Bonsai show coming May 21 to Fort Walton Beach

The word bonsai is pronounced bone sigh, bon means tray or pot and sai means plant. Bonsai refers to the plant being miniaturized as well as to the technique used.

In today’s article, Lynn Fabian, Okaloosa County Master Gardener and member of the Fort Walton Beach Bonsai Society, shares information on the art of bonsai and invites you to enjoy an upcoming bonsai show.

Evidence of plants in pots goes back several thousand years. About 1,000 years ago, records begin to show that people were turning plants in pots into an art form, and this art form, called bonsai in Japan or penjing in China, became popular across many regions of the Far East.

Today the art of bonsai is practiced worldwide and enjoyed by many people. Trees and shrubs you can find in your own yard are potted, trimmed and cared for to allow the plant to flourish in a pot for many years. This is the art of bonsai. In the Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC, there is a pine tree that is 400 years old.

The Ft. Walton Beach Bonsai Society, Inc., in cooperation with Bonsai Societies of Florida, Inc., presents the 22^nd annual Regional Bonsai Show. The one day show will be held May 21 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at The Meridian at Westwood at 1001 Mar Walt Drive in Ft. Walton Beach, across the corner from Fort Walton beach Medical Center.

Beautiful Bonsai trees of all varieties will be exhibited in a formal display. The public is invited. Come and see this display of miniature trees whose style is based on ancient Chinese and Japanese art and tradition.

There is no admission charge.

Bonsai members will be on hand to share information.

Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@co.okaloosa.fl.us.