Benefit from the restorative power of nature with this unique and invigorating wellbeing event. MSDC’s very own Dr. Joseph Gutierrez will lead an in-person walking tour of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and provide his own deep insights about the ancient tradition of bonsai  

Dr. Gutierrez, a long-time bonsai caregiver, will share his deep knowledge of bonsai (which he says has parallels to medicine) and the stories of the trees as he guides you through the collection.  You will hear about the 400-year-old Yamaki Pine, which survived the bombing in Hiroshima; the Imperial Pine, which previously stood outside the Imperial residence in Japan; and numerous other trees in the collections. The tour will include the Japanese Collection, which started with a gift of 53 bonsai from Japan in 1976 commemorating America’s Bicentennial; the North American Collection; and the Chinese Collection.  There is also a possible viewing of the Satsuki azaleas with their unique multi-colored blooms.