Bonsai is the art of growing trees and plants, kept small by being grown in a pot and by the use of skilled pruning, formed to create an aesthetic shape and the illusion of age. The Chinese art of penjing is very similar to and is the precursor of the Japanese art of bonsai.
Recommended Resources
Bonsai at the National Arboretum
Virtual tour of National Bonsai & Penjing Museum located at the National Arboretum in Washington DC, dedicated to the display, education and scholarly study of bonsai and related art forms. Provides slideshow tours and thumbnail galleries.
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/VirtualTours/BonsaiVirtualTour.html
Bonsai Clubs International is a non-profit educational organization to advance the ancient and living art of bonsai and related arts through the global sharing of knowledge. Includes exhibits, educational information about bonsai basic, a bonsai species guide, membership details and links to permanent exhibits.
http://www.bonsai-bci.com/
A website for those new to the art of bonsai. Includes sections on starting out, a species guide, essential knowledge, tools and equipment, how to display your bonsai and a gallery of the miniature trees.
http://www.bonsai-basics.com
Bonsai seeds & tree seeds is the specialty of Misho bonsai. Bonsai tree seeds in small packet, bulk package or mix package. Tree Seed germination instructions, articles and books. Shipping Worldwide
http://www.mishobonsai.com
Program at the U.S. National Arboretum features a museum to promote the art of bonsai and penjing to visitors through masterpiece displays and educational programs. Includes image galleries and an overview of the collections located in the U.S. and abroad.
http://www.bonsai-nbf.org/
The American Bonsai Society (ABS)
The American Bonsai Society is an organization for North America including Canada and Mexico. The organization publishes a Bonsai Journal, holds conventions for members, and provides a variety of educational and support services to the bonsai community. Includes membership information, book recommendations, a forum, and event information.
http://www.absbonsai.org/
An online journal and community for the examination and exploration of the bonsai art form. Explores the aesthetic and artistic elements of bonsai, including technical composition, presentation and display. Includes a forum and archives.
http://www.artofbonsai.org/
A detailed guide to bonsai as an art, hobby and horticultural practice. Includes the definition of "bonsai". Includes the history of the art form, techniques, photo gallery, monthly surveys, a discussion forum, recommended books and FAQs.
http://www.bonsaisite.com/
Internet Bonsai Club is an international bonsai community. Communication is through email lists, newsgroup, a website and an interactive gallery and forum. Includes a knowledge base with FAQs, articles and essays, "Ask the Doctor", a dictionary, classes, and book reviews.
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/
The Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection
A collection of bonsai at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Provides an illustrated history of this extensive collection, details of the principal type of Hinoki represented, information about its founder and the general care of the trees. Offers a quarterly magazine, Arnoldia, with a search feature for the extensive collection of bonsai related articles. Includes a map of the grounds and an image gallery of the bonsai.
http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/plants/bonsai/intro.html
