Tour The Stunning Bonsai Display at Smith-Gilbert Gardens

Smith-Gilbert Gardens, a 16-acre botanical garden located in Kennesaw, GA, is home to over 3,000 species of plants, uniques sculptures and the largest bonsai collection in the state of Georgia. The original collection was started by Dr. Robert Gilbert, one of the original founders of the botanical garden, and has grown to over 70 species since the garden open its doors to the public in 2009. In addition to Dr. Gilbert's private collection, many of the trees on display were donated by bonsai enthusiasts and vary in age from 20 years old to several hundred, covering a variety of species and style. Fun fact: The word bonsai literally translates to “planted in a container."

Contrary to popular belief, bonsai trees are not dwarf varieties — they're full-sized trees trained to grow in small containers and artistically manipulated to appear old. Their selected growing styles are representations of their natural environment and they are known to live for centuries if given proper care.

This pond cypress, grown in the flat top style, is the bonsai display's primary focal point. Collected in the Everglades and added to the display over 40 years ago, the tree is estimated to be about 300 years old.

With bonsai, you are telling a story about where the tree comes from in nature and its struggles. This specimen, a false cypress grown in the formal upright style, is approximately 45 years old.