On display are more than 200 specimens, as well as selections from the Garden’s own outstanding bonsai collection. The Garden's bonsai master, Susumu Nakamura of Yokohama, Japan, will serve as headlining master and will judge the exhibit.

Workshops are presented for all levels of enthusiasts and a special children’s workshop is also offered. A dozen vendors offer everything bonsai-related, from accent plants, pots, stands and tools to established bonsai, suiseki and books. Awards will be presented in professional, open and novice categories.

Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) originated in far east Asia more than 2,000 years ago, flourishing in the gardens of China and later Japan. For centuries, techniques were guarded secrets. The original bonsai specimens were trees growing on high craggy terrain, which were naturally stunted by severe winds.

They had sparse foliage with dramatic, twisting trunks, making them the envy of emperors. The art form evolved when gardeners began cultivating that exotic, twisted dwarf look with techniques passed down over the centuries from one generation to the next. Today, shaping and miniaturization aim at giving trees the appearance of age in a variety of artistic styles, including upright, slanting, windswept and cascading.

Bonsai sale hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all three days. Show hours are from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the bonsai show and the Chicago Botanic Garden is free. Parking is $15; free for members.

The Midwest Bonsai Society was formed in 1967 and currently has 250 members, most from the Northern Illinois area. For more information on the Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit and Show, access the Midwest Bonsai Society’s Web site at www.midwestbonsai.org.

The Midwest Bonsai Society's Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit & Sale is part of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s American Flower Show Series, which includes at least 25 major floral events throughout 2007. The American Flower Show Series is endowed in honor of Louise Durham Mead and Walter Langworthy Mead. For a listing of flower shows, visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

That same weekend features the Malott Japanese Garden Festival on Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19. Visitors can learn about the arts, culture and history of Japan during this special weekend in the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden and at McGinley Pavilion. Performances and demonstrations include a tea ceremony, traditional storytelling and Japanese music, including taiko drumming, koto harp and shakuhachi flute. Visitors can practice using chopsticks, try calligraphy, rake miniature dry gardens, and play traditional Japanese games, such as go and kendama (cup & ball). Activities also include a variety of crafts to make and take home such as miniature carp kites and paper samurai helmets. Events take place at the McGinley Pavilion until 2:30 p.m., followed by music in the Malott Japanese Garden until 4 p.m. -- www.chicagobotanic.org