On September 2, 2024 (Labor Day), the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) will host the Volunteer Appreciation Day social and catered luncheon for all bonsai garden volunteers. The event is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please be sure to RSVP with Assistant Director Suzanne Muller and request meat or vegetarian options.  

Open to Public The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) supports the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City Association in their hosting of an evening of Japanese food, entertainment and moon-viewing. The annual Otsukimi moon-viewing event is held on the Sunday closest to the full harvest moon each October at the Gardens at Lake Merritt and the […]

The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) takes pride in Oakland’s Autumn Lights Festival (ALF). The three-night event raises funds for the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which includes the BGLM. The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of maintenance. […]

The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) takes pride in Oakland’s Autumn Lights Festival (ALF). The three-night event raises funds for the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which includes the BGLM. The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of maintenance. […]

The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) takes pride in Oakland’s Autumn Lights Festival (ALF). The three-night event raises funds for the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which includes the BGLM. The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of maintenance. […]

An exhibition of extraordinary bonsai. Located at the Henry J. Kaiser Center in Oakland, California. A two-day event with 75 outstanding bonsai displays and top- quality bonsai vendors.

An exhibition of extraordinary bonsai.

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 […]

The Mammoth Auction & Sale fundraiser is held once a year in the winter at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland, California. All proceeds go to support the bonsai garden’s yearly operations. The Mammoth fundraiser is scheduled annually for the first weekend in March. On Saturday, there is […]