Bonsai trees aren't their own species ... Cork oak (Quercus suber) and silk or silver oak (Grevillea robusta) work best in this format, placed in a bright location. Fukien Tea Tree Bonsai.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden has opened a centennial exhibit celebrating its internationally respected bonsai collection.

About 70 bonsai trees are on display, all owned by more than 20 members of the Bonsai Society. The bonsai exhibit is free to the public, and visitors are asked to vote for their favorite tree.

Step-by-Step: How to Grow and Care for a Bonsai Tree. Choose the Right Tree. Start with a species that suits your climate in the house, or can survive our winters outside.

While bonsai is a historic Japanese art form dating back centuries, early artists were likely inspired by the Chinese practice of penjing, which can be traced to the Han dynasty some 2,000 years ago.

He has been nurturing bonsai trees for more than 20 years. Chris says he's always loved trees, but didn't have the room for grow them - until he started to grow bonsai.