The Japanese Art of Bonsai

2007-04-22 00:00:00 - 2007-04-22 00:00:00

The Japanese Art of Bonsai

At the U.S. National Arboretum

Sun., April 22 (2 Sessions)

The art of growing miniature trees, called penjing, originated in China and was adapted in Japan as bonsai. The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum has developed one of the largest collections in North America. This extensive collection began in the mid 1970s with the priceless gift of 53 classic bonsai specimens, some more than 350 years of age. They were given by the people of Japan to the people of the United States for the 1976 Bicentennial. Walk with popular leader Marion C. Lobstein, associate professor of biology, Northern Virginia Community College, through these wonderful displays as you learn more about this traditional Japanese art.

First Session 10 a.m. to 12 noon; Second Session 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Tour meets at the Administration Building of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Use the 24th & R St., N.E., entrance located off Bladensburg Road.

(For Travel Directions, See: www.usna.usda.gov/information.directions.html )

Tickets: Resident Associates $24; Gen. Admission $32

Minimum age is 14. Both tours are the same; register for only one.

Each tour is limited to 30 participants.