President’s Message

October 2021

Silent Auction Recap

Well, September really got off to a great start last month with the club's Silent Auction that I'm sure everyone had a chance to come home with many needed and prized trees we bid on. Since I’ve been in the Midori Club, I have never seen the quantity of bonsai trees and materials that where brought in for auction for the club fundraiser.

This was a complete success that went on throughout the evening with great enthusiasm and vigorous bidding.

I wanted to thank the many club members that went over the top allowing the club to take 100% of the sold items. It's generosity like that that keeps our club functioning financially that will benefit everyone with great programs throughout the days to come.

October Special Program

On with the show! For a special program for the month of October the Board of Directors felt that we would get new and interested members involved having club member come up and select a provided tree for them to work on with personal guidance by senior members. All of this is free of charge where you will work on a selected tree for the evening and at the end be able to take it home for your personal care.

You will be asked to wire and crunch down a Shimpaku juniper whip that we call a yamadori style that shows great twist and turns. Much of the program will be guided by Ray Stagner who will show examples of the results of such technique on a tree 10 years or older. Everyone will be supported by senior member that have done this style of tree before and will guide you throw the complete process. 

No need to be bashful or uncomfortable when asked to come up and share in the styling process. We have 10 trees that will need your support and guidance, and then take home with you as a gift and responsibility for its care. This is meant to be fun and an educational process and there’s no right or wrong way to style the trees.

All materials used for the program will be taken out of an educational fund the club maintains yearly. This should be a fun evening for everyone since everyone can come up to watch the trees get wired and take on their twisted shapes. 

For a sneak preview for the month of November, the club will have a presenter who will discuss the topic "How to select great bonsai material.” Often, new members are confused by what to look for when selecting trees when starting their collection. Be there that evening and all your questions will be answered with trees brought in as examples. 

GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous and Beyond

Make sure you check out the information with this newsletter regarding the Bonsai Convention on October 2 and 3 over in Santa Nella, CA — approximately an hour drive from San Jose. Many bonsai demonstrations will be taking place along with bonsai displays. The vendor area will be full of all kinds of trees to purchase and everything you could imagine regarding bonsai supplies. There is no entrance fee required to attend.

I know that December is a few months away, but for many in our club who don't know, the club’s First Thursday in December is a Christmas Party and open auction. Along with the voting in of president, vice president, and all volunteers that support the many functions of our board of directors. This is a valuable evening for all, including great food to enjoy with all family members and guests. Much more regarding our Christmas Party and functions that evening will be passed along with next month’s newsletter.  

Have a great month doing bonsai everyone!