Australian Plants as Bonsai Exhibition 2022

2022 Australian Plants as Bonsai Exhibition

Have you ever wondered whether Australian plants make good bonsai? Well, bonsai artists think they do!

Bonsai artists around Australia have been using Australian plants to create wonderful examples of the art of bonsai for many years.

You may have seen the fabulous examples currently on show at the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia at the National Arboretum Canberra.

Canberra Bonsai Society and the Australian National Botanic Gardens are pleased to present the 2022 Exhibition of Australian Plants as Bonsai, which will be held in the Crosbie Morrison Building, ANBG on 26-27 February 2022.

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 be a display of over 30 bonsai and penjing and related items created by Canberra Bonsai Society members.

This year the theme is Australian Bonsai, a growing art. What does it mean to work in an art medium that requires daily attention, that grows and changes over time that needs horticultural knowledge as well as 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 2:00pm 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 in accordance with ACT Government Covid-19 restrictions in place 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 and Sunday 26-27 February

LOCATION
Crosbie Morrison Building
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross St, Acton, ACT.
Follow the signs from the carpark, Visitor Centre or café.

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

MORE INFORMATION?
Email: apab@cbs.org.au or