I can think of no one who is more dedicated to the art of bonsai than Jack Wikle. Without Jack’s gentle determination, bonsai in Michigan wouldn’t be what it is today. Thanks to his efforts, public bonsai collections were established at Hidden Lake Gardens and at The Matthaei Botanic Garden where thousands of people each year are introduced to this wonderful art. Not to mention all the people who’ve had the good fortune to learn bonsai from him. Even when having a casual conversation with Jack two things will happen, one, you will learn something about bonsai and two, you will become friends. A dear friend to me, a great friend to bonsai and an inspiration to all. Supporting the Jack Wikle Bonsai Legacy is a great way to acknowledge that friendship, dedication and inspiration, and help ensure for years to come that Hidden Lake Gardens Bonsai Collection will continue to introduce bonsai to all who visit.
Jack Sustic
Curator Emeritus, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Washington, DC