NBF also helps the United States National Arboretum showcase the arts of bonsai and penjing to the general public.

[citation needed] This private/public collaboration between the Foundation and the Arboretum enables the museum to promote the art of bonsai and penjing to visitors through masterpiece displays and educational programs while also fostering intercultural friendship and understanding.

"[3] In 1976, the country of Japan gave a gift of 53 bonsai trees to America for the United States Bicentennial.

In 1979, Janet Lanman talked with Dr. John Creech, Director of the National Arboretum, about the possibility of adding American bonsai to the museum.

The NBF recruited people from all across the country to be directors, with the members of the first board being Marybel Balendonck, Larry Ragle, Melba Tucker, Frederic Ballard, and H. William Merritt.

With significant funding from NBF, in 2003 the Maria Vanzant Upper Courtyard and the H. William Merritt Entrance Gate to the Kato Family Japanese Stroll Garden were dedicated.

Also that year, John Naka’s Sketchbook and the Proceedings of the International Symposium on Bonsai and Viewing Stones (which was held in 2002) were both published by NBF.

The completion of the Rose Family Garden and the paving of the lower courtyard were accomplished with NBF funds.

[10] These trees spent a year in quarantine after arrival, and on July 19, 1976, were dedicated in a ceremony with many dignitaries from Japan and the United States in attendance.

Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, acting on behalf of the American government, accepted the trees.

In 1983, Janet Lanman, an NBF Board Member, asked Dr. Wu if he would like to help include penjing in the museum.

Dr. Wu was delighted at the idea, and gave funding to build a pavilion, as well as donating many penjing trees.

Bonsai and viewing stones are closely related, as both show great respect for nature.