Join me and hundreds of bonsai lovers from throughout our country in Kannapolis, NC (a short drive from Charlotte, NC) for one of the most elegant bonsai displays beginning in about three short weeks on December 5-6, 2026. About 70 bonsai formally displayed, mostly in their naked glory so branches and twigs can be appreciated. Unlike evergreen bonsai, it is very difficult to hide flaws with deciduous species because they are all there and visible.
The Bonsai Marketplace will fill two rooms full of bonsai, supplies and more with will be for sale by select vendors. Demos by Tyler Sherrod, Sean Smith, Eli Adkins, Matthew Robinson and me. I’m honored again to be invited to do a demonstration, educational critique and judge the Bonsai Gallery, which is difficult because all the bonsai have been pre-selected.
My lecture and demonstration on Saturday, December 5, 2026 begins at 2pm will be on “literati Bonsai.” After introducing this unique style which has NO particular form, the history and characteristics of Literati Bonsai I’m going to begin the training of a collected Pitch pine. I have been studying this tree in my garden for about four years and have “almost” decided how to design it. Come watch and see what I’m going to do to this poor tree to hopefully improve the form. A few photos of the demo tree are attached so readers and attendees can guess what kind of magic will be used to create a unique bonsai. Feel free to post your opinions for the literati bonsai.
WINTER SILHOUETTE BONSAI EXPO 14
December 5-6, 2026
Free Admission to all programs and live auction
North Carolina Research Center
150 N Research Campus Drive
Kannapolis, NC 28081
