I figured there was a Bonsai community on Daves!
My better half and I just got back from our Washington, D.C. vacation, I went to the National Arboretum, and took several hundred photographs!
I am usually an avid poster on the NE Forum, and post occasionally on the Hosta, and Daylily forums...who would have thunk that though?
Here is a link to all of the collages/pics from the Nat'l Arboretums Bonsai and Peijing displays...
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/882088/
Hi all...
Glad you liked the visit to the arboretum and the bonsai/penjing displays. Did you (and others) know that the arboretum is facing a 66%, 2 million dollar budget cut, which will be devastating if it occurs?
Please consider joining the 'National Bonsai Foundation' http://www.bonsai-nbf.org/site/index.html or the 'Friends of the National Arboretum' http://www.fona.org/ to help support this beautiful national treasure.
Al
I spoke with several of the staff members. The NA did get a $2 mill cut, BUT, after a large letter writing campaign, they ended up getting the funding. This is all from the workers mouths.
I plan on writing to my Congressmen and letting him know how important I feel the Arboretum is! And I would strongly advise everyone to either visit, donate, or to write to their Congressperson, and strongly persuade them to endorse, and campaign for more funding for the Arboretum.
There are some parts of the Arboretum that are no longer mowed, due to higher gas prices. There are some parts that aren't as well tended due to the loss of man power, and man power cut backs. The water bill there must be astronomical, and any money that is cut is going to have a direct impact!
I only have a double city lot, and if I was told that about 1/3 of my budget would be cut, this includes water, fertilizer, wood for raised beds, plant material, seeds, plants, etc, I would be devestated...that is on a double city lot, NOT on over several hundred acres!
Thank you Al for pointing the links out!
It was and will always be an amazing memory for me! I was also informed that they have plant sales in April. I may have to head down there for that! There are some specimens that are extremely garden worthy!
In May of '05, I spent 2 whole days at the arboretum while attending the 5th World Bonsai Convention . One day was an organized tour of the exhibits & some personal time. The second day, I spent wandering the arboretum with the friends I'd traveled there with. It was SUCH a wonderful experience. I'll always treasure the memories & photos. I think that for any that love trees, the arboretum is a 'must see'.
Al