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Dr. Karen Harkaway

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Honoring artists who are shaping the future of American bonsai

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Clockwise from top left: Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway; Western Hemlock by Nick Lenz, donated by Mike McCallion; Douglas Fir donated by Bjorn Bjorholm and Richard Le; Horseshoe suiseki from Seiji Morimae and Ronald Maggio; Crepe Myrtle from McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm.

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
RECAP

Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared the stories behind the five remarkable additions to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s collections. These gifts, from visionary bonsai artists and collectors, reflect the vibrant evolution of this traditional art and its expanding scope in North America.

Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway.

Thanks to the generous donors, these bonsai and suiseki continue as a living legacy — one that will inspire, educate, and connect people through the power of natural art.

Douglas Fir collected by Richard Le and cultivated by Bjorn Bjorholm.

These pieces are far more than beautiful additions to the Museum’s renowned Japanese, Chinese, and North American collections. They represent an evolution that honors tradition while propelling the art of bonsai forward.

Crepe Myrtle by McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm.

Each tree tells a story of American creativity rooted in carefully selected native species. The Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, Crepe Myrtle, and Western Hemlock are not only emblematic of North America’s diverse landscapes, but also demonstrate how bonsai in this region is developing its own voice—one that values innovation while continuing to pay homage to its rich history.

The suiseki offers a moment of peaceful contemplation, presenting evocative symbolism of the earth and its waterways that reminds us of our deep connection to the natural world. It also stands as a symbol of connection, friendship, and the enduring bonds between cultures that have preserved and shared this art form across generations.

Western Hemlock by Nick Lenz, donated by Mike McCallion.

In case you missed the full series, here’s a look back at the impressive additions to the Museum in 2024. Click any of the images to enlarge, and click the links below to read the story of each one:

A beautiful Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway, president of the American Bonsai Society;

A striking Douglas Fir, collected by Richard Le and cultivated by Bjorn Bjorholm;

An intricate Crepe Myrtle from McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm;

A majestic Western Hemlock, created by innovative artist Nick Lenz and donated by Mike McCallion;

Horseshoe suiseki donated by the family of Ron Maggio, presented by Sieji Morimae.

And a remarkable Horseshoe suiseki presented by Seiji Morimae on behalf of the family of Ronald Maggio.

In 2024, the Museum focused on North American artists, species, and collectors celebrating the growing influence of American bonsai within a global conversation. These additions remind us that bonsai is not static but constantly evolving, shaped by the hands of dedicated artists, curators, and supporters like you.

Arboretum Director Dr. Richard Olsen, Assistant Curator Andy Bello, Curator Michael James, and artist Dr. Karen Harkaway.

The generosity of donors makes it possible to preserve, care for, and share these living works of art with the world. Every gift supports the Museum’s mission to foster appreciation of bonsai as a cultural and artistic tradition, rooted in nature and alive with possibility.

NBF Board Member Ross Campbell, former PBA president Aaron Stratten, Curator Michael James, artist Bjorn Bjorholm, and NVBS president Roberto Coquis.

The National Bonsai Foundation is proud to help introduce these five remarkable specimens into the permanent collection at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. We extend our deepest gratitude to the artists and donors: Karen Harkaway, Richard Le, Bjorn Bjorholm, McNeal McDonnell, Nick Lenz, Mike McCallion, the family of Ronald Maggio, and Seiji Morimae.

We invite you to come see these new additions in person at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. — and to continue following these stories as they grow.

If you missed our original announcement, you can read the introductory blog.

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An Award-Winning Bonsai Joins the Collections

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Dr. Karen Harkaway with the spectacular Blue Spruce she donated to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Part 3/6

In 2024, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum welcomed five remarkable new additions—four exquisite bonsai and a striking suiseki. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the artistry, history, and evolving traditions of bonsai. Carefully selected for their cultural significance and artistic merit, these new acquisitions highlight the diversity of bonsai and its growing influence in North America. Join us as we explore the fascinating origins, creative vision, and horticultural mastery behind these latest treasures.

If you work in bonsai, chances are you’ve come across a blue spruce. Picea pungens is one of the most common of the 35 species in the Pinaceae family, originating in North America, Northern Europe, and Asia. Hard to miss – but have you ever seen one like this?

In early 2024, Karen Harkaway, a former board member of the National Bonsai Foundation and president of the American Bonsai Society, donated a beautiful blue spruce to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), 2024.

President’s Award 2024, Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies.

Her captivating conifer previously appeared at the 2022 and 2024 Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies' Spring Festivals and the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition in 2023, where it won the North American Award for Finest Native American Bonsai.

In its natural habitat, a blue spruce can grow up to 200 feet, enduring heavy snowfall that forces it to form dark, flakey rough bark – one of its best bonsai attributes. For a bonsai display, that protective covering provides a lovely contrast with the spruce’s vibrant green needles and potential for beautiful deadwood features.

Todd Schlafer, of Denver-based First Branch Bonsai, first collected the specimen in 2016. Two years later, Harkaway purchased the tree from Schlafer’s vendor booth at the 2018 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. 

Harkaway’s spruce then underwent two stylings in 2019 and 2022 with Italian bonsai master Mauro Stemberger. Stemberger published videos on both the original styling and restyling, where you can learn about the importance of shade and moist, acidic soil for the spruce, as well as the duo’s styling choices.

Harkaway explains that the blue spruce had lived in a growing box and sought to regain health in her greenhouse, before its 2021 repotting with bonsai artist and former NBF board member Chase Rosade. The current moon-style container may appear as stoneware, but is actually European artist Erik Krizovensky’s cement creation – custom made to Harkaway’s specifications.

This tree is on display in the North American Pavilion at the Museum during your next visit. Don’t miss this incredible example of American artistry using a native species with a unique flair.

(click images to enlarge)

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Introducing Stunning Recent Additions of Bonsai and Suiseki

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Clockwise from top left: Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway; Western Hemlock by Nick Lenz, donated by Mike McCallion; Douglas Fir by Bjorn Bjorholm; waterstone “Horseshoe” suiseki from Seiji Morimae and Ronald Maggio; Crepe Myrtle from McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm.

RECENT Donations to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Part 1/6

In 2024, curators at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum were thrilled to welcome four extraordinary bonsai from influential artists along with a striking suiseki, or viewing stone. In the coming weeks, we’ll share a lot more photos and the fascinating stories behind each one!

These additions bring fresh beauty and new depth to the Museum’s already remarkable collections, inspiring joy and wonder for visitors.

Last year’s donations include (click images to enlarge):

A beautiful Blue Spruce by Karen Harkaway, president of the American Bonsai Society;

A striking Douglas Fir, collected by Richard Le and cultivated by Bjorn Bjorholm;

An intricate Crepe Myrtle from McNeal McDonnell, styled by Bjorn Bjorholm;

A majestic Western Hemlock, created by innovative artist Nick Lenz and donated by Mike McCallion;

And a remarkable waterstone suiseki presented by Seiji Morimae on behalf of the family of Ronald Maggio.

The Museum is home to three historically significant bonsai collections—Japanese, Chinese, and North American—preserving them for public education and appreciation. While maintaining these living works of art, curators also seek new acquisitions that reflect the intricate evolution of bonsai. These new pieces enrich the story of the art form, showcasing its diversity, legacy, and evolving global influences.

Last year, curators focused on contributions from North American artists and collectors, highlighting the role of American art and representation of American culture within this ancient art form, which traditionally was shaped by Chinese, Korean, and Japanese artists. This enhances the narrative of bonsai as both an artistic and horticultural tradition rooted deeply in nature. But these are not just any bonsai.

Adding any specimen to the Museum’s collection is a meticulous and intentional process. Curators do not accept trees on a whim; each must hold historical and artistic significance, reflecting how cultures have transformed nature into art across generations. They carefully evaluate every bonsai and viewing stone based on its aesthetic qualities, artistic interpretation, and place in the broader story of bonsai. Whether naturalistic, highly stylized, or a unique blend of both, each new addition contributes to the ongoing evolution of this art form.

Last year’s acquisitions specifically highlight the role of American artists in shaping bonsai’s future. These trees embrace native species rather than adhering strictly to traditional selections, demonstrating both innovation and an American sensibility within this deeply rooted East Asian tradition. Each piece brings a distinctive vision, skillfully showcases the unique beauty of North American flora, and adds a chapter to the ever-growing legacy of this living art form.

The National Bonsai Foundation is proud to help introduce these five remarkable specimens into the permanent collection at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. We extend our deepest gratitude to the artists and generous donors who made these gifts possible: Karen Harkaway, Richard Le, Bjorn Bjorholm, McNeal McDonnell, Nick Lenz, Mike McCallion, the family of Ronald Maggio, and Seiji Morimae.

To see their beauty firsthand, visit the stunning collections at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. The experience will inspire you.

The Bonsai Board: Dr. Karen Harkaway 

Harkaway pruning a deciduous pre-bonsai

Harkaway pruning a deciduous pre-bonsai

The National Bonsai Foundation’s Board of Directors is full of people from different professional backgrounds that find common ground through their love of bonsai. In this episode of The Bonsai Board, you’ll get to know Dr. Karen Harkaway – a talented doctor and bonsai practitioner.

With degrees from Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Harkaway currently practices medical and aesthetic dermatology in New Jersey.

She is the Chief of Dermatology at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington, a fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, serves on the Clinical Advisory Council of ThermiAesthetics and has aided in developing a successful skin-tightening procedure. 

Despite not growing up with a horticulture or tree-oriented background, Harkaway had always been drawn to the exhibits the Pennsylvania Bonsai Society constructed at the Philadelphia Flower Show each year. Intrigued by the bonsai, she bought a mallsai – or a more commercial, less formal “starter” bonsai – while in medical school and reconnected with the art on a deeper level later in life. Harkaway said she has had to study the horticultural aspects of bonsai, but she’s naturally drawn to the artistic element of training and designing trees. 

“I do certainly love plants, but I’ve learned to appreciate trees from my love of bonsai rather than the typical path of loving trees then bonsai,” she said. “It’s such a cool interplay because it’s not just an art, but there’s a living aspect to it.”

Harkaway’s passion within dermatology is largely aesthetic construction, which also requires the fusion of an artistic eye with the biology and scientific knowledge of Botox, fillers and lasers.  

“If you know horticulture, you’ll do a great job of keeping your trees alive, but it’s the addition of creativity that makes a great bonsai,” she said. “You have to be facile with both aspects in my business as well, so it’s fun to have that correlation between my professional life and my hobby.”

Harakaway has honed her bonsai skills with the guidance of prominent artists from around the globe, from Chase Rosade in America to Mauro Stemberger from Italy. She has hosted Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai at her home to lead mini-seminars on the art of bonsai. Harkaway’s award-winning trees have been displayed at the Pennsylvania Flower Show, the Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies’ exhibition and the Second U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition.

Harkawaway’s crape myrtle in full autumn display

Harkawaway’s crape myrtle in full autumn display

She was first introduced to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum through friends like the Rosade family and instantly connected with the compelling story of the Museum’s conception and purpose. 

“The Museum is such an American treasure,” Harkaway said. “People think of it as something that resides in D.C., but it was initiated as and has continued to be such a tremendous gift to all American people that I feel it’s very important that we continue to spread that word and have that inclusivity of understanding and recognizing the importance of these trees in our culture.”

Once hooked into the art of bonsai, she became increasingly involved with some of the biggest bonsai groups in the United States: Harkaway served as president of the American Bonsai Society and on the board Pennsylvania Bonsai Society, and she is actively involved with the Bonsai Society of South Jersey – in addition to serving as a member of the NBF Board of Directors. 

“It’s been great to get to know the people who are involved and the work that’s being done at NBF and the work that needs to be done,” she said. “I became much more aware of the need for the ongoing support for the Museum itself, the physical structure and bonsai in general. The camaraderie you feel as part of the group is a wonderful aspect of being a member of the NBF board.”