Chinn Funn Kwok and his family honor the Museum with a special visit

Today, the National Bonsai Foundation and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum welcomed Chinn Funn Kwok, along with his wife Florence and daughter Daphne, to celebrate his venerated legacy.

In attendance were Museum Curator Michael James and NBF executive director Bobbie Alexander, who presented Mr. Kwok with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the NBF Board, honoring his dedication and significant contributions. James also presented a certificate on behalf of the U.S. National Arboretum, which has housed the Museum since its inception in 1976. Also joining the celebration were esteemed former NBF board members Chuck Croft and Joe Gutierrez, as well as Jack Rubenstein, an active bonsai community member and officer of the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society.

Together, we proudly honored Mr. Kwok for his remarkable dedication and countless contributions to bonsai and penjing. Over his 25-year tenure on the NBF Board, Kwok’s leadership, expertise, and love for the art form have left an indelible impact. His engineering insights were instrumental in the design and construction of the Museum’s Chinese Pavilion, which now houses the treasured penjing collection.

The Pavilion, brought to life by Chinese craftsmen, features traditional wooden gates, decorative tiles, a serene moon gate, garden stones, and an exquisite dragon wall. Each winter, it transforms into a walk-in cold frame to shelter temperate bonsai from harsh weather, a practical feature blended seamlessly into its elegant design. Above the towering red doors, golden Chinese characters welcome visitors, inscribed with a message that Mr. Kwok translated for us: "The Garden for the Study of Ornamental Horticulture." This message captures the Pavilion’s essence—a place of learning and appreciation of nature’s beauty.

The Kwok family’s legacy extends further through a special bonsai stand donated in Mr. Kwok’s honor, handcrafted by David Knittle, a distinguished bonsai display artisan whose work is celebrated in national exhibitions.

NBF and Museum staff are deeply grateful to Mr. Kwok for his generosity, vision, and dedication, which have enriched the Museum and inspired the bonsai community.

Announcing a transition on the Board of Directors

After three years of dedicated service, our Chair of the Board Richard Kahn is transitioning from his role. His contributions over the years have been notable, including leading the board out of the pandemic, helping to initiate a Federal advocacy effort, establishing an annual financial gift to support operational and educational efforts for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and helping to secure a significant gift of suiseki (known as viewing stones or scholars' rocks). We are grateful for his leadership and the impact he has had on our organization and the bonsai community at large.

As we move forward, Dan Angelucci has been appointed as Chair of the Board. Dan has been a passionate board member since 2018, serving as Secretary-Treasurer elect and on the Executive Committee for the past two years. His dedication to bonsai spans nearly four decades, and he is currently a member of the American Bonsai Society and the Pittsburgh Bonsai Society and is a past member of the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society of Michigan.

Dan's love for bonsai is deeply rooted, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to NBF. He is committed to promoting the arts of bonsai, penjing, and suiseki; partnering with the U.S. National Arboretum to support the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum; and working to cultivate recognition of, and appreciation for, the art of bonsai in America. As Chair, he will guide us through an exciting new chapter, helping to ensure that this remarkable living art form continues to inspire and educate future generations.

We look forward to continuing our work together under Dan’s leadership. Please join us in thanking Richard for his service on the board, and in welcoming Dan to his new role!

Dan Angelucci, second from left, helps cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the 8th annual U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, New York.

Curating Bonsai: What I Learned on a Work Study Journey

The National Bonsai Foundation is proud to partner with the U.S. National Arboretum in maintaining the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. In addition to caring for these living masterpieces, we support the museum’s expert curators with ongoing education and professional development, ensuring they stay at the forefront of bonsai artistry. These opportunities allow them to refine their skills, explore the latest techniques, and continue growing as leaders in their field.

In this post, Andy Bello, Assistant Curator (and our 2019 National Bonsai Apprentice), shares insights from a recent experience that helped shape his approach to bonsai care and curation.

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Last winter, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend two weeks in Portland, Oregon, traveling to work and learn with a focus on fall and winter seasonal bonsai techniques. Part of my time was spent at Crataegus Bonsai, owned by bonsai professional Michael Hagedorn. Michael is a well-respected bonsai artist and teacher who apprenticed with Shinji Suzuki in Obuse, Japan from 2003-2006. He serves as the Bonsai Consultant for the Portland Japanese Garden, teaches international students at his garden, and blogs weekly at crataegus.com.

I remember my first time seeing a specific bonsai in person at the Portland Japanese Garden in 2017, my first year practicing the art. Walking to the upper bonsai courtyard, I was greeted by a large mountain hemlock planting growing on a slab. It was so large, in fact, that it was displayed on a small wooden stand on the ground, and the tallest tree stood about six feet tall. This composition was the first of this size and refinement I had seen. Its long, elegant trunks reached up and out towards the sky, with lush green foliage artfully arranged to give windows into the interior of the composition, telling the tree's story. This piece changed everything for me—it solidified my love for bonsai and encouraged me to pursue the art form as more than just a hobby.

Six years later, as the assistant curator at The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, I found myself standing in Michael’s garden on a work trip, pruning my favorite tree. It felt as if my life in bonsai had come full circle. For the time I worked on that tree, I was in pure bliss, and I will never forget that wonderful feeling. But as anyone who practices bonsai knows, there is always more to be done and more trees to work on and care for.

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During my time at Crataegus Bonsai, I studied some of the fascinating compositions Michael has created over the years. Some of the ones that stood out to me were planted at inclined angles or mounted on the side of walls, combining traditional Japanese bonsai with modern, innovative ideas. His garden left a lasting impression on me—it showed that we need not be limited by the container or a particular style we are accustomed to following. There is endless opportunity, and ample room to be playful and enjoy the creative process.

The second half of my time in Portland was spent at Rakuyo Bonsai, owned and operated by Andrew Robson. Andrew is an award-winning deciduous artist in the American bonsai community. He completed a three-year apprenticeship with Michael Hagedorn after graduating from Yale University. Andrew also studied shohin bonsai display with Daisaku Nomoto, an award-winning Japanese shohin master and judge at Gafu-ten. He serves as the President of the Bonsai Society of Portland, the largest bonsai club in the United States, and regularly exhibits work at the Portland Japanese Garden, where he also lectures at the Japanese Arts Learning Center. Andrew hosts the Bonsai Wire Podcast and regularly creates new episodes with other prominent figures in the bonsai community. He resides at his deciduous garden, Rakuyo-en, with his golden retriever Bailey, where he teaches and shares the art of deciduous bonsai.

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The main reason I wanted to work with Andrew was his focus on deciduous bonsai and the quality and size of the specimens in his garden. At The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, I’ve become accustomed to working on larger trees, so I felt right at home at Rakuyo with its variety of well-cared-for material. From trees in the early stages of development to award-winning specimens in refinement, there was something interesting to view, study, and learn from throughout the garden. Inside, sheltered from the cool, constant rain of the Pacific Northwest, we focused on fall and winter cleanup, caring for deadwood, pruning, and styling. We also enjoyed engaging conversations about techniques, the art form, and its future—always with Bailey, the bonsai dog, close by.

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Most of the work we completed was wiring and pruning for shape and structure on a variety of species such as Stewartia, hornbeam, beech, and maples. Late fall and winter are ideal times to do this type of work, as the leaves have fully changed color and fallen, making it much easier to see and apply wire to the branches. After wiring, we placed the trees in front of a clean backdrop to photograph, discuss, and adjust the branch positions.

Working at Rakuyo with Andrew was educational, inspirational, and pure fun. His focus and dedication to teaching, growing, and learning more about deciduous bonsai inspires me to continue cultivating more varieties of trees and expanding my techniques.

I am very grateful and honored to have spent time working with both Michael and Andrew, and I look forward to working on trees with them again in the future. Thank you to The National Bonsai Foundation for supporting my continued education in this timeless art.

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Best Arts & Culture Nonprofit in DC

We are thrilled to announce that the National Bonsai Foundation won Best Arts & Culture Nonprofit in Washington City Paper’s Best of DC Readers’ Poll 2024.

In addition to this incredible honor, The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the U.S. National Arboretum also racked in their fair share of wins as well. See the full list below.

And if you voted, we thank you very much for helping more people discover the beautiful art form of bonsai.

NATIONAL BONSAI FOUNDATION
Best Arts & Culture Nonprofit - Winner

THE NATIONAL BONSAI & PENJING MUSEUM

Best Place to Take an Out-Of-Towner - Winner

Best Place to Meditate - Winner

Best City Escape - Finalist

U.S. NATIONAL ARBORETUM

Best City Escape - Winner

Best Place to Go for a Walk - Runner-Up

Best Place to Meditate - Runner-Up

Best Place to Take an Out-Of-Towner - Finalist

Applications Open: National Bonsai Apprenticeship

Description

The U.S National Arboretum is offering a unique opportunity for an individual to receive advanced bonsai training at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum located in Washington DC. The purpose of this national apprenticeship program is to prepare aspiring horticulturists with the knowledge needed for a career in bonsai collection management. The successful applicant will be involved in the day-to-day care of a storied collection of historic bonsai, some of them in training for hundreds of years; and will receive one-on-one instruction from bonsai museum staff to develop skill in the styling and maintenance of bonsai.

This training opportunity is typically from March through mid-November each year. The position has a 40-hour work week of five days per week and does require weekend work. This apprenticeship is funded with a stipend by the National Bonsai Foundation*. Stipend amount can vary depending on the training period and funding.

This apprenticeship provides the applicant access to one of the largest bonsai collections in the United States, bonsai literature and scholarship, as well as access to a network of professional bonsai practitioners from around the world. Many of our past apprentices are now curating bonsai collections in private and public gardens.

Qualifications
Applicants should have an active interest in the art of bonsai and a basic understanding of plant care. While coursework is not required, candidates that demonstrate commitment to the art of bonsai are desired. Background in horticulture, life sciences, or visual art is a plus.

Duties
The bonsai apprenticeship will prepare individuals for bonsai collection management. As the applicant’s knowledge and abilities develop, and skills are learned and demonstrated, supervised work on the bonsai will be offered. These responsibilities will include seasonal bonsai care such as, repotting, pruning, wiring, de-wiring, and other maintenance as needed throughout the year. The apprentice will assist with educational programs offered to the public by helping to teach classes and bonsai demonstrations.
As an integral part of the U.S. National Arboretum, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum serves over 700,000 visitors each year. Courteous and helpful interaction with visitors is essential. Daily tasks related to museum operations include keeping gardens and bonsai displays clean, opening and closing the museum, weeding, and watering. The applicant will frequently be requested to safely lift and move heavy, but fragile, trees around the museum. Much of the work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions,
including hot, cold, and wet.

The selected apprentice will join other U.S. National Arboretum staff and interns on field trips to public gardens in the Washington, D.C. area. The apprentice will be assigned an independent study project related to bonsai design, developed in collaboration with the Museum Curator. The results of the study project will be presented to staff of the U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai Foundation.

Applications

Applications will be accepted August 12 through September 16 each year. Interviews will be scheduled thereafter with the final candidate selected by the end of October. Please email a cover letter including your personal background in bonsai and your long-term career plan to USNA.Internships@usda.gov. Describe pertinent talents and life experiences that you bring to this position. Also include your resume, references, and transcripts (unofficial are acceptable). If you have any questions, please call the National
Arboretum’s Coordinator at 202-245-4529.

In Memoriam: Larry Ragle

We recognize and celebrate the life of Lawrence “Larry” Ragle, a beloved figure in the bonsai and suiseki communities, who recently left us peacefully at home in Laguna Beach, CA at the age of 91, with his loving wife Nina by his side.

Larry joined the National Bonsai Foundation (NBF) to contribute to the mission of elevating and expanding the value of bonsai on a global scale. As one of the original board members when the organization was founded, Larry was deeply involved in the bonsai community, with constant partnership and support from Nina. His directorship was an important step to honor his teachers, bonsai legends John Naka and Harry Hirao.

While founding NBF and helping grow the organization, Larry also supported the early development and expansion of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, DC. He played a pivotal role in planning events that honored bonsai masters like Naka, Hirao, and George Yamaguchi.

“It has been a delight to see the Museum become a reality and watch all the improvements with so many dedicated volunteers,” Larry once said. “It was an honor to have played a small part, along with the rest of the bonsai community and beyond, to help make NBF the quality organization it has become.”

Nina and Larry Ragle.
Photo credit: usnationalbonsai.com

In June 2023, the Ragle family generously donated a commemorative bench in Larry’s honor, which now sits in the courtyard of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

Felix Laughlin, Chair Emeritus of the National Bonsai Foundation, shared: "I have so many memories of Larry, and Nina as well who was always by his side. We usually chatted via email given their location in California, but they were very active members of the NBF board of directors and came to Washington frequently for meetings at the US National Arboretum. I fondly recall having breakfast meetings with Larry and Nina during their DC visits, in which they filled me in on everything going on in the West Coast bonsai world, and told me about their adventures collecting viewing stones. They were close to bonsai luminary and founding NBF board member Marybel Balendonck, and the three of them were strong and effective advocates for the creation of the John Y. Naka North American Pavilion. The bonsai and viewing stone communities will certainly miss Larry, and he left a lasting legacy in both art forms."

Larry at the 2018 Japan Suiseki Exhibition with his Buffalo stone.
Photo credit: samedge.wordpress.com

Born in Springfield, Missouri in 1932, Larry's family moved to Albany, CA in 1940. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in chemistry and served as a Patrol/Investigator for the City of Berkeley. In 1956, he married Carole Watchers, and they relocated to Costa Mesa, California in 1960, where Larry pursued a career at the Orange County Crime Lab.

It was during this time that he developed a passion for the art of bonsai. He started training his first three bonsai in 1962 – trees that are still alive today and represent vibrant examples of the art form.

Larry married Nina Shire in 1981, and in 1989, he retired as the Director of Forensic Sciences, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner, later writing the book "Crime Scene" in 1995. It was his first book, but not his last. Later, he authored two additional texts on bonsai and suiseki (viewing stones).

Larry deepened his study of bonsai under his sensei and the father of American bonsai, John Naka, in 1966, and later with bonsai master Harry Hirao in 1974. With Harry, he co-founded Kofu Bonsai Kai in 1977. Larry served as president of the Golden State Bonsai Federation, California Bonsai Society, and Kofu Bonsai Kai. Larry, along with others, established the California Shohin Society in 1989. He held memberships in several bonsai organizations, including Nan Pu Bonsai Kai, John Naka’s select club. Along the way, Larry took iconic photographs of many major bonsai figures, especially of Naka and Hirao.

Harry Hirao and Larry Ragle, longtime friends and co-founders of Kofu Kai.
Photo credit: bonsaial.wordpress.com

Larry was an original board member of the National Bonsai Foundation when it was founded in Washington, D.C., and served on its Board of Directors from 1982 until 2020. Jim Hughes, a Chair Emeritus of NBF and former Museum Curator, reflected, "Larry helped establish and maintain a West Coast connection to the National Bonsai Museum and National Bonsai Foundation, ensuring the national scope of both entities."

Larry dedicated himself to promoting the art of bonsai and suiseki on a local, national, and global scale. Together, Larry and Nina founded California Aiseki Kai in 1983, a club focused on suiseki and the traditional values and techniques of Japanese viewing stones. They organized and led many collecting trips for the club in California and surrounding desert areas. Larry and Nina also studied bonsai display with Susumu Sudo in Japan and have displayed some of their masterpiece stones in the Nippon Suiseki Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. Larry was also chairman of the Golden State Bonsai Federation, which established the collection at the Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena.

One of Larry’s suiseki.
Photo credit: bonsainut.com

In 2002, Larry authored text for Awakening the Soul, a book about the national viewing stone collection at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. In a review, Dr. Thomas Elias of the Viewing Stone Association of North America rates the book as “excellent,” and says, “This volume is as pertinent today as it was twenty years ago when it was first published. This book beautifully illustrates and identifies the best examples from this modest but important collection. This is a book to study and learn how to appreciate a great viewing stone.”

Jack Sustic, Chair Emeritus of NBF and former Curator of the museum, reflected, "I've been thinking a lot about Larry, and so much has been said about him and his work for NBF and the art of bonsai. We know his contributions well, such as being a driving force in establishing the viewing stone collection and the Harry Hirao reception room. Personally, he was always kind and friendly, a true gentleman who truly possessed the spirit of bonsai, bonsai-no-kokoro."

Larry was clever, creative, charismatic, and humble. He will be remembered for his charm and wit, perfect timing, and keen skill for public speaking. His legacy in the bonsai community and beyond will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In Memoriam: Warren Hill

Warren Hill at his one-man show at East Tennessee State University in the late 1990s. Trees (from left to right): American Hornbeam, Bald Cypress and Ginkgo Biloba, also known as Chi Chi Ginkgo.

Warren Hill, a renowned figure in the art of bonsai, recently passed away at his home in Tennessee at the age of 85. His life story is one of passion for bonsai, dedication to his family, and a love for nature.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1938, Warren was industrious from a young age. At six, he would shine shoes for soldiers and sailors at the U.S. Navy Yard, and at 16, he painted Walt Disney’s apartment at Disneyland prior to the park’s opening. While Warren was painting, Mr. Disney walked in and surprised him. They started a conversation, and Mr. Disney thanked him for doing a good job.

Following high school, Warren served as a radar technician in the U.S. Air Force. After military service, he pursued a career as an electrical engineer with Westinghouse and later Edison International. Meanwhile, he developed a passion for photography, and throughout his life he would often capture landscapes with family and friends.

Warren served as the curator of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum from 1996 to 2001. He had a deep interest in Japanese culture that developed from an early fascination with the natural world, which he inherited from his parents. His Finnish father and Swedish mother, who had a talent for gardening, instilled in him a love for flora and fauna. This background, along with his college studies in engineering and horticulture, laid the foundation for lifelong bonsai endeavors.

Left: Warren works on a black pine of Jack Fried, a former president of the Midwest Bonsai Society. Right: Warren helps a student at a bonsai workshop work on their Shimpaku Juniper. He traveled around the world to style trees at student workshops. 

A transformative moment happened in his twenties, when Warren walked into an exhibition hosted by the California Bonsai Society in 1960. Although bonsai was not part of his upbringing or education, the exhibition immediately captivated him. “I didn’t know what I was looking at, but I knew it was magnificent,” he said. “I had to learn more about these little trees.” This chance encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong journey that would intertwine his personal and professional paths with the art of bonsai.

His passion quickly evolved from an interest to a vocation. By 1974, he was teaching bonsai, offering lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. He immersed himself in the art and philosophy, studying with masters like Saburo Kato, John Naka, and Frank Nagata. Warren later returned to Moorpark College to study agriculture, and by 1974, he was teaching bonsai through lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. He found striking similarities between his Scandinavian heritage and Japanese culture, especially in their reverence for art and nature.

Left: One of Warren Hill’s Satsuki Azalea in Informal upright-bunjin, propagated by cutting.

Right: One of his trident maples in the yose-ue style, propagated by seed.

In 1996, Warren was appointed Curator for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. “It was an honor to even be asked to be interviewed for the job,” Warren said. “It was a rich position, and I really enjoyed it.” His tenure was marked by fostering relationships with volunteers and nurturing the Museum’s bonsai collections.

Jack Sustic, another former Curator, served as Warren’s assistant. “He was always a teacher and a wealth of knowledge, and I still carry his teachings with me,” he said. “Those teachings helped improve my own bonsai artistry, for which I will always be grateful.”

Warren used his own drawings of different bonsai styles to show students an idea of what the style looks like. This is Chokkan, which has a formal upright trunk. The majestic appearance represents a large, tall tree standing in the mountains or on a vast low-land plain. Usually the tree's outline is in a pyramidal form.

In his position as curator, Warren most appreciated the opportunity to meet and work with the Museum volunteers who help care for the masterpiece collections of bonsai.

“All those nice people loved the art as I did,” he said. “You meet so many talented people like them, and masters like Kato and Naka, who were all special and of exceptional quality. When you know the background of people like them and know how gifted they are, you’re kind of in awe when you’re around them.”

Warren at the California State Convention, holding a workshop for students in Anaheim, California. They are working with olive trees. 

Warren’s personal life also flourished during this time. In 1998, he met Sharon Jeffers Hackett at a Rotary Club meeting in Greeneville, Tennessee. They married in 2000, and after his retirement in 2001, they moved back to Tennessee and established Tree-Haven, a bonsai school that attracted students worldwide. Warren loved teaching, saying, “I like watching the students’ eyes light up when you tell them the answer to a question.”

In recognition of his contributions, the Golden State Bonsai Federation awarded Warren the Circle of Sensei Award in 2013. Throughout his life, he believed that a deep love and passion for nature were essential for success in bonsai. Beyond his teaching, Warren authored numerous articles on bonsai and horticulture, ensuring that his legacy would inspire future generations. He leaves behind a rich heritage of bonsai artistry and a community of students and admirers who continue to honor his work.

Warren is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Dawn and Lisa, grandchildren, step-children, and other family members. His life and work remain a testament to the spirit and philosophy of bonsai, continuing to inspire students and practitioners of the art form.

More on Warren:

Obituary, June 10, 2024

NBF Museum Curators Blog, March 30, 2021

Welcome Isiah White, 2024 National Bonsai Apprentice!

Isiah White, 2024 National Bonsai Apprentice

We are pleased to introduce the 2024 National Bonsai Apprentice, Isiah White! He joins us as we send our best wishes to the 2023 Apprentice, Angelica Ramirez, who is now serving as the Bonsai Assistant at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

Isiah comes to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum after four years of learning at Superfly Bonsai, a local bonsai supplier in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the business had to close, but there was a silver lining: Isiah had the opportunity to apply for the nation’s premiere bonsai apprenticeship, which is funded by the National Bonsai Foundation.

The purpose of the National Bonsai Apprenticeship is to train a new generation of American bonsai artists to ensure the future of the art of bonsai. Each Apprentice in the renowned program receives immersive education with expert curators and caretakers, hands-on experience with America’s national bonsai and penjing collections, and daily opportunities to hone horticultural and artistic talents.

Isiah brings five years of experience to the role. He has grown and maintained a wide variety of live tree stock, managed collections and nurseries, and nurtured hundreds of specimens professionally and personally. “The feeling of seeing plants successfully grow brings me a lot of excitement and joy,” he said.

Studying with renowned bonsai artists has helped to further hone his craft. He has learned from experts such as Chuck Harris, Chase Rosade, and Hugo Zamora. Every artist has a unique approach to this fascinating medium, and which has influenced his philosophy and deepened his understanding of the art form.

Isiah’s bonsai journey began in earnest in 2017, but his interest in art started much earlier.

“I grew up as an artist,” he said. “I was drawing flowers before I knew how to speak properly.” He struggled with learning early in life, but found a creative outlet at the age of 5 when his father gave him his first art set. He continued to draw throughout his school years and attended the Capital Area School of the Arts in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He went on to study biology at Harrisburg Area Community College. His artistic and natural pursuits continue to this day, and they also influence his approach to bonsai.

He discovered his love for plant cultivation after serving in the Army National Guard. During ten years in the military, he dabbled in horticulture as a way to combat depression. When he was discharged, he began to dedicate increasingly more time to his new hobby. He started small, buying a few plants from a home improvement store – and was immediately hooked. After tending to them for several days, he doubled the size of his budding collection, eager to learn how to care for as many new varieties as possible.

“I would sit and study each and every plant.
I would take notes, and spend hours reading and watching videos on the anatomy of plants.”

Over the next two years, he taught himself how to nurture them and keep them thriving. “I would sit and study each and every plant,” he said. “I would take notes, and spend hours reading and watching videos on the anatomy of plants to find out what they like and don’t like, what different colorations meant, and how to treat and prevent ailments.”

Isiah, like many people who grew up in the 1980s and 90s, was first introduced to bonsai through the character Mr. Miyagi in the popular film The Karate Kid. Although he was at first intimidated by the art form, he was intrigued by the challenge of learning it. Realizing that he wanted to be around plant life at all times, Isiah began to pursue a professional career as a nursery manager.

At Superfly Bonsai, he started from the ground up, literally: He began in the soil section of the warehouse, learning about different types of fertilizers, nutrients, and the specific benefits to bonsai trees. Over the next few years, Isiah immersed himself in every aspect of the art, increasing his understanding of tools, pots, and soil, and learning to grow trees from seedlings to live stock to cultivated specimens. He helped to tray thousands of seeds and developed the fledgling nursery into a full-grown bonsai farm.

When the business closed, Isiah was thirsty for more knowledge. He was led to the National Bonsai Apprenticeship by his passion for bonsai and his dedication to digging ever deeper into the art form. Serving alongside the expert curators at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is the ideal way to continue to develop his skills and expertise. It also gives him a meaningful way to overcome depression, find clarity and balance, and focus on his lifelong ambition.

“Bonsai reminds me
of who I am.”

“Bonsai reminds me of who I am,” he said. “It has done so much for me over the last five years, and I am starting to devote my life to the art of bonsai. I am so thankful to the National Bonsai Foundation for making this role possible, and I’m excited to learn from the incredible curators at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.”

As the National Bonsai Apprentice, Isiah will continue his journey of self-discovery and will hone his vision for a life of bonsai caretaking. Aside from tending to his personal collection of hundreds of trees, he wants to start a bonsai farm, build a school for bonsai, and create space for people to pause and find themselves through the art form.

Welcome, Isiah! We are thrilled to have you on the team and look forward to all that you will do for the Museum, the art of bonsai, and our community.

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​​NBF is pleased to provide complete financial support for this Apprenticeship, thanks to our generous donors. Without your help, this premiere national apprenticeship that helps to usher in the next generation of horticulturists wouldn’t be possible. Make a tax-deductible gift today to support the future of bonsai artistry. 

Special Edition World Bonsai Day T-Shirts

The official World Bonsai Day t-shirt is available now for purchase in a variety of colors and shirt types. Grab yours!

To celebrate World Bonsai Day, the National Bonsai Foundation releases limited edition wearable items, adorned with select artwork each year. This year’s design, created by Aaron Stratten of the Potomac Bonsai Association, features a tree lovingly known as “Little Lonely Doug”, a powerful Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) styled by renowned American bonsai artist Bjorn Bjorholm. This tree made its way from the collections at Eisei-en Bonsai Garden in Nashville, TN and was donated in 2024 by Bjorn and Richard Le to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the US National Arboretum in Washington, DC.

Vote for Us in Best of DC 2024!

In two minutes, you can help build our community.

Please vote for us and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in the Washington City Paper's Best of DC 2024!

Help more people discover the beauty and serenity of the art of bonsai. Voting is open until June 10 at midnight (ET). For more than five years, you've kept us among the top spots in the categories below. With your vote this year, we can stay there.

Will you take a moment to vote for us in the following categories?

Best Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
Vote for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Best Place to Meditate
Vote for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Best Museum Off the Mall
Vote for the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Best Arts & Culture Nonprofit
Vote for the National Bonsai Foundation

(Note that you will need to write in the nomination for each ballot.)

Please share this with your friends and family, too. We need everyone to vote for bonsai! Simply share this link:

bonsai-nbf.org/bestofdc24

NBF strives each day to uphold and promote the beauty of the Museum’s trees and viewing stones, and to promote the art of bonsai across the nation – so more people can experience the resilience and tranquility found among bonsai and penjing.

Voting closes on June 10! Thank you for taking the time to honor and promote the Museum and the National Bonsai Foundation, an ever-evolving emblem of intercultural understanding and friendship.