The bonsai collection at the Chicago Botanic Garden

While I was in town for the recent Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit, I had the opportunity to visit and learn about the bonsai collection at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Curator Chris Baker and Seasonal Bonsai Assistant Angelica Ramirez led me through a tour of the facility that included the work areas, multiple greenhouses for overwintering trees at different temperatures, and the public display courtyards.

Angelica Ramirez and Chris Baker

Chris is the garden’s first full-time curator. After volunteering for a few years at the U.S. National Arboretum, he was able to secure a six-month apprenticeship at the Daiju-en garden in Japan with Toru Suzuki. Upon his return to the US, Chris received a “First Curators” Internship at the U.S. National Arboretum. These experiences led him to Chicago where he’s served as curator since 2014.

Limber pine

Angelica has also served at both the US National arboretum (as the National Bonsai Apprentice) and at the Chicago Botanic Garden. In addition to working at the Garden, Angelica maintains a database of active ceramicists making bonsai pots (check out her awesome resource “Discover Potters“). She’s also coordinating the American Bonsai Society’s 2025 Bonsai Pottery competition (you can see the finalists on display at this year’s ABS Learning Seminar in Rochester, NY).

Green Island ficus by Angelica Ramirez

As for the collection itself, there are more than 300 specimens representing scores of species from around the world. Early accessions include many bonsai that came from Japan. In recent years, Chris has expanded the collection to include more US native species.

Hinoki cypress

Ponderosa pine

As you can imagine from looking at the image above, the changing light throughout the day makes individual trees worthy of repeat visits. I checked out the trees in the courtyards throughout the weekend and enjoyed the different lighting conditions.

Field elm

Natal plum

Brazilian rain tree

Jade

Shimpaku

If you find yourself in the Chicago area, I highly recommend visiting the bonsai collection. Learn more or plan your visit here.

News & Updates

[Seattle area workshops]

• If you’re in the Seattle area, I’ll be leading workshops on Friday, October 31 and Saturday November 1 at Bonsai Northwest. Friday’s class will focus on trees in early or middle stages of development. Saturday’s session will focus on fall work for black pine bonsai. Learn more and sign up at the Bonsai Northwest website.

[California Convention]

• The 2025 Bonsai Rendezvous will be held on October 24-26 in Santa Nella, California. Here’s the latest: there is still time to register, there are spaces available for several of the workshops, and there are lots of opportunities to volunteer (please consider helping out for a free t-shirt!). Come see presenters Mauro Stemberger and Suthin Sukosolvisit, watch the Rising Stars competition unfold, shop in the vendor area, or enjoy the exhibit. Learn how you can take part at the Rendezvous website.