Bonsai exhibit of ornamental trees opens at central Pa. gardens

The ornamental art of bonsai are on display in the Hoop House at Hershey Gardens in the annual "Bonsai: Living Art of the Susquehanna Bonsai Club" exhibit of miniature trees and shrubs.

The Susquehanna Bonsai Club provides the seasonal exhibit to Hershey Gardens in Derry Township.

The exhibit features a variety of uniquely shaped trees, in addition to information on bonsai, what they are and how they are cultivated.

Some of the bonsai include Hinoki cypress, Shimpaku juniper, Chinese privet, Japanese white pine, Ezo spruce, Chinese elm, nia (neea), yew, Scots pine and ponderosa pine.

The word "bonsai" refers to the ancient Japanese art form of growing miniature, ornamentally shaped trees or shrubs in small pots or trays.

A bonsai ornamental tree or shrub grown in a pot and artificially prevented from reaching its normal size. This art form comes from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice, part of which was redeveloped under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

The ultimate goal of growing a bonsai is to create a miniaturized but realistic representation of nature in the form of a tree. Any tree species can be used to grow one.

The display runs through Oct. 12. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including Saturdays and Sundays, and is included in admission to Hershey Gardens.

General admission is $16.50 for visitors ages 13-61, $15.50 for seniors (ages 62 and up), and $12.50 for juniors (ages 3-12); children under age two are free.