Editor’s Notes
preparing a tree for the club show
An uncomfortable aspect of setting goals is that we are forced to confront the gap between where we are and where we want to be… and it can be a very, very wide gap.
Despite its humble appearance, my first submission for a tree in training in 2025 was a Herculean task of flubbing fundamentals. It was by no means a master piece. At the same time, it my tree undeniably looked better, and doing so much work on it gave me a strong understanding of how well my tree responds to cuts, prunes, etc. With that foundation, I was able to attempt even bolder cuts and shaping this year to further refine that same tree, and also begin work on other trees to begin the learning process!
As beginners (with presumably low-cost trees 🙃), we have nothing to lose and everything to gain by setting ambitious goals for ourselves. I hope to see many trees in training at the 2026 Midori Bonsai Club Show!
UPCOMING Club Events PROGRAMS
First thursday: Pot Selection
Thursday September 03, 2026, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
Valerie Monroe will be joining us for a demonstration on pot selection. Bring your trees with pot options so Valerie can help you select the best match
Open Workshop
Thursday September 17, 2026, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
Settle in with some snacks, coffee, and company, and let’s all work on our trees.
UPCOMING BONSAI EVENTS
61st annual akebono bonsai club show
(10:00AM —4:00PM, saturday 9/19/2026)
Visit the Palo Alto Buddhist center to view beautiful bonsai and… a classic car show! In addition to the show, there will be bonsai sales and a demonstration. Food will be available to purchase at the car show and admission is free.
For an up-to-date list of more events, check out the Golden State Bonsai Federation events page.