Tree Love Is in Flower at Bonsai-a-Thon

The annual Huntington event goes to the root of bonsai care, culture, and fandom.

What to Know

  • Feb. 23 and 24
  • The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
  • General Huntington admission

Talk of snow may be in the air, and freezing rain, and how it is "cold, cold, cold," and not even the so-called "SoCal cold" but really kind of actually cold, in anyone's opinion.

But that doesn't mean that our region's reputation for lush plants and healthy greenery and superb, world-class gardens is on the line. On the contrary, events surrounding the outdoors, and plant life, carry on, even through this cold snap.

Look to The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, over the final weekend of February, for an annual event that summons a truly loyal and creative fandom: Bonsai-a-Thon.

This weekend-long gathering isn't just about admiring gorgeous bonsai trees, a pursuit that can be happily enjoyed all year long at the elegant San Marino gardens.

Rather, Bonsai-a-Thon supercharges our bonsai love through a host of knowledge-growing, enthusiasm-stoking events, including "... exhibits, demonstrations, prize drawings, a 'bonsai bazaar,' and a live auction at 3 p.m. each day."

Those days? Saturday, Feb. 23 and Sunday, Feb. 24.

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Joining in this joyful pursuit of learning about the design, cultivation, and required TLC of these leafy and lovely little trees?

You can, with your paid admission to The Huntington.

As for where the proceeds from Bonsai-a-Thon will go? The Huntington's Golden State Bonsai Collection is the beneficiary, which means that visitors in future weeks, and months, will continue to enjoy the sublime line-up of shrubs on display at the destination.

So, is tending to a bonsai an act of art or nature or both?

Call it a splendid synthesis of the two, a peaceful practice that benefits both the human tending the tree and the tree itself. As well, of course, everyone who views the tree, too.

The bonsai-based gifts do abound.

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