International Bonsai Tourism
Bonsai enthusiasts are dedicated to their craft. Wherever they go, they keep an eye out for unusual containers or a plant that can be adapted to their avocation. If you love these delicate miniature trees and shrubs, why not plan your next vacation around a park or destination where others share your enthusiasm?
Australia - Brisbane Botanic Gardens
The Bonsai House in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens displays about 100 plants, some of which are more than 80 years old. Enjoy specimens that include figs, maples, azaleas, camellias, and conifers, all arranged in a clean, airy space next to the Japanese Garden.
Belgium - Gingko Bonsai Center
This delightful center has four gardens, a greenhouse, a tropical area, a starter trees area, and offerings of pots and other materials. The center also offers bonsai education courses and workshops for the gardening public.
Canada - Montreal Botanical Garden
The garden boasts a tree house courtyard with an extensive collection of North American specimens.
Bonsai in Japan Omiya
This is the mecca for bonsai lovers everywhere. The Bonsai Village in Omiya, Japan, houses hundreds of thousands of trees and other plants, scattered among about ten private gardens. The village was established in 1925, two years after a major earthquake. Today there are 16 nurseries in the village, each focusing on a specific theme, like azalea, or natural looks with minimal human touch, or deciduous trees.
Jurong Lake in Singapore
Thousands of specimens can be found on display on two islands in Jurong Lake. Visit both the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden to get the biggest bang for your buck.
Latin America
Bonsai is extremely popular in Latin American countries, particularly in Puerto Rico, the country which will be the host of the 2009 world Bonsai Convention. In addition to the usual courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, the Puerto Rican groups have endeavored to teach the techniques of the art to the disabled.
The popularity of the art is also evident in Mexico, where groups sponsor exhibits, demonstrations, and regular classes to discuss design, pruning, types of plants, containers, and other topics of interest to the bonsai community.
Italy
The art is alive and well in Italy, as evidenced by the annual Crespi Cup of Milan. Among the prizes awarded at the Crespi cup are: best tree judged by naturalness and artistic quality; best coniferous tree; best deciduous tree; best shohin; best suiseki, and best pots.
Be sure to include a bonsai stop on your next international vacation.
