Are you ready for something different in a bonsai learning experience? GSBF Convention XXXVI — “Bonsai Artist Studio: OUTSIDE THE BOX” will deliver on October 31 through November 3, 2013, at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. As you can guess from the theme, co-chairs Bob Hilvers, Ted Matson, and their crew of volunteers looked at the traditional schedule and added some very exciting new twists. (more…)
Details Emerge on Harry Hirao Annual Scholarship (HHAS)
The purpose of the Harry Hirao Annual Scholarship (HHAS) is to provide a one-time grant of $1,500 to a worthy bonsai enthusiast. This money must be used for educational purposes in the art of bonsai within one year of receiving the scholarship. The recipient cannot use these funds to acquire: bonsai, pots, tools, books, or other physical items; it is to be used to further education in bonsai by studying with a recognized bonsai artist.
GSBF Fundraiser at The Huntington
The annual fundraiser for the Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) collection at The Huntington was held on Saturday, February 23rd, starting at 7:30 AM, and Sunday, February 24th, 2013, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, at The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California. (more…)
A Peanuts Bonsai
By Chris Zanella
Redwood Empire Bonsai Society, Santa Rosa, California — 2013 February’s meeting demonstration was done by Juan Cruz. Juan introduced himself, explaining to everyone that he had been in bonsai for 20 years before getting the chance to study in Japan for two years. After telling his tale of his studies in Japan, he started the demonstration.
After pulling the Juniper from its pot, Juan started looking for the nebari of the tree. The nebari, also known as “buttressing”, is the visible spread of roots above the growing medium at the base of a bonsai. Nebari help a bonsai seem grounded and well-anchored and make it look mature. Once Juan located the nebari, he explained you look for the tree’s tachiagari.
Kazari Bonsai Display Competition
On April 27, the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture will organize the fourth KAZARI: Bonsai Display Competition. The competition focuses on creating a harmonious display of hanging scroll, bonsai tree, and an adjacent plant or stone to display in a toko- noma alcove. KAZARI is a judged competition and the prize money for the best displays is $2,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. RSVP is required.
For more information, download their flyer here.
GSBF Mammoth Fundraiser for Lake Merritt
Randi Keppeler did an outstanding job of organizing volunteers and representing the GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) for the annual Mammoth Fundraiser, held on February 23 and 24, 2013. Randi reported folks were excited by the material presented for auction and in a generous mood. There were reserves on some items which may mean not all of them were sold. Other items were there on consignment so not the entire purchase price goes to BGLM. Andrea Burhoe has to figure all that out plus the sales taxes.
Get Set for the ABAS Annual Bus Trip
March 30, 2013: Sacramento, California
American Bonsai Association, Sacramento: ABAS Annual Bus Trip. It is time for American Bonsai Association, Sacramento, Annual Bus Tour! We have a very exciting itinerary this year.
A Young Old Tree
By Michael Pistello
I collected this Sierra Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) last year in February 2012, from the Reno area at around 5,500 feet. I decided to collect it because I immediately felt it was a tree I could really do some drastic work on. Collecting it was not difficult and I had it out of the ground in just under an hour. When I collect trees, I wrap the root ball in wet towels that were previously soaked in Super Thrive. Then I place the root ball in plastic garbage bags and tie everything tightly together. I have done it this way since I began collecting and have about a 90% success rate. All my collected trees are potted immediately when I return home in 100% sifted pumice and dressed with a layer of sphagnum moss. (more…)
Bonsai-A-Thon XVII 2013
The annual fundraiser for the Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) Collection at The Huntington will be held on Saturday, February 23rd, starting at 7:30 AM & Sunday, February 24th, 2013, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, at The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California. (more…)
Japanese Internship Scholarship – Martha Choy
Her name is Martha Choy of Tijuana, B.C. Mexico. Recently, she was honored by her bonsai instructors at the San Diego Bonsai Club (SDBC) to be its first member to travel to Japan to study the art of bonsai by one of the Masters. Martha was formally accepted to a three-month apprenticeship program at the Aichi-en Nursery in Nagoya City, Japan under the Master Junichiro Tanaka. She is blessed that Peter Tea is currently there, and will serve as an instructor. Martha will be there from March 1 to May 31, 2013. (more…)