Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt

02/07/2026

01/27/2026

Mammoth Auction & Sale, hosted by the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, features quality bonsai vendors on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

01/27/2026

Support the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt annual Mammoth fundraiser!

01/18/2026

The complete 110 auction trees and stands are online at https://bonsailakemerritt.com/mammoth-auction-sale-fundraiser/ be sure to scroll down to bottom of page.

10/31/2024

We spent over 13 months on publishing the 25th anniversary edition of Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt: The First Twenty-Five Years. There are two identical books, one hardcover and one softcover, covering the history of the Bonsai Garden, the collection of bonsai and suiseki and paying tribute to many donors, supporters and volunteers who worked to create and maintain the Bonsai Garden.

Now on sale at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt https://bonsailakemerritt.com

10/31/2024

Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt is celebrating its first 25 years as permanent home to bonsai and suiseki.

Twenty-five years ago, the BGLM opened its gates to the public on November 6, 1999, by hosting a Grand Opening celebration of bonsai and suiseki, held on site at the Gardens of Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park Garden Center. Dennis Makishima was master of ceremonies for the grand opening, including then Mayor Jerry Brown, the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, John Naka, Harry Hirao and other Japanese American notable bonsai artists, Yasuo Mitsuya of Japan, Recreation and Parks Officials, and many more. In addition to the ribbon cutting, there was a lively celebration inside the Lakeside Park Garden Center; all well attended. The San Jose Taiko drum performers were present.

On November 9th, 2024, BGLM would like to recognize the first 25 years by holding a smaller in scale celebration. Oakland City officials from District 3 and Parks & Recreation, Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt, the General Counsel of Japan in San Francisco, Japanese American communities, and the general public are invited to attend. Free admission. Public parking available.

Location: Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave., Gate 4, Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland,

Time: 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Invited speakers:
Gordon Deeg, Director of BGLM
Carroll Fife, District 3 Council Member
Fred Kelley, Director of Parks & Recreation
Ms. Mayu Hagiwara, Consul and Director of the Japan Information and Cultural Center, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco.

Entertainment:
Sonoma County Taiko performance
Light refreshments

Point of Contact:
George Haas, BGLM Marketing Manager

10/31/2024

We are celebrating our 25th anniversary for the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt!

10/21/2024

The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt proudly participated in the three nights of Oakland's Autumn Lights Festival, an annual fundraiser for the Gardens at Lake Merritt. Over 7,000 attendees visited the Bonsai Garden during the past three nights from 6 to 11 p.m. 🙂

10/18/2024

October 24, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Rohnert Park Senior Center, Rohnert Park. Free admission.