Australian Plants as Bonsai Exhibition 2022

Australian National Botanic Gardens Canberra

  26 - 27 February 2022 

The Canberra Bonsai Society and the ANBG will host the Australia Plants as Bonsai Exhibition at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on 26-27 February.  This year the exhibition will explore the theme of Australian Bonsai, a growing art. The exhibition will highlight the implications of working with living trees to create an artistic display.

The art of miniature trees in pots or trays started in China around 1300 years ago (penjing) and was taken up in Japan around 900 years ago (bonsai).  A bonsai or penjing tells a story of place, culture, and life’s journey. The story comes from the artist, then is left for the viewer to contemplate.

Australian trees as bonsai or penjing tell the story of an oriental tradition, interpreted in an Australian context.

The exhibition will display over 30 bonsai and penjing and related items created by Canberra Bonsai Society members.

Caption: Acacia howittii 2021 Public Choice Award in ”Tokonoma” or display space

This year the theme is Australian Bonsai, a growing art. What does it mean to work in an art medium that requires daily attention, grows and changes over time, and needs horticultural knowledge and an artistic eye? The range of Australian plants displayed as bonsai and penjing has grown in recent years. Interest in using Australian plants as bonsai is also growing amongst bonsai artists and enthusiasts. 

We invite you to visit the exhibition, see the range of possibilities and identify which appeal to you.    

In addition to viewing the bonsai on display, visitors will be able to:

• attend demonstrations at 2:00 pm each day, showcasing the techniques used and considerations needed when training Australian plants as bonsai.
• Vote for their favourite bonsai. The bonsai artist whose tree has the most votes is awarded the Public Choice trophy

Important: this event will be conducted according to ACT Government Covid restrictions at the time, including social distancing. Individual activities or the whole event may be cancelled, if necessary, to comply with those restrictions.  Please monitor this website for any updates on this event.

Exhibition Opening Hours

9:30am – 4:00pm Saturday 26 February

9:30am – 4:00pm Sunday 27 February

Location
Crosbie Morrison Building
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross St, Acton, ACT
Follow the signs from the car park, Visitor Centre or café 

Admission 
Adult   $5.00
Concession   $3.00
Accompanied children under 12 Free

Need more information? 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or
Phone: Linda 0408 286 252