Bonsai Tree

Since I'm studying horticulture I really wanted this set. As I got it, I built it. I'm really content with it. I hope that there"ll be more botanical sets in the future. Maybe a gardener minifig next to the tree would be a great idea, like a bonus. more less

It's a model that comes together intelligently to create a final, affecting piece that pays fine tribute to not only how a real bonsai tree looks, but as much as it can to the practice and art form that bonsai is too. more less

One of the things I find most inspiring about this set is the explicit encouragement to modify it even further, beyond the two variants that are provided with parts and instructions. The back of the instruction booklet includes a gallery of ideas, ranging from simple color replacements with different leaves to entirely new settings. more less

Even without a large collection of your own parts, Bonsai Tree is a beautiful display piece and the reimagining of this Japanese icon in LEGO blocks is truly impressive. The build is a delight and I learned a couple of interesting techniques along the way. It's clear that a lot of thought was put into creating the optimal angle of the trunk against the base of the pot and the placement of the branches and foliage making a gorgeous LEGO plant. There's a lot to like in the selection of parts provided too: some useful parts in brown and green (both recoloured and returning) as well as all those pink frogs! more less

I love this set – it perfectly fits the niche for people wanting to start introducing LEGO into their lives as adults. It's absolutely spot on for a work desk display item. It's a quicker build but introduces some great little techniques that new LEGO fans will find interesting. more less

I really appreciate that LEGO is willing to go out on a (tree) limb and create innovative sets like this. It won't be for everyone, and for the price of it you could buy a real tree, but that's not really the point. I hope it sells well and the botanical collection continues to flourish in the coming years. It has no play value whatsoever but that matters not because it will look awesome wherever it's displayed and from a distance looks like a real tree. Put it on your desk at work (if you still go there) and fool your colleagues! more less

The set does an incredible job of recreating the plant which has inspired it. The build really looks just like a real Bonsai Tree. From the tray planter, wood-like plinth and textured bark of the tree, all these aspects of the set combine to create a truly unique LEGO display piece. It's the perfect set to encapsulate the concept of the ‘Adults Welcome' message. There is nothing stopping younger builder from constructing the set, but it certainly best suited towards AFOLs or those who wish to escape for a few moments. It's a genuinely a delightful little set, I like that there is an option to switch the leaves, as well as being the base to unleash your creativity. more less