The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia at the National Arboretum in Canberra is well worth a visit.
It’s a very serene and peaceful place to walk around and marvel at the ancient trees. We had fun trying to find the oldest tree in there, as well as ones that were the same age or older than us!
It’s worth visiting the Bonsai Collection at different times of year to see the changes in the trees. Whichever time you visit you’ll find it awe-inspiring. There are also some other interesting things to look out for including a special collection of ancient stones, just inside the entry way.
We learnt that Bonsais are miniature trees that have been cared for in special ways to keep them so small, delicate and artistically formed. It’s an ancient artform to design trees in this way.
Penjings have specially curated miniature trees as well as containing other elements like figurines, bridges, rocks to create artistically formed landscapes in a pot.
There’s also a very rare fossil dating back to the Jurassic era! to keep an eye out for further inside the area where the National Bonsai Collection is. This fossil is a 165 million year old petrified tree stump! which is very interesting to look at. It comes from the Wandoan region in Queensland.
The Bonsai trees are of varying styles from traditional to more modern and there are some Australian natives on display including Banksia and Eucalyptus. During Autumn you’ll find some of the Bonsai trees showcasing spectacular colours.
Entry to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection is free. There is a collection point if you wish to donate anything to help with the upkeep of the trees.
I’d recommend making time to visit this astonishing Collection and is a must-see if you are visiting the National Arboretum in Canberra.
