The Bonsai Collection At The Japanese Garden is a project in the latter planning stages to create a permanent public bonsai tree exhibit in Fort Worth. An agreement has been signed with the management of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden to place the new exhibit in the west half of the Japanese Garden Courtyard just behind the iconic entrance tower. The exhibit will have an educational format through QR coding presenting the horticulture and care of bonsai trees and the influence of Japanese culture on the art.
“Seek nature’s harmony in bonsai”
THE BONSAI ART
Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) means ‘tree in a tray’ in Japanese. The art form began in China over 3,000 years ago and was taken up by the Japanese who refined the art into what we know today. It takes many years to decades with patient application of bonsai techniques for a tree to develop into a specimen. Bonsai is not just one species of tree, contrary to the general perception of the public. The bonsai art can be applied to a wide variety of species including many Texas native trees which will be emphasized in this exhibit.
The Dream for a Permanent Bonsai Exhibit
The concept for The Bonsai Collection was conceived in 2014 by a few members of the Fort Worth Bonsai Society, established in 1985.
Bonsai trees have been exhibited by the Fort Worth Bonsai Society in the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for more than 25 years during the City-sponsored Japanese Spring and Fall Festivals. These weekend long exhibits continue to be a big hit with the visiting public and we learned a lot about the public perception of the bonsai art.
The thinking of the members just naturally developed into establishing a permanent bonsai exhibit in the Japanese Garden. The management of the Botanic Garden was approached in 2016 and expressed interest in the concept.
Funds were dedicated by the Fort Worth Bonsai Society to purchase a few trees and display materials. A pilot exhibit of 3 trees was started in 2017 and continues today on the east deck of The Treasure Tree Gift Shop on the Japanese Garden grounds. The pilot program has been successful and now the time has come to move to larger quarters.
The Bonsai Collection is Gaining Momentum
A conceptual plan has been designed featuring a 7-tree formal display structure and additional pedestals for 15-18 more bonsai trees, including some large specimens.
In 2023, a 7-person Board of Directors of avid bonsai enthusiasts incorporated in the State of Texas as a non-profit organization. The new corporation is now a separate entity from the Fort Worth Bonsai Society. The Board has hired as Curators for the collection, Howard and Sylvia Smith, a multiple award-winning couple who have been studying and practicing the bonsai art for over 28 years. The Smiths are owners of BonsaiSmiths Bonsai Nursery in north Dallas.
The Bonsai Collection currently owns 39 trees under the development of the Curators and volunteers. The Curators are the only compensated people in the organization. The Board of Directors and Volunteer members donate their time and services.
This symbol is a unique feature of the Japanese culture known as a ‘kamon’, a crest used to indicate family lineage. In more modern times, the kamon has been used to identify a location engaged in traditional crafts such as the bonsai art.
This kamon was designed by Deanna Smith for this bonsai collection and draws inspiration from Japanese traditional art and symbolism. The outside border represents the Circle of Life, in our case symbolizing the harmonious relationship between living bonsai trees and people. Three Cedar Elm leaves with seeds make up the center. The Cedar Elm is a prominent North Texas tree representing long life and this collection’s connection with Texas native trees.
© Copyright 2023 by The Bonsai Collection At The Japanese Garden, Inc.
DONATIONS
Establishment of The Bonsai Collection At The Japanese Garden of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is rapidly progressing. Everyone associated with the project is most appreciative of the generosity of the donors and supporters who have made the planning and construction possible, with completion in mid-2026. Our Capital Campaign has been successful, with sufficient funds having been secured to undertake the entire project through the Grand Opening.
With the completion of this initial phase, management volunteers are now focusing on donations for a Sustaining Campaign with the creation of a dedicated Endowment Fund.
Initially, such an endowment will provide annual financial resources to:
Maintain The Collection trees on a continual basis with the proven expertise of award-winning bonsai Curators.
Provide educational and cultural opportunities.
Host bonsai workshops at the Japanese Garden.
Maintain the grounds and structures in peak condition.
Provide security.
As the Endowment Fund grows, we will further be able to:
Acquire new bonsai specimens.
Host visiting bonsai specimens from other Bonsai Exhibits from around the US.
Sponsor visiting bonsai artists and demonstrations for the public.
Promote The Collection on a State and National level.
The Bonsai Collection is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN 932178263) with all donations and gifts being tax deductible. All donors are recognized on The Bonsai Collection website.
Thanks for considering a donation to The Bonsai Collection.
Only the Curators are paid for their services. All other management are volunteers and receive no compensation. 100% of donations are deposited into the Endowment Fund and are used to advance the enjoyment and education of the bonsai art to the public.
APPRECIATION TO OUR DONORS
King of the Bonsai
Steven Hendricks - TBC Board Member
Komatsu Architecture - Design plans & specifications for TBC construction
Created by the hands of Mother Nature
Colorful star of the deciduous trees
Cynthia Ward
The Bynum Family Trust
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
Popular tropical tree with aerial roots
Fort Worth Bonsai Society
Jackie Paul thru Fort Worth Bonsai Society
William E. Scott Foundation
Japanese for Azalea, meaning the fifth moon when abundant flowers appear
Barbara Baker
Scott Hubble - Metro Maples
Native juniper from North and Central Texas
ITO EN (NORTH AMERICA) - Largest Green Tea Distributor in the US
Hardy deciduous native from North Texas
Rick Blair
Pete Pulis
Native broadleaf evergreen from Central Texas
Japanese Palace Restaurant Fort Worth
Elizabeth and David Martin
Tree or Material Donations
Randy Kinderknecht - 2018, “Fat Daddy” Chinese Elm
Vincent Lee - 10/2023, Parrot’s Beak
Mark Bynum - 1/2024, Triple trunk, Cedar Elm
Howard and Syvia Smith - 5/2024, Raft-style Cedar Elm, Water Elm, Lg. Bonsai pot
Alan Willits - 6/2024, Lg. Juniper
Friends of TBC
Kathy Buckner
Estella Flather - TBC Board Member
John Powell - Initial conceptual plan
Dr. Chris Scholz - Professional photography for initial marketing brochure
Deanna Smith - Artwork and design of Kamon (crest of TBC)
The Newsletter will not be produced on a regular basis, but rather when noteworthy events happen or when important upcoming events are scheduled. An added feature will be a report on one of the bonsai trees in the collection.