The Art and Practice of Bonsai

Dandy Farmer is a Brooklyn-based bonsai design studio that is passionate about bringing the art of bonsai to the world. Bonsai, an ancient art form originating in China and Japan, involves shaping trees in small containers into miniature landscapes. At Dandy Farmer, we believe that bonsai is more than just an art form – it is a way to connect with nature, care for oneself, and cultivate a healthier relationship with the world around us.

We strive to make the world of bonsai accessible to everyone, especially beginners. Our focus is on indoor bonsai, which are perfect for small spaces and easy to care for. We work with a team of potters and tree care professionals to create each bonsai, which are finished in hand-made vessels and nurtured to bring out their best qualities. We also offer workshops, styling services, and ongoing tree sitting services to ensure that our customers have everything they need to care for their bonsai.

Our founder, Matthew Puntigam, started Dandy Farmer in 2016 with the goal of enhancing our living spaces with small gardens. As city dwellers, we found ourselves disconnected from nature and longed for a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into our homes. Bonsai provided the perfect solution – a way to care for living trees and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

At Dandy Farmer, we treat our plants like friends. We believe that bonsai is not just about the technical aspects of tree care, but about building a personal relationship with each tree. We get to know their personalities, give them nicknames, and create a comfortable home for them in our hand-made pots. Our soil mix is specially formulated for each plant to ensure their health and vitality, and we spend countless hours preening and styling each bonsai to bring out their unique beauty.

We love bonsai because they teach us how to live better, more grounded lives. By caring for these miniature trees, we learn to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Bonsai also provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing us to connect with something greater than ourselves.

At Dandy Farmer, our mission is to share the art of bonsai with the world and promote a healthier relationship with nature. We believe that bonsai is more than just an art form – it is a way of life. Through learning, design, and maintenance, we strive to foster a deeper connection between humans and the natural world, one tree at a time.