Best Video of National Collection

[rockm]

Bjorn Bjornholm posted this video of his donation of a big douglas fir to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum a day or so ago. The Potomac Bonsai Association re-posted it as well. It profiles the delivery of the tree to the museum, but it also showcases some of the highlights of the collection. I've not seen anything that compares to it visually or factually. The "tour" of some of the more notable specimens is terrific--as well as some of the behind the scenes stuff--like hearing that the museum also does the bonsai "two step" to protect trees in spring--two stepping over fifty big and even huge bonsai is no small feat.

Give it a listen, there are some tidbits in it that aren't well known, including the upcoming 400 year birthday of the Yamaki pine and the black pine that was given to the U.S. on its 200th birthday (1976) because it was 200 years old at the time of the gift.

 

[rockm]

Bjorn Bjornholm posted this video of his donation of a big douglas fir to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum a day or so ago. The Potomac Bonsai Association re-posted it as well. It profiles the delivery of the tree to the museum, but it also showcases some of the highlights of the collection. I've not seen anything that compares to it visually or factually. The "tour" of some of the more notable specimens is terrific--as well as some of the behind the scenes stuff--like hearing that the museum also does the bonsai "two step" to protect trees in spring--two stepping over fifty big and even huge bonsai is no small feat.

Give it a listen, there are some tidbits in it that aren't well known, including the upcoming 400 year birthday of the Yamaki pine and the black pine that was given to the U.S. on its 200th birthday (1976) because it was 200 years old at the time of the gift.

Interesting that there is also a big crape myrtle at the collection as well from Brussel Martin. HUGE trunk and very nice example.

 

[Gabler]

I just watched that last night before bed. It's a great tour of some of the trees with a more interesting provenance, yet it hardly scratches the surface of what's there. For obvious reasons, it's my favorite museum in the Smithsonian.

 

[dbonsaiw]

Incredible.

P.S. the tree donated by the CIA should be bare rooted and listening devices removed.

 

[Goodbrake]

Incredible.

P.S. the tree donated by the CIA should be bare rooted and listening devices removed.

I want to know where the CIA's garden is. I bet it's got species nobody else even knows exist.

 

[rockm]

I just watched that last night before bed. It's a great tour of some of the trees with a more interesting provenance, yet it hardly scratches the surface of what's there. For obvious reasons, it's my favorite museum in the Smithsonian.

Yep, that vid does only scratch the surface of what is there. Didn't get into the architecture, viewing stones, pots, library, exhibit spaces, events and a lot of things. Ya gotta go see in person to understand.

It is NOT part of the Smithsonian system, though which is a blessing and a curse. It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture,--which supports the National Research Service which supports the National Arboretum. The non-profit 502 (c) (3) National Bonsai Foundation, however is the heart and soul of engine for the museum. The NBF partnered with the Arboretum both provide support for the museum which means it is can be at the mercy of Congressional funding for Ag, as well as the generosity of public donations. However, like the Smithsonian museums, admission is free.

All that makes donations to NBF and the Museum very important. I've donated for a while. If you have the funds, it's worthwhile supporting it (you can also get the yearly report booklet from the NBF and other stuff occasionally).

 

[Gabler]

It is NOT part of the Smithsonian system ...

Huh. Good to know. Maybe I just assumed because it's free? I don't remember where I heard that it was.

 

[rockm]

Huh. Good to know. Maybe I just assumed because it's free? I don't remember where I heard that it was.

You're not alone. Lots of people assume it is part of the Smithsonian, along with the assumption that some make that the National Arb. is run by the Park Service.

Also mistyped the NBF charity designation it 501 (c) (3)

 

[M.B.]

I’ve been away from bonsai for several years. I was surprised to hear Bjorn is moving to Japan. Just wondering why?

 

[RJG2]

I’ve been away from bonsai for several years. I was surprised to hear Bjorn is moving to Japan. Just wondering why?

There's a discussion over here:

The rumors are true. Bjorn is moving back to Japan

The most popular Bonsai Community in the WORLD!

www.bonsainut.com

 

[Deleted member 47471]

Incredible.

P.S. the tree donated by the CIA should be bare rooted and listening devices removed.

And all who take pics are on their terrorist watch list

 

[rockm]

And all who take pics are on their terrorist watch list

That tree is about as Washington-specific as it gets. In a nutshell, It is a piece of "local color." It is connected to Bjorn Bjornholm who helped broker the sale of the tree from a collector who had originally purchased it from Mary Madison. The Emirates bought it from that collector for CIA/ CIA Director Gina Haspel. Gifts to agencies become U.S. property and individual recipients are prohibited from keeping such things. Since this is a living thing and not a medal, or something, the CIA didn't know what to do with it initially. They were making classic beginner mistakes--had it on a windowsill inside the director's office at Langley...Buttonwood do NOT like that.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/the-case-of-the-cias-bonsai-being-the-true-story-of-a-big-gift-of-a-little-tree/2019/10/01/24e536c0-e461-11e9-a6e8-8759c5c7f608_story.html