The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville is one of the most beautiful natural gardens in America. It is located on 434 acres in the Pisgah National Forest.
It houses a beautiful and fascinating collection of bonsai in the outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden (usually from May to October).
During the cooler months, the bonsai collection can be seen in the greenhouse at the Baker Center.
The Japanese word "bonsai" means "potted tree." Bonsai are living plants, usually trees or shrubs, grown in pots and shaped to develop characteristics found in very old trees.
Bonsai are not genetically dwarf plants.
Bonsai cultivation it is a traditional Japanese art and also a very artistic hobby.
Bonsai cultivation it is a traditional Japanese art and also a very artistic hobby.
Bonsai originated in China over a thousand years ago as the art of growing miniature, ornamental trees or shrubs in small, shallow containers.
Introduced to Japan around 1195, this miniature art of trees became a symbol of prestige, and trees were displayed indoors on special shelves for special occasions.
Japan introduced bonsai to the world at the 1900 World's Fair in Paris. Demand for bonsai soon began to grow, especially in the United States. Capitalizing on this interest, the Japanese opened nurseries to grow and export the trees.
Since the late 20th century, the art of bonsai has changed, and bonsai trees can be seen to reflect the diversity of countries, cultures, and environments in which these trees are displayed.
Introduced to Japan around 1195, this miniature art of trees became a symbol of prestige, and trees were displayed indoors on special shelves for special occasions.
Japan introduced bonsai to the world at the 1900 World's Fair in Paris. Demand for bonsai soon began to grow, especially in the United States. Capitalizing on this interest, the Japanese opened nurseries to grow and export the trees.
Since the late 20th century, the art of bonsai has changed, and bonsai trees can be seen to reflect the diversity of countries, cultures, and environments in which these trees are displayed.
Many of the bonsai in the Arboretum are native to the species and characteristics of the southern Appalachian region.
The exact age of most of the bonsai trees in the Arboretum is unknown. With proper care, a bonsai tree can live for many years, and some even for centuries.
The oldest known bonsai tree is a Ficus retusa Linn in the Crespi Bonsai Museum in Italy, which is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
The benefits of bonsai plants make them a favorite plant all over the world:
Purifies the air. ...
Improves well-being. ...
Reduces stress. ...
Maintains humidity. ...
Stimulates creativity. ...
Develops patience. ...
Adds charm to your home. ...
Strengthens and nurtures self-confidence.
Improves well-being. ...
Reduces stress. ...
Maintains humidity. ...
Stimulates creativity. ...
Develops patience. ...
Adds charm to your home. ...
Strengthens and nurtures self-confidence.
Currently, a significant part of the bonsai collection is located in the Arboretum greenhouse.
North Carolina Arboretum more photos
Information from the exhibition
Bonsai Empire
Wikipedia