Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

National Arboretum - Bonsai

The National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. established in 1927 is part of the Department of Agriculture and serves as a research and education facility and a living museum.  Housed at the Arboretum is an incredible display of bonsai in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.  Some of these were gifts to the United States from Japan on our bicentennial, gifts to presidents during state visits and donations by collectors and bonsai artists. 

The oldest bonsai that I saw there was this one - almost 500 years old.  I sure wouldn't want to be the caretaker of that and have it die on my watch!



This bonsai scene had to be captured in two photos.


The dish holding it was very shallow and the soil with the roots mounded on it.


The pavilion where these are housed was lush with plantings.



This dish garden was not labeled


neither was this one but there were scattered through out.





It's hard to capture the scale of these trees.  There are three varieties in this arrangement.


Height maybe two feet max.


The Arboretum is free with plenty of parking.

5 comments:

Fun60 said...

They are super examples of Bonsai trees.

sunshine said...

Stunning plants and photos.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

these Bonsai trees are so beautiful. A lot of work has gone into them.

Dawn Y. said...

What a place of quiet, peaceful beauty! I have always admired Bonsai for the lessons they teach us about patience and attention to detail. Truly lovely, Marcia! Have a wonderful holiday weekend! ♡

Tom said...

I visited the National Arboretum years ago, I should return. Tom The Backroads Traveller