Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection at Weyerhaeuser: Free. One of the finest in the country. Each visit is an inspiration and an education. This is where you take family and friends when they don't understand your new interest in Bonsai. After viewing this collection, all their questions will cease. Located approximately 20 miles south of Seattle, just off I-5, at Federal Way. Website

David DeGroot Lectures at Weyerhaeuser: Also free. Dave DeGroot gives a lecture and demonstration every other Sunday at 1:00 p.m. between May 5th and September 22rd, 2002. This years series alternates between the basic bonsai styles and different bonsai skills. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about bonsai from one of the true American masters. Attend if you can. Hours and Events

Bonsai Northwest: The areas largest bonsai specialty center for tools, books, courses, pots and, of course, trees. The trees range from seedlings to incredible. Located between Southcenter and Sea-Tac, just west of I-5. Website

Elandan Gardens: Dan Robinsons bonsai display and store just west of Port Orchard. Entry into the display area, a bonsai garden with a Northwest flavor located on a Puget Sound inlet, is $5.00. Although bonsai are sold, the store is more a general gift store than a bonsai center and reflects an emphasis on interior design and landscaping. Website

Asia Pacific Gardening: Chinese (penjing) style bonsai supplies and plants. Carries a supply of indoor bonsai, pots and rocks usually imported from China. Located at 19122-84th Ave S., Kent. Website

Tomeo's Bonsai Nursery: 3080 Beth Lane, Poulsbo, WA - 360-698-9101 - 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm Sunday - Call first.

We often dont mention parks as a resource, but what better way to inform yourself about the cultivation of trees than to observe them full-grown in their natural setting. We are fortunate to be surrounded by trees daily that are excellent examples, but here are some parks that offer a particular relevance to bonsai.

Washington Park Arboretum: an obvious choice. The Arboretum is located roughly between the Montlake and Madison Park, south, and slightly east, of the University of Washington. An eclectic collection of trees from around the world, it provides an interesting laboratory any season of the year. If youre lucky, the tree you are particularly interested in will still have its identification tag.

Japanese Garden at the Arboretum: while a part of the Arboretum, this park needs to be mentioned separately because it is easy to miss and charges admission. This is a small, but excellent example of a traditional Japanese garden. It is located just north of the playfields on the west side of the road near the Madison street entrance to the Arboretum.

Kubota Garden: among the finest of the American-Japanese gardens. The American-Japanese garden differs from the traditional in its use of a wide variety of trees and plants. The traditional garden also eschews the use bold color and flowery displays. Both the traditional and American-Japanese gardens are built around the three elements of plants, water and rock. Located in southeast Seattle, take exit 158 (south end of Boeing field) and go east to the dead end and turn left on 51st South, proceed to the first stop sign, take a hard right onto Renton Ave. S. and proceed about ¼ of a mile, Kubota Garden is on the right, noted by a sign.

Seattle Chinese Garden: a traditional Chinese garden featuring stone, water features, pavilions and plants. This is being built in Chongqing-Sichuan style by artisans from that region. (Chongqing is Seattles sister-city in China.) While still very much a work in progress, it promises to be a prime example of a Chinese garden. Located at the northern end of South Seattle Community College in West Seattle.

The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island: another excellent example of an American-Japanese garden. The garden was begun by Fujitaro Kubota and expanded by leading landscape architects. Begun as a private Japanese style garden on their 160-acre estate, the Bloedels built a retreat of exquisite beauty. By appointment only.