Check-in at a picturesque Japanese-style pine bonsai garden in Pleiku

Tucked away in a small alley at 719 Truong Chinh Street, Mr. Nguyen Duc’s pine bonsai garden feels like a separate world, completely removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As soon as visitors step into the garden, they are enveloped in a sense of peace that flows from the elegant forms of the trees and the carefully arranged stones melting away all worries.

Bathed in the pure, early sunlight of the highlands, each leaf and branch is gently caressed by light, creating a refined, Zen-like atmosphere. One corner of the garden is arranged entirely in Japanese style from the layout to the shape of the bonsai trees bringing a sense of harmony, balance, and artistry.

The garden exudes tranquility and serenity through the skillful arrangement of natural elements in harmony with nature’s rhythm. (Photo: Son Ca).

Nestled deep in alley 719 on Trường Chinh Street, Mr. Nguyen Duc’s pine bonsai garden opens up a peaceful green space in the heart of the mountain city. From the very first steps inside, one feels disconnected from the noisy world outside, drawn into the serene beauty of meticulously cultivated bonsai trees in traditional Japanese style.

Morning sunlight in the central highlands of Pleiku gently falls on each tree branch and blade of grass. (Photo: Son Ca).

A corner of the garden arranged in Japanese style. (Photo: Son Ca).

Under the highland sun, Mr. Nguyen Duc’s Japanese-style garden comes to life with a solemn Buddha shrine, a gentle stream winding along stone banks, and distant mountains as the backdrop. Spread across an area of about 4,000 square meters, Mr. Duc has divided the garden into several zones, each with unique materials and layouts to create visual depth and aesthetic harmony while preserving the overall spirit.

The landscape features varying elevation levels, combining stones and groups of pine trees of different species and sizes—small, medium, and large. Mr. Nguyen Duc is also a pioneer in bringing pine bonsai varieties from Japan and Taiwan to Pleiku, alongside long-established native species such as variegated pine, kotobuki pine, red pine, black pine, Taiwanese Podocarpus, Ytogawa, kisu, and Vietnamese "ngọa tùng."

Mr. Nguyen Duc beside a bonsai tree with standard measurements. (Photo: Son Ca).

A Japanese-style corner of the pine bonsai garden. (Photo: Son Ca).

The imported pine bonsai trees from Japan and Taiwan require 6 months to 1 year to adapt to the climate of Pleiku, Gia Lai. After that, they must be continuously nurtured and shaped over several years to meet international bonsai standards.

With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Nguyen Duc believes that pine bonsai trees are very well-suited to the mountain city's climate. However, proper care techniques are essential. Bonsai enthusiasts must ensure clean and correctly processed conditions for the environment, water, soil, and fertilizers to help the trees thrive sustainably.

Pine bonsai is among the most beloved types thanks to its ability to adapt to various climates. If you’re just getting into bonsai, don’t miss these basic care tips:

Light: Prefers cool weather, avoid direct harsh sunlight. Although it can tolerate a range of temperatures, extreme conditions can harm the tree.

Watering: Water every 2–3 days depending on weather conditions. Avoid overly wet or overly dry soil.

The pine bonsai tree is relatively easy to care for, but it requires meticulous attention.

Soil: Use loose, well-drained soil to encourage healthy root development.

Humidity: Prefers a humid environment. Use water trays or misting to maintain stable humidity.

Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape and promotes healthy growth.

Fertilizer: Use specialized fertilizer for conifers at the right dosage and timing. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Pest Control: Monitor frequently to detect and treat pests in time.