The bonsai collection at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor has been in existence since 1977 when the nucleus of the bonsai collection was presented by Dr. Morton Seever's estate. Dr. Seevers was the former director of the University of Michigan Department of Pharmacology and an ardent bonsai lover. Over the years the collection has added more trees and the collection now includes about 42 specimens.

In 2005 the collection's visibility was upgraded with a full-time display of three trees available for viewing to visitors in the gardens' conservatory. The collection's trees are periodically rotated through the display so that visitors may enjoy the variety of specimens, from tropical to temperate, as well as the seasonal changes in the bonsai including flowering and fruiting. In addition, exceptional invitational trees from the local bonsai groups and visiting bonsai and penjing artists are exhibited in special showings.

To access the bonsai collections web site click here.

I am excited to announce that there are now plans calling for a dedicated bonsai exhibition with 15 - 20 bonsai on display year round in a serene and contemplative bonsai garden. Space adjacent to the garden will be allocated to a working bonsai studio where professionals and volunteers will work on the collection trees in full view of the public. This will be an exceptional educational opportunity for the public to interact with knowledgeable bonsai peronnel and to ask questions about horticulture and bonsai related questions.

It is also planned to make the new exhibit area a center for bonsai excellence and teaching with periodic programs on various bonsai related topics and periodic educational and study seminars. These programs will be available to the public as well as to local, regional and national bonsai organizations.

In order to accomplish these ambitious goals money needs to be raised to finance the construction of the greatly expanded and enhanced exhibit, work and study areas, as well as to provide monies dedicated to the continued long term care of the trees in the collections. Funding will ensure that the collections and trees will have staff dedicated to their health and long-term care.

If you would like to help make this a reality please click here to learn how you can be part of this marvelous garden. Various opportunities are now available to have your name or a loved one's name placed in a postiion of honor as supporting the collections and the knowledge and love of bonsai. I thank you for supporting this effort.

Matching funds provided by U of M and the Matthaei gardens will increase your gift size.

For your enjoyment a selection of trees from the collection is shown below.

Yew, deadwood trunk style

Ficus microcarpa, banyan style, hgt. 27"

Japanese Five needle pine

Carissa grandiflora in the cascade style

Ficus microcarpa, informal upright style

Slant style conifer

Juniper with deadwood trunk

Thanks to Carlos Diaz renowned photographer for the beautiful images as noted above.