Editor’s Notes
June 2024
Oak-Style Trees in the Wild
Photography by Jeff Lewis — landESCAPEvisuals.com
Oaks have long been one of my favorite trees, majestic and venerable. They stand alone atop a hill, they dance through decades of sunlight and wind, they tell the stories of giving, struggle, perseverance, and triumph. I especially love to photograph them in the spring when they are sprouting new leaves, in the fog, and in backlight. I’ve taken all of these photos in California, and I hope you enjoy each of them! 🌳
Editor’s note: Also published in the June 2024 Marin Bonsai Club Newsletter. This photo series is a companion to the Marin Bonsai Club’s June demo by John “JT” Thompson on Oak Tree bonsai.
Sei boku Bonsai Kai Show Highlights
Photographs by Jack Christiansen
The First 25 Years of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt Update
By George Haas
If you receive this announcement, it is because you are listed as a Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt supporter and volunteer.
I would like to update information on the formation of a planning committee for creating and publishing a book, working title “The First 25 Years of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt”. The book is intended to capture in photographs the very best of bonsai trees in the collection at BGLM and to celebrate the hundreds of volunteers who are responsible for building, caring for and maintaining the museum quality bonsai and suiseki garden.
The planning committee is made up of the following individuals:
Gordon Deeg, Director
Suzanne Muller
Janet Roth
Lisa Harper
Randi Keppeler
Emily Gallivan
Noah Hanna
Janet Nelson
George Haas, Project Manager
Each member brings to the committee their talents and passion for the book project and commitment in creating and publishing a quality product in time for the 25th anniversary of the BGLM on November 6, 2024. We intend to launch book sales in the fall of 2024.
The planning committee completed ten Zoom meetings to date, discussing the type of books, softback and hardback, size, layouts, content, etc.
Sales opportunities will take advantage of Oakland’s Autumn Lights Festival, Pacific Bonsai Expo and the garden’s gift shop in October.
Photographing selected bonsai trees was accomplished in the BGLM workshop using professional photo studio equipment. Volunteers were on hand to help in prepping the trees before the scheduled photo shoots. Photography was the responsibility of Emily Gallivan of the East Bay Bonsai Society.
Research was conducted on initial concept in 1974 and included funding, site acquisition, construction, grand opening, and the present time. A close look was made of the most significant historic and legacy trees, such as the historic Daimyo Oak (Tree #115) brought to the U.S. during President Abraham Lincoln’s administration in the 1860’s, the large Japanese Black Pine (Tree #262) donated by Mas Imazumi and featured at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, and legacy trees styled by famous bonsai artists, Jimmy Inadomi, Harry Hirao, and John Naka just to name only a few.
Interviews were conducted of individuals who have first-hand information on the BGLM in its concept, planning, fundraising, construction, grand opening, care, and maintenance.
We have only a few months to complete the project book and only one time to get it right.
Thank you for your continued support of the BGLM.
George Haas
BGLM 25 Project Manager 🌳
Mammoth Auction 2025
by George Haas
BGLM has made changes to the dates for the Mammoth Auction & Sale 2025. Mark your calendars and plan accordingly to support and attend the giant fundraiser!
Upcoming Events
Sei Boku Bonsai Kai Show
Hello Bonsai Friends, Club Facilitators, and Bonsai Professionals,
I’d like to invite you and your clubs to our 39th annual Sei Boku Bonsai Show June 1st and 2nd. This is actually our 40th club anniversary as well. We hope this invite finds you personally, as well as your clubs, thriving and enjoying your trees as we are almost officially starting Spring. Busy but exciting time of year.
Please forward this flyer to your club members or customers.
We very much appreciate your help in enhancing the bonsai community by helping to get the word out about our 39th Bonsai Show. Especially looking forward to seeing you if you can make it. Mark your calendars.
Take Care,
Marsha Mekisich
SBBK Show Coordinator
Marin Bonsai Club Show
The Marin Bonsai Club will be returning to the Marin County Fair for our first show after the pandemic. Our show hours will be from 11am-9pm July 3-7.
UPCOMING Club Events PROGRAMS
Wiring Workshop with JT
Thursday June 6, 2024, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
JT will be showing club members in a mini-demonstration on how to wire a tree. Those that want to learn how to wire a tree are encouraged to take advantage of this Bonsai Fundamentals program.
Beginner’s Workshop and Open Workshop
Thursday June 18, 2024, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
In addition to an open workshop, Juan Cruz will wrap up our 2024 Beginner’s Workshop.
Club Nursury Trip
Saturday June 22, 2024
Calaveras Nursery
Our club plans a nursery trip on Saturday, June 22nd, to Calaveras Nursery in the town of Sunol. Everyone must provide their own transportation or carpool. This nursery has many plants that others do not, providing a great opportunity to get pre-bonsai material that has a good future for bonsai.
Midori 61st Annual Bonsai Show
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Quinlan Community Center
Our club’s 61st annual show has been scheduled. Get those trees ready. It will be here sooner than we think! 🌳
UPCOMING BONSAI EVENTS
For an up-to-date list, check out the Golden State Bonsai Federation events page.
Pacific Bonsai Expo
October 26-27, 2024, Oakland, California
pacificbonsaiexpo.org
The Pacific Bonsai Expo is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, formed in 2023. We aim to promote bonsai learning, and encourage bonsai practice and display at a high level. The organization runs a biannual bonsai show with entries from around the United States juried by a panel of accomplished artists. Accepted exhibitors for each show become the judging panel. PBE believes that by promoting bonsai excellence that more people will be inspired to learn and create bonsai. 🌳
