The Bonsai Zentrum Heidelberg is a large bonsai nursery and event center owned and operated by Edis Ziegler. A previous incarnation of the business had closed in 2006 prompting Edis to acquire the property, renovate, and reopen it in 2008. Since then, the operation has grown into a premier destination for bonsai, containers, suiseki, and koi.
Hornbeams
Yew
Juniper
When I arrived at the Zentrum, I couldn’t believe the scope of the operation. There were hundreds – maybe thousands – of trees and containers imported from Japan, Korea, China, and Indonesia in a beautiful garden setting accented by specimen trees.
Yew
Cork oak
Olive
In addition to serving as a bonsai nursery, the Zentrum hosts events like weddings and banquets at which guests can enjoy the bonsai and gardens.
Juniper
Scots pine
Juniper
Needle juniper
Maples
One of the highlights for me was seeing species with which I’m not familiar with as bonsai. One of these was Acacia arabica, aka Vachellia nilotica.
Gum arabic
These massive collected specimens grow quickly and respond well to bonsai training techniques.
Gum arabic
Gum arabic
Gum arabic
If you’re anywhere near Heidelberg, I highly recommend a visit. Learn more about the Bonsai Zentrum Heidelberg.