The Bonsai and Penjing Collection at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) bonsai and penjing collection is a community collaboration developed through years of donations, volunteer and staff stewardship, and attentive care. The bonsai collection began in 1977 with a gift of core specimens from the estate of Dr. Maurice Seevers. Dr. Seevers was the former director of the University of Michigan Department of Pharmacology and an ardent bonsai lover. Over the years we’ve added more trees to the collection, which now includes more than 40 plants.

We have recently started on the construction of a permanent, dedicated bonsai and penjing garden at Matthaei. The garden will be located behind and west of the Conservatory with an entrance from the existing perennial garden. When completed the garden will be open to the public and will showcase much more of the collection than has been previously possible.

To find out more about our collection, please visit our website!