47th Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Aug 15-17 2025

[Kanorin]

Link
Anyone else going to be there? I'll be there on Saturday.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Our August Exhibition has the longest history, going into its 47th year in 2025. It is one of the largest regional shows in the nation. Centered on the Chicago Botanic Garden's Permanent Collection, featuring over 50 world-class trees, it’s a showplace of trees from across the Midwest and beyond. Enthusiasts from across the country bring their trees to be judged in the main hall at the Garden's Regenstein Center.

August Exhibition — Midwest Bonsai Society

www.midwestbonsai.org

Bump for love - a great show and I know a lot of you will be going. Make sure to post some photos!

 

[shohin_branches]

I'm going to be there on Friday. I'm debating making the drive again Saturday for a class

 

[Kanorin]

I'll plan to wear my "Bonsai Central" shirt and hat. Maybe my BonsaiNut pin if I can find it too. Anyone from this forum, please say hi if you see me!

 

[shohin_branches]

Already filling my cart!
(Some of it is my brother's)

 

[shohin_branches]

I only bought two. Took a lot of restraint

 

[shohin_branches]

Had a great time running around at the show and I definitely need to email one of my club members about making me a shohin stand because he made this one in the show and it is gorgeous!

 

[Orion_metalhead]

View attachment 610287
I only bought two. Took a lot of restraint

Wow. How much were the larger pots up front listed for?

 

[shohin_branches]

Wow. How much were the larger pots up front listed for?

$400-$700 I believe

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Thats actually less than I thought theyd be!

 

[shohin_branches]

Thats actually less than I thought theyd be!

The resale market for her pots is kinda nuts. I have pots I bought directly from her studio that she wasn't completely happy with for $30.

 

[shohin_branches]

Did anyone else go?
Mark Fields' JWP was amazing

 

[Kanorin]

I was there on Saturday. A couple great trees for sure. Jonas posted a few pictures of some of the best trees there on his blog.
Overall I thought the exhibition was down a notch from when I saw it two years ago. Picked up two pots from Sara and two Jittas from Dasu. Still a good trip and a fun time!

 

[chicago1980]

I was there, good times, lots of bonsai. Both tree that won are very good quality. I asked and both have been bonsai 20+ years.