Ever been curious about how those miniature trees are made?

This weekend, the the University of Cota Rica’s Lankester Botanical Gardens near Paraiso, Cartago, there will be exhibits of a variety of bonsai trees, as well as tea drinking ceremonies in the mornings, and free workshops (with your entrance fee) on bonsai techniques.

Local bonsai groups, with support from the Japanese Embassy, are organizing the event together with the garden staff. The event will run Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This is the first national bonsai exhibition to showcase the unique oriental art of tree sculpting, and will consist of 120 trees that can be observed in the installation’s Japanese garden.

Jorge Warner, a researcher at the garden and event organizer, said there will also be talks about the cultivation of bonsai trees and plants, which are reduced in size by various techniques.

Another attraction of the exhibition is the observation and participation in a traditional Japanese tea ritual to be held Saturday and Sunday in the morning.

In addition, there will be bonsais for sale, and meals are also available on site for those who wish to stay for lunch.

The Lankester Botanical Garden is located on the road to Paraíso de Cartago. Entrance to the garden includes entrance to the exhibit and all activities, and is ¢2,500 for adults, and ¢1,500 for children, students with an ID, and senior citizens.

For more information call 2511-7939.