513 JAPANESE TREES ON DISPLAY TO BE JUDGED AT MTSU

Ancient Asian Topiary Art to be Demonstrated and Explained

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

(MURFREESBORO) – Lovers of Japanese greenery from several states will compete in the Middle Tennessee Regional Bonsai Show Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30 in Room 322 of the Keathley University Center. The show is co-sponsored by the Nashville Bonsai Society and the Japan-U.S. Program of MTSU.
Bonsai is the centuries-old Asian art of caring for trees and plants through meticulous pruning of roots and stems and restriction of roots
“We hope to have well over 50 trees displayed in the show,” Barbara Walton, president of the Nashville Bonsai Society, said. “Bonsai is ‘living art’ and can be enjoyed by any age group.”
“Unlike ikebana (arranged flowers), bonsai trees have a long life, often more than 100 years, and require not just love but much physical and mental commitment on the part of the grower,” Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito, director of MTSU’s Japan-U.S. Program, said.
Plants will be on display to the general public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Bonsai Master Warren Hill will conduct a demonstration at 2 p.m. The tree will be auctioned off following the demonstration. There will be a complementary dinner for participants at 6:30 p.m. Maps and directions will be provided.
Hill will critique the bonsai on display at 10 a.m. Sunday morning. Awards will be given for Best Club Display, Best in Show, and Viewer's Choice, as well as Honorable Mention ribbons for deserving entries.
From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, the bonsai again will be on display to the general public. A selection of bonsai forests and pre-bonsai stock will be available for purchase both days along with Sara Rayner, Tokoname and Houtoku pots, bonsai tools, akadama, lava rock, soil, wire, other bonsai supplies and accent plants. Admission both days is free. Media welcomed.
To register for the show or for more information, contact Walton at 615-337-4728 or 615-449-6693 or cuchem@charter.net.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA: For photos of beautiful bonsai plants, please contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.