin 2020 on a note of bidding farewell to our esteemed colleague, there is much to look forward to in the new decade ahead. Our next Executive Director will be tasked with the exciting planned renovations of the Museum, overseeing NBF’s efforts to make that project a reality, thereby ensuring the continuation of NBF’s mission of preserving a history, protecting a legacy, and preparing a future.

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HISTORICAL TREE SPOTLIGHT: A Buttonwood From The CIA

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The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum has just declassified its latest tree: a buttonwood, or Conocarpus erectus.

Chelsea Robinson, a spokeswoman for the Central Intelligence Agency, alerted National Bonsai Foundation Executive Director Johann Klodzen that the CIA had obtained a bonsai tree and wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. The tree in the agency’s possession was the buttonwood, which is approximately 150 years old.

But how did such a historic tree end up in the hands of one of the nation’s top security departments?  

The buttonwood was first collected from the Florida Everglades about 30 years ago, changed owners multiple times and ended up in the hands of Bjorn Bjorholm, a bonsai professional. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had asked Bjorholm to purchase trees for them to give as gifts to various recipients, including the buttonwood for the CIA. The UAE presented the tree to the CIA in August, in "recognition of our countries' strong and historic partnership."   

Dr. Richard Olsen, the U.S. National Arboretum's director, immediately accepted the buttonwood from the CIA on behalf of the Museum. Museum curator Michael James and gardener Erin Holden drove to the CIA under strict security to pick up the Museum’s newest addition. 

The buttonwood currently sits in the “growout” area, a place for trees that are not currently on display, until the tree recovers from its travels.

Museum curator Michael James said volunteers placed the tree into partial shade to help the tree adjust from living in a dark office at the CIA for nearly two weeks. James said they regularly watered the buttonwood for about a week and evaluated how quickly the soil dried before the next watering. 

“At that point the foliage condition was good, so we moved the tree into full sun and fertilized it,” he said. “Now the buttonwood is pushing out new growth, but not uniformly over the entire foliage canopy.”

James said volunteers are taking note of the tree’s weak and strong areas and cut off longer shoots to redirect energy to weaker branches. 

“When the strength of the growth is balanced over the canopy, the tree will be wired to shape the canopy in a way that is complementary to the twisted trunk that has lived through a hurricane or two,” he said. 

Gina Haspel, the director of the CIA, sent a letter thanking the Museum for ensuring the tree remained healthy and cared for before its transfer to the Museum.

“While the CIA has many talented officers, we are not skilled in the art of bonsai maintenance, and so we are incredibly grateful that the tree will be preserved in the Museum’s celebrated collection and that it is in such expert hands,” Haspel said.

Read more about this unique acquisition of this tree in this article by Washington Post columnist, John Kelly.