Transform Your Trees
When we design a tree, we become the natural elements that influence the final product.
When we design a tree, we become the natural elements that influence the final product.
Elle Nieto-Brodnick is a bonsai artist, educator, and Bonsai Assistant at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Her practice began during the COVID-19 pandemic while working in healthcare, evolving from independent study into dedicated hands-on training, public education, and active engagement within the broader bonsai community.
Over the past six years, Elle has pursued ongoing study with respected artists including Andy Smith, Owen Reich, Will Baddeley, Julian Tsai, David Cutchin, Bjorn Bjorholm, Mauro Stemberger, and Todd Schlafer. Through workshops, intensive training, and disciplined practice, she continues to refine both the horticultural and design principles that guide her work.
Elle has taught beginner- and intermediate-level students through The Hidden Gardens Bonsai and now shares her educational work through Bonsai Journey and adult bonsai classes at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Her approach emphasizes sound horticulture, technical fundamentals, thoughtful design, and the confidence for each student to develop their own relationship with bonsai.
An active presenter and demonstrator, Elle has been invited to work with organizations including the Springfield Bonsai Society, Ann Arbor Bonsai Society, Green Witch Gardens, Midwest Bonsai Society, Dai Ichi Bonsai, Kofu Kai, California Bonsai Society, Baikoen Bonsai Club, Eastern Leaf Nursery, Kimura Garden Bonsai Kashi No Ki-En, Prairie State Bonsai Society, Quad City Bonsai, and Wisco Bonsai. She remains committed to lifelong study while advancing bonsai as an accessible, rigorous, and community-centered art form.
I stay in constant communication with my client until the job is done. To get a free quote, or if you have questions or special requests, just drop me a line.
Northbrook, Illinois, United States
TEL: 773-230-1744 EMAIL: bonsaijourney@aol.com EMAIL: yourbonsaijourney@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.bonsaijourney.com
Open today | 02:45 pm – 08:00 pm |


This course aims to provide fundamental knowledge and skill in bonsai cultivation including but not limited to Tree Selection, Design, Care, and Maintenance.
Hey there, bonsai enthusiasts! Welcome to our site, where we celebrate the beauty and serenity of nature. Today, we're embarking on a Bonsai Journey, exploring the art of cultivating these miniature trees. Bonsai, derived from the Japanese words "bon" meaning tray and "sai" meaning planting, is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the 7th century. It's a form of living art that requires patience, skill, and a deep appreciation for nature. Bonsai trees are not only visually stunning, but they also have a calming effect on the mind. Caring for these miniature trees can be a therapeutic experience, helping us connect with nature and find peace in our daily lives. So, let's dive into this Bonsai Journey together! We'll cover everything from selecting the right tree, potting, pruning, and caring for your Bonsai. Stay tuned for our upcoming videos, and don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more green goodness. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope you'll find joy in cultivating your own Bonsai. Until next time, keep growing and stay green!

“A great bonsai can hold the horticultural, technical, and artistic knowledge or skills per se of the artist who painstakingly created and nurtured it.”
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