Bonsai Courtyard
Open late April to early November each year, the Bonsai Courtyard at Hidden Lake Gardens displays the bonsai collection. Located just outside the Temperate House of the Conservatory. A gem of quiet and astonishing beauty, this wonderful variety of miniature trees in pots invite the visitor to see the intimate interaction of the natural world with the human hand and artistic imagination.
Gifts from numerous accomplished bonsai artists grow there sustained by ongoing and constant care, showcasing the intersection of art and science. The bonsai collection of Hidden Lake Gardens began in 1968 with the hiring of Jack Wikle. The collection has grown over the years thanks to Jack's personal involvement with the bonsai world and his generous capacity to share his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm with others. To read more about Jack Wikle, his legacy and the bonsai collection, please visit https://jackwiklebonsailegacy.com/.
During the season, the Bonsai Courtyard is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The collection receives special attention every Thursday. Visitors are encouraged to observe the collection and interact with the staff and volunteers as they maintain and train the bonsai trees.
What is Bonsai?
Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) is an ancient art form, originating in Japan, in which a woody plant is grown in a small container in such a way as to suggest a natural landscape dominated by an aged or interesting tree.
Good bonsai design reflects nature. Viewing a well-styled bonsai encourages the viewer to imagine escaping to a faraway scene; to enjoy memories of the unique beauty of a mature tree or group of trees.
From the iconic American Larch to the Japanese Maple and more, visitors at Hidden Lake Gardens can take in the quiet contemplation, peace and serenity that bonsai has to offer at the Bonsai Courtyard.
Jack Wikle and the History of Bonsai at HLG
"Some people compose music. Others write prose or even poetry. Some paint pictures. And, some take photographs. In each instance these are ways of communicating, of reaching out to other people. But, they are also ways of communicating with the individual “self,” one’s inner being. At one level or another, these people can all be considered artists. So, like other artists, the bonsai enthusiast is making his or her personal statement." -Jack Wikle
Jack Wikle was a bonsai enthusiast before he began working at Hidden Lake Gardens in 1968. That same year, he began a modest bonsai selection in the corner of the Temperate House in the Conservatory. Over time, this small collection would grow as a series of passionate bonsai artists donated their collections to the Gardens.
In 1989, Bill Hazelwood, a neighbor and friend of Wikle, donated funds to build the present Lath house and Bonsai Courtyard, which officially opened in 2000.
Because of Jack Wikle's passion for the art of bonsai, visitors at Hidden Lake Gardens can enjoy one of the premier displays of bonsai in the state of Michigan.
