Art of Bonsai Fan Favorites

First Place:  #16 Chinese Elm, Ulmus parvifolia

"A perfect example of the art of bonsai.”

Exhibited by Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the clear favorite among visitors, this Chinese Elm wowed with its intricate trunk, exposed root structure, and carefully layered branches. Guests praised its majestic shape, symmetry, and delicate canopy, with many describing how the tree “spoke to them” the moment they rounded the table.

What made it stand out most was its complexity and sense of age, as well as the harmony between its twisted, intertwined trunk and cloud-like layers of tiny leaves. One guest beautifully shared, “It reminded me of my large family… all of us intertwined.”

Whether admired for its fine pruning, strong nebari (surface root spread), or emotional resonance, this tree captured hearts and exemplified the depth and discipline of bonsai artistry. Age 54 years.

Second Place - #14 Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum

“So lush, so full, so perfect.”

Exhibited by Vince Vitale, with its vibrant foliage, balanced shape, and classic charm, this Japanese Maple won over fans who appreciated both its natural beauty and refined structure. Many were drawn to its thick trunk, majestic canopy, and the way it looked like a miniature version of a full-grown tree.

Visitors repeatedly called it “lush,” “pretty,” and “perfect,” noting its shiny leaves, even growth, and realistic proportions. For maple lovers especially, it stirred a sense of connection and nostalgia: “We have a full version at home—I love this little one just as much.”

This tree’s elegant simplicity and rich presence earned it a well-deserved second place. Age 35 years.

Third Place:  #26 Larch or Tamarak, Larix laricina

“It looks like a magical forest in miniature.”

Exhibited by Mark Underwood, this enchanting forest-style planting of Larch trees captured imaginations and transported visitors into a woodland world. Described as looking like something “off the shore of Lake Michigan” or a scene “straight out of the forest,” the composition’s naturalistic setting, complete with moss, ferns, and cones, was a crowd favorite.

Guests appreciated the balance of the trunks, the ground-level detail, and the way the entire scene told a story. One visitor said, “It would look good with a fairy forest—it looks magical.” Another added, “It made me happy. It looks like a nice place to take a nap.”

Celebrated for its atmosphere, creativity, and immersive beauty, this Larch planting offered more than a tree—it offered a tiny escape into nature. In training for 10 years, approximately age 25 years.

First Place:  #32 Tamarack Forest, Larix larcina

Exhibited by Bill Struhar, visitors continue to be captivated by this stunning bonsai forest year after year.  A proven award-winner, the Tamarack Forest just happens to also be our first-place fan favorite from 2023.  Described as the “perfect forest in miniature,” one cannot help but picture a tiny version of themselves “walking through the woods” encountering the woodland creatures among the moss with the trees evoking a peaceful feeling. This dreamy specimen was said to transport the viewer to far away locations, some specifically citing Olympic National Park in the state of Washington as well as Harwick Pines in Northern Michigan. Age 35 years.

Second Place - #39 Upright Yew, Taxus x hicksii (most likely) 

Exhibited by John Cerovski, this majestic bonsai tree, while crafted from a commonly known shrub, held a strong presence at our bonsai exhibition this year.  A giant in the room, relatively speaking, this striking tree reminds us a single trunk bonsai can also capture the hearts of many observers.  Visitors were impressed by the unusual silhouette, shape and development of this tree along with the rich green color of the foliage and wavy texture of the bark noting how it was both “old and wise,” yet “still so full of life.” In training since 2000, estimated age is 75 years. 

Third Place:  #26 Acacia Grove, Acacia spp.

Exhibited by Ellen Veselenak, visitors let us know there was so much to love about this entry noting how they enjoyed the overall distinctive design of this bonsai along with the balance of the form and shape, unique character of the bark, and movement in relation to the pot.  The giraffe adds a cute touch of whimsy, providing scale and inviting visitors to imagine themselves sitting on the mossy underlayer of the grove.  Side note, Ellen also taught the Intro to Tropical Bonsai workshop offered at the Art of Bonsai in 2023 and 2024.  Connect with Ellen, along with her co-owners and other bonsai enthusiasts, at Green Witch Gardens where bonsai trees, supplies and workshops are offered year-round. Age 25 years.

First Place:  #116 Tamarack Forest, Larix larcina

Third Place:  #114 Shimpaku Juniper, Juniperus sargentii 'Shimpaku'

Exhibited by Larry Benjamin, the unique character of the trunk, along with the greenery of the moss and the foliage, add to the peaceful and seemingly wise nature of this stand making it a fan favorite. Age unknown.