Our Story | The Art of Bonsai Tree

A Word from our Founder, Milton Chang

For over 50 years, bonsai has been my enduring passion. I had the privilege of learning traditional bonsai techniques from Harry Hirao and John Naka, known as the fathers of American bonsai.

My dedication to the art led me to become a member of the prestigious California Bonsai Society, and I had the honor of briefly serving as a director of the National Bonsai Foundation.

I have developed what might be called the "lifestyle bonsai approach" — practical, proven methods designed to seamlessly integrate the practice of bonsai into the busy rhythm of modern life.

Why Bonsai?

During the demanding years of building my startup companies, tending to my bonsai became my creative and calming refuge from the pressures of work.

Investing in bonsai is investing in yourself. It offers a blank canvas — a living medium through which your imagination can take form.

What you see, feel, and envision can be brought to life through the careful clipping, bending, and reorienting of branches.

What is Bonsai?

A word-for-word translation of bonsai in Japanese is “pot (bon) culture (sai).” Any tree in an appropriate pot is, by definition, a bonsai. Penjing is a Chinese word, but also closely aligned with what we think of as bonsai. A word-for-word translation is “potted (pen) scenery (jing).”

Nature in Miniature

Bonsai trees are miniature, living, vibrant expressions of nature, carefully pruned to appear natural and consistent with the forces of nature — not contrived to fit a preconceived notion. Think of your bonsai as a living canvas — an opportunity to shape and sculpt your vision of the perfect tree in nature.

Grown in California

Bonsai Heirloom's growing grounds are located in Pescadero, California, a scenic coastal farming community near Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco.

The soil is some of the best on the planet, and every bonsai we cultivate is planted in this nutrient-rich soil blend, ensuring a strong, healthy root system before it reaches you.

Cultivated with Care

Under Milton’s careful guidance, each tree is meticulously trained into a beautiful bonsai, spending at least 8-10 weeks in their pots so that we can ensure they have a mature rootball that is destined for success in your hands.

Our traditionally crafted, hand-made bonsai pots are made using a unique purple clay that's only found in the Yixing region of China, known for its fine grain and porous nature. This clay is prized for its ability to retain moisture and allow for good air circulation, creating optimal conditions for bonsai tree growth.

Additionally, our pots have a patent-pending feature to retain water for easy maintenance and are unglazed (as is the tradition), which further showcases the natural beauty of the clay and enhances its breathability.

A Lasting Legacy

Each bonsai is meant to be more than just a tree — it’s a future heirloom, a living work of art designed to be cherished for generations.

By following our simple, intuitive care instructions, you’ll discover that enjoying the beauty of bonsai is both effortless and rewarding. With Bonsai Heirloom, you’ll not only nurture a tree but also create a lasting legacy.