Bonsai maker -Prajakta Kale – Navadurga

Prajakta Kale is based in Pune, India. She has been an avid gardener since her childhood and has tended to a variety of plants and fragrant flowers. It was sheer coincidence that she was introduced to the invigorating world of bonsais in 1984. She was amazed how the miniaturised and statured trees charmed her. Her curiosity and enthusiasm supported her determination to learn the art thus beginning her journey with bonsai. Since then she has been an active bonsai artist and her collection has many master pieces.

With immense dedication, she has created a massive collection of over 800 bonsais which stand apart in an otherwise landscaped garden. Needless to say, she has nurtured the bonsais just like her own children. In this journey, she has been mentored by bonsai teacher Rudy Najaon, from Indonesia and bonsai enthusiast Sujay and Rupa Shah of Surup Bonsai Village, Panvel, Maharashtra.

Her first bonsai was a banyan tree(Ficus Religiosa), which she had acquired. Her collections include varieties from the orient, but which have been adapted to Indian climatic conditions. Since then her possessions include various ficus varieties,Tamarindus Indica, Casuarina, Juniperus Prostata, Juniperus Chinensis var. Sargentii, Phyllanthus, Braya, Wrightia Religiosa, Ulmus Parviflora, Desmodium, Murraya Exotica, etc Though passionate about all her Bonsais, she has a special love towards Phyllanthus and Juniper Bonsai.

Some of the unusual styles include Bunjin style and Raft style and many more. She has participated in many exhibitions in Pune, India. In her journey of 32 years bonsai is her religion now. Various teachers and masters have inspired her to excel in this field. She along with her friends like Sujay, Rupa, Kamini, Sucheta , Manoj Kumar, Rahul, and under the auspices of the great artist Mr. Rudy Najaon from Indonesia is working to promote this art.