World of Bonsai and Gardening

The Chinese were trading in Singapore as early as the thirteenth century (back when it was still known as Temasek), although once the old port city was sacked and abandoned in the late fourteenth century, the local population dwindled dramatically and few Chinese (if any) would be interested in settling in Singapore, even as they continued to trade in the region.

Large-scale Chinese immigration to Singapore took place only after Sir Stamford Raffles established a trading post in 1819. What is interesting though was that there was already a small community of Chinese living in Singapore before Raffles arrived. According to Singapore: A 700-Year History, they were Teochew farmers who moved from the nearby island of Bintan to Singapore to grow gambier and pepper.

Once the new port was established though, it quickly attracted many Chinese traders in the region, and there were already an estimated 1,159 Chinese in Singapore as early as 1821 out of a total population of 4,727 (according to One Hundred Years of Singapore). It's believed that the first Penjing Bonsai came to Singapore via established trade routes. Some Penjing Bonsai were already on display at some Buddhist temples in Singapore.

Fumie Tokikoshi Asaki Shimada mature japanese moms

One of the key figures in the early development of bonsai in Singapore was Mr. Yee-sun Wu, a renowned bonsai master who migrated to Singapore from China. He played a significant role in popularizing the art of bonsai in the country and helped establish the Singapore Bonsai Society in 1972.

Over the years, the art of bonsai has continued to grow and evolve in Singapore, with many dedicated practitioners and enthusiasts contributing to the local bonsai community. Today, Singapore is known for its vibrant bonsai culture, and there are numerous bonsai clubs, exhibitions, and workshops for both beginners and experienced practitioners to enjoy and learn from.

Late 19th century image of Thian Hock Keng in Singapore

One of the places to admire Bonsai in Singapore is Jia Bonsai. Their address is at 86 Meng Suan Rd, Singapore 779273. They sell authentic Japanese Bonsai made affordable.

Another popular Bonsai artist is Boh Bonsai, in the heart of Singapore at 16 Lengkok Mariam, Singapore 509119, not too far from Tanah Merah. They run Bonsai exhibitions for various occasions in Singapore.

Another popular Bonsai spot is Bonsai Gallery, Bonsai Gallery was founded in 2005 and can let you in all the secrets of this tradition and guide you through making the most suitable purchase. Bonsai Gallery is at 24 Bah Soon Pah Road, Singapore 769968. I have not found any video of Bonsai gallery, but here is the link to their website

There are more than 2000 Bonsai trees imported from China to Singapore and other parts of the world.

The traditional Bonsai artists believe that the purpose of miniature cultivation is to promote the shrinking of human foibles such as greed and self-centered thinking.

Greed and self-centered thinking promote the unthinking destruction of all of nature according to the belief. With the evidence of what is happening in our world, I would echo that belief. When Bonsai branches stretch toward the sky, means that they represent the seeking of a richer thought process of enlightenment. Many of these Bonsai trees in Singapore are over 100 years old. One of the oldest trees is in the Tokyo Imperial Palace collection. It is considered to be a national treasure of Japan. The tree is considered to be at least 500 years old.

Its a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere in Singapore's most exciting Bonsai garden.

The 7-storey Chinese pagoda in Singapore's Jurong Lake Gardens

public park.

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

The Complete Book of Bonsai --> I've been into bonsai for 25 years and this is the basic Bible for beginner and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts. It has an excellent section on techniques, including pruning, wiring and whatnot, and it has a large species-specific tree guide. If you're into bonsai and want only one book, this is it.

Indoor Bonsai The Great Selection --> Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring, and stretching it.

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai --> In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai With American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai but also secret techniques they’ve developed over years of careful work and observation.

Bonsai Survival Manual --> Problem solving when your Bonsai gets sick. Expand your gardening repertoire as you create a captivating and exquisite miniature world. In this introductory guide, Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.

Bonsai and the art of Penjing --> Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace describe how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms people such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples --> With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

The Modern Bonsai Practice --> The most current, useful information on growing Bonsai. Fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners.

The little bonsai

Growing and Caring for Bonsai Trees

Bonsai in Singapore - The History of Bonsai