There is no calmer experience than a tranquil stroll through a flourishing Japanese Bonsai House as you sip on a warm cup of tea, listening to the melodic sounds of local birds. While this experience may seem like a distant dream amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, in 2021 this dream will become a reality – no passport required!
In 2021 Brisbane is set to become home to one of the largest bonsai collection in Australia, with the Japanese city of Kobe supporting the Council for an upgrade to Brisbane’s Bonsai House on the 35th anniversary of the Brisbane-Kobe Sister City relationship.
Brisbane’s current Bonsai House, located in the magnificent Mt Coot-Tha Botanical Gardens, is home to more than 50 bonsais. Following the 2021 upgrade of the Bonsai House, the collection is expected to double and feature one of Australia’s oldest trained figs to take the title of Australia’s largest Bonsai House.
“Bonsai growing is a centuries-old art form and our beloved Brisbane Bonsai House has been putting a sub-tropical spin on this tradition by housing a growing collection of native Aussie plants for more than 20 years,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says.
This celebration of our longest Sister City relationship will house some of the country’s most treasured bonsai trees, including some that are nearly 70 years old and are veiled at thousands of dollars. Once complete, this foliage-addled oasis will display up to 100 bonsai plants and house some of Australia’s most impressive, historic plants. Set to begin construction in 2021, the design of the Bonsai House will pay homage to Japanese design, featuring distinct wooden panelling and stone walls, as well as an area for bonsai workshops and teahouse for cultural ceremonies.
“Through our Sister City relationship with Kobe, Brisbane’s ties to Japan continue to strengthen and I thank them for continuing to support our city through this initiative,” Cr Schrinner said.
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