Australian Plants as Bonsai 2024

Bonsai artists around Australia have been using Australian plants to create wonderful examples of the art of bonsai for many years. The Canberra Bonsai Society and the Australian National Botanic Gardens are pleased to present the 2024 Exhibition of Australian Plants as Bonsai, which will be held in the Crosbie Morrison Building, ANBG on 24-25 February 2024.

The art of miniature trees in pots or trays started in China around 2000 years ago (penjing) and was taken up in Japan around 800years later where it started to be called bonsai about 150 years ago. A bonsai or penjing tells a story of a place, culture, and life’s journey. The story comes from the artist, but is left for the viewer to contemplate. Australian trees as bonsai or penjing tell the story, growing out of an oriental tradition, and interpreted in an Australian context.

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

The theme for 2024 is:

"The Australian landscape in the palm of your hand."

Bonsai is the art of growing small trees in pots. Some are small enough to hold in the palm of your hand. These miniature trees are works of art. The artist is working with a challenging medium that grows and changes with time.

The location of the exhibition at the Australian National Botanic Gardens is a very appropriate setting for Australian bonsai.
We invite you to visit the exhibition and see the range of possibilities. You can attend daily demonstrations at 11 am and 2 pm, showcasing the techniques used, and considerations needed, when training Australian plants as bonsai. You can vote for your favourite tree. The artist whose tree has the most votes is celebrated each year on the People’s Choice trophy.

LOCATION
Crosbie Morrison Building
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross St, Acton, ACT

Follow the signs from the carpark, Visitor Centre or café.

DEMONSTRATION
11.00 am and 2:00pm daily.

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