SHINZEN FRIENDSHIP GARDEN
Shinzen Friendship Garden is an independent 501(c) 3 charitable organization and relies on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to cover the cost of its operations. Your contributions allow us to deliver on our mission to create and grow a North American Japanese Garden that engages and inspires it’s community.
Events happening at Shinzen Garden!
The Art of Bonsai Workshop
Discover the timeless beauty and tranquility of bonsai in this hands-on introductory workshop. Perfect for beginners, The Art of Bonsai will guide you through the fundamentals of selecting, styling, and caring for your own miniature tree. Learn about the history, techniques, and tools of this ancient art form, and leave with the knowledge and inspiration to start growing your own living masterpiece. All materials provided—just bring your curiosity and creativity!
This workshop will be held inside the Clark Bonsai Museum
$50 for members | $100 for non-members
Seasons of Verse
A Poetry Series at Shinzen Garden
Featuring Joseph Voth, author of “Living with Noise”, Michelle Patton, who won the Ernesto Trejo Award for poetry and was a nominee for a Pushcart Prize and Kirk Stone.
Seasons of Verse is a curated poetry reading series held inside the peaceful landscape of Shinzen Garden, featuring four unique events that align with the rhythm of the seasons. The series will showcase the vibrant voices of Fresno-area poets and offer one open mic event to welcome emerging and community writers.
Garden Hours:
OPEN: Wed – Sun: 10am – 7pm
CLOSED: Monday and Tuesday
Garden Admission*
Under 4yrs: Free
4-14yrs: $1/ea.
15yrs-Adult: $5/ea.
Seniors 62+: $1/ea.
Students: $1/ea.
Family: $7 (2-5 people)
*Woodward Park Parking: $5; $3 for Seniors; $7 during National Holidays. Credit Cards are accepted.
Clark Bonsai Hours
Open Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm*.
*When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, the bonsai collection hours are 10am -1pm. Unfortunately, the bonsai museum will be closed when it’s raining, the air quality is considered unhealthy for all groups or when docents are unavailable.
Please Contact Us to confirm the museum hours or request an appointment to tour the museum outside of the posted hours.
MAY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Free Garden Tour
Join us for a free docent-led tour on select weekends, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance. During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden design.
The tours are approximately 1.5 hours long and free to the public with paid garden entry.
The Garden as a Story: Writing with Nature’s Wisdom
This workshop will explore storytelling techniques by drawing parallels between the elements of a Japanese garden—stones, water, trees, and pathways—and narrative structures. Attendees will create nature-inspired stories that weave together history, environment, and personal insight.
Pre-registration is required!
$25 for Members | $45 for Non-members
The Art of Bonsai Workshop
Discover the timeless beauty and tranquility of bonsai in this hands-on introductory workshop. Perfect for beginners, The Art of Bonsai will guide you through the fundamentals of selecting, styling, and caring for your own miniature tree. Learn about the history, techniques, and tools of this ancient art form, and leave with the knowledge and inspiration to start growing your own living masterpiece. All materials provided—just bring your curiosity and creativity!
Become a Member of the Garden
Members are the heart of Shinzen Friendship Garden, sharing their talents, gifts, and energy to support this historic landmark and unique environment in Fresno.
A membership to Shinzen Friendship Garden supports the 5-acre garden with its unique landscape and architectural features, the exquisite Clark Bonsai Collection, and programs and festivals promoting Japanese art and culture in the Central Valley.
8 Japanese Gardens to Visit Across the West
See other beautiful and serene gardens!
Garden Design
Learn more about Shinzen Friendship Garden and Clark Bonsai Collection with our Education Modules!
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
