A celebration of winter’s flowering beauty, from the miniature to the majestic
January 9–March 22, 2026
Step into a wonderland of blooming miniature trees to marvel at the living art of bonsai and the season’s first flowers. Then stroll through our Asian Woodland to admire majestic magnolias, cherries, and camellias in bloom, or join a tour or program to explore this timeless craft.
This year’s all-new presentation by the skilled artisans of the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS) highlights the grace and vitality of flowering bonsai—trees and shrubs trained to bloom in exquisite proportion to their diminutive scale. Delicate plum, azalea, camellia, cherry, and apricot bonsai take center stage, their blossoms appearing just as winter begins to yield to spring. These early bloomers symbolize hope and renewal—reminding us that beauty and resilience can emerge even in the coldest months.
The exhibition also draws inspiration from hanami, the centuries-old Japanese tradition of celebrating the fleeting beauty of blossoms. The Garden invites visitors to participate in this art of flower appreciation through Hanami Strolls—guided walks through the Garden’s Asian woodland where early-blooming magnolias, cherries, and camellias offer their own ephemeral display.
In partnership with:
With support from:
Public Programs
REBS Docent Schedule
Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a knowledgeable docent from REBS will be available to engage with Garden guests, answer questions, and share insights about bonsai.
Winter Guided Meditation Hike
Take a centering journey through the Garden’s peaceful winter landscape where stillness, mindfulness, and gentle movement come together in a seasonal meditation hike. This reflective experience leads participants along a quiet trail to the Garden’s highest point, offering space to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the beauty of the dormant season. Along the way, pause to notice the subtle details of winter—bare branches, cool air, soft light—and engage in mindful breathing and guided reflection. Let the tranquility of the season and sweeping valley views invite calm, clarity, and renewed presence.
This program is offered in collaboration with Sonoma Yoga, a community-centered studio with over 20 years of experience, offering a dynamic team of yoga, fitness, and meditation guides to support your practice. Please dress accordingly and bring water.
Saturday, January 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$17 for members, $32 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Welcome Center.
Repotting Bonsai with Alan Murakami
Witness the artistry of bonsai up close as Alan Murakami from the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society demonstrates the intricate process of repotting these miniature marvels.
Saturday, January 24, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$7 for members, $17 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Center for Learning & Engagement.
Japanese Tea Ceremony and Meditation
Winter Wonders in Miniature: A Bonsai Photo Walk
Join professional photographer Daniel Perales for a Winter Bonsai Photo Walk on select Fridays. Capture the serene beauty of bonsai in miniature and explore their full-size counterparts in the Garden. This seasonal program covers photography techniques – composition, lighting, and highlighting winter’s unique details – helping you create powerful visual stories.
Friday, February 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$7 for members, $17 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Welcome Center.
Hanami Stroll: Magnificent Magnolias & Bonsai Beauty
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Asian magnolia blossoms, many of which are endangered in their native habitats. Usually at this time, more than a dozen of these stunning trees and shrubs are bursting into bloom, showcasing vibrant pink and white flowers on their bare winter branches—a seasonal highlight.
Join us for a special, guided hanami stroll, a Japanese tradition of flower viewing, and admire the magnificence of these blooms. Afterward, complete your day with a visit to The Bonsai Show: Bonsai & Blossoms, where intricate, miniature landscapes capture the artistry of nature in perfect detail.
Friday, February 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration required. $7 for members, $17 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Welcome Center.
Styling a Bonsai with Bob Shimon
Step into the fascinating world of bonsai styling as Bob Shimon from the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society showcases the art of transforming a tree into a living masterpiece in miniature.
Saturday, February 21, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$7 for members, $17 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Center for Learning & Engagement.
Forest Bathing Walk
Come enjoy a gentle, guided Forest Bathing Walk where East meets West at the Sonoma Botanical Garden. This event is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku or “forest bathing.” Forest bathing is the intentional practice of slowing down and immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of the natural world in order to restore well-being and deepen our relationship with nature.
This walk will be led by Susan Karle, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, who brings over a decade of experience guiding nature connection practices with people of all ages. Her approach integrates her background in grief and trauma work with a deep respect for the healing power of nature
Sunday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$17 for members, $32 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Center for Learning & Engagement.
Curator’s Seasonal Winter Walk
Take a deep dive into this season’s botanical highlights with the Garden’s Curator of Living Collections, Michael Wenzel. This walk will highlight some rarely seen conifers, early bloomers, and some full-size species represented in The Bonsai Show.
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$7 for members, $17 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Welcome Center.
Collecting For Bonsai with George Haas
Join us for a demonstration on sourcing and collecting trees for bonsai presented by George Haas of the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society. Discover the unique challenges and rewards of finding raw material in urban settings and in the untamed wilderness.
Saturday, March 14, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$7 for members, $17 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Center for Learning & Engagement.
Spring Equinox Sound Bath
Welcome the season of renewal with a restorative sound bath honoring the balance and awakening energy of the Spring Equinox. Glen Ellen–based practitioners Amelia Belle and Bob Rudorf—who have spent over a decade using sound and guided meditation as tools for transformation—will guide you through a soothing journey with crystal singing bowls and other resonant instruments, harmonized with the natural sounds surrounding the Garden.
The sound bath will be held indoors in the Center for Learning & Engagement, surrounded by the peaceful energy of the Garden, and is limited to 20 participants.
Friday, March 20, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
$17 for members, $32 for non-members | Includes Garden admission. Please check in at the Garden’s Welcome Center.