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Our Collection of Bonsai and Penjing
History of our collection | Understanding our collection | Care of our collection
History of our collection
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) bonsai and penjing collection is a community collaboration developed through years of donations, volunteer and staff stewardship, and attentive care. Our collection began in 1977 when we accepted Dr. Morton Seever's bonsai collection from his estate. Dr. Seever, former director of the U-M Department of Pharmacology, traveled to Japan and was introduced to bonsai by his Japanese graduate students and colleagues. Through the years we've received additional specimens and pots from Ann Arbor Bonsai Society (AABS) members, University of Michigan alumni, and other generous collectors. Additional trees were started as cuttings within our own greenhouse.
Understanding our collectionOur 42 specimens of bonsai and penjing represent 7 styles. Our collection has very traditional materials, such as the Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora), a range of North American species, such as the Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and exotic non-hardy materials, such as the Benjamin fig (Ficus benjamina). The collection reflects contemporary plant selections and artistic interpretation as well as some iconic traditional materials treated in classic form. Our goal is to develop a high-quality collection focused on the rich diversity present in bonsai and penjing as it evolves in American culture. To this end, we are experimenting with a wide selection of native North American plants, rather than restricting ourselves only to traditional Japanese and Chinese materials. Our collection is currently on display in the temperate house of the Conservatory. Due to space limitations, we exhibit a maximum of three (3) specimens at a time. The specimens are changed each week. Since the hardy materials must spend their winters in dormancy (see Care section below), they are not always available to be displayed. Instead, our non-hardy specimens are featured in the display during the winter months. Thus, no matter when you visit, you will find bonsai and/or penjing on display. View plans for our future outdoor bonsai and penjing garden to be installed at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens location. This exhibit was designed by Eric Bauer, a graduate student in the Landscape Architecture program in the School of Natural Resources & the Environment at the University of Michigan. Construction on this project is expected to begin soon.
Click on a thumbnail image to enter the pictorial gallery of one of our featured specimens: |
 Pinus sylvestris |  Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard' |  Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens |
View all bonsai and penjing at MBGNA
Care of our collectionOur collection consists of thirty five specimens: twenty five cold-hardy specimens and ten indoor tropical and sub-tropical specimens. The cold-hardy plants are placed in an over wintering coldframe during the first week in November. The pots are buried and the coldframes covered with a top that allows snow and rain yet no direct sun to the trees below. In the first week of April they are moved from the coldframe to an outdoor ground holding area at which time a flurry of root pruning and re-potting occurs for designated specimens. By mid-April the trees are placed on benches in a shade house. During the growing season, these plants are refined through pruning and wiring and are regularly fertilized with organic and water soluble inorganic fertilizers. The indoor trees and landscapes are maintained and refined throughout the year in one of our greenhouses. Maintenance and fertilizer for the indoor collection is dependent on the amount of individual tree growth through the year. We have a dedicated and talented group of volunteers, led by a staff member and a bonsai volunteer steward, who meet each week to maintain our collection and set up the Conservatory display area. Our bonsai steward visits regularly through the week. Without their efforts this collection could not exist or be maintained at such a high standard. We at MBGNA are very grateful to all the members of the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society for this volunteer resource and for their continuing support for the expansion of our collection. |
In 1983, the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society became involved with the collection when, by invitation, they evaluated the Seever collection and gave advice for future styling and care.
The AABS has a continuing influence on the collection through its expert advice, dedicated volunteers, and monetary support. Over the years, AABS members have accepted a stewardship role as team leaders: skillfully styling our trees and giving advice on horticultural care.
Under staff supervision and steward guidance, volunteers meet each week to care for our collection and set up our display.
Both internationally and nationally known experts have consulted and worked on our collection including Bruce Baker, Dave DeGroot, Marco Inverness, Colin Lewis, Boon Manakitivipart, Jerry Meislik, Arthur Skolnik, and Jack Wikle.