Bonsai Garden 20th Anniversary

Bonsai Garden 20th Anniversary

October 25, 2025

The Arboretum’s internationally recognized Bonsai Exhibition Garden will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its opening with a special event at the garden on Saturday, October 25!

The bonsai garden first opened to the public in October of 2005. Bonsai docents will be on hand in the garden to answer questions, and many bonsai will feature autumn color. All through the day a commemorative video presentation will play in the garden pavilion. The presentation will feature images of the garden under construction and as it appeared in its early years, in addition to images of the garden in various stages of seasonal display.

The main feature of the day will be a live bonsai demonstration by Arboretum bonsai curator Arthur Joura, which will take place in the pavilion from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. In the demonstration, Joura will restore a large forest planting of baldcypress trees. This tray landscape was a much beloved part of the Arboretum’s bonsai collection and was displayed for many years in the garden, before misfortune caused it to be put aside five years ago. Now this planting is ready to be reborn and made show-worthy once more. The demonstration program is free, but seating will be limited.

This event is part of Fall for the Arb! Celebrate fall with a series of events and happenings throughout September and October! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with nature programs, education, music, art and more!