Editor’s Notes

Editor's Note

Nov 1

New newsletter assistant

Hi everyone,

I’m Keisuke, and I’ll be helping with the monthly newsletter going forward! I’d like to thank Tung Dao who has shown me the ropes, both for bonsai and for editing the newsletter. As a newer member, I am very excited for the chance to give back to the Midori Bonsai Club and engage with all of you who make up this special community!

My first memories of bonsai are at the Happo-en, a 400 year old garden in my hometown that my mother would take me to when I was a child. Since those days, I have seen only more and more beauty in nature: the cragged pines on the coastlines of Jogasaki and Big Sur, lonely junipers in Joshua Tree, cholla cacti that I studied for my PhD, Andrei Tarkovsky movies, and much much more, until these experiences welled up into the urge: “I want to express this beauty I see!!!”

I imagine that this is the feeling we all bring as unique human beings, and I look forward to seeing the beauty you see in the world :)

Sincerely,

Keisuke

A Thank You!

By Tung X. Dao

I am honored to have edited the newsletter for the past several years. I recall Jack asking me if I could redesign the website as well as take over the editorship. I initially hesitated, but decided to give myself a small challenge. One website, logo, new newsletter, and a few show posters later, here we are.

As my professional life is blossoming, I find myself a bit squeezed for time. I asked Keisuke if he could take over it as an assistant editor. He said yes. For that I am very grateful. I will still be around to help out the club, but just wanted to take a few things off my shoulder right now. I plan to retire at the end of the year from the role.

I want to thank Jack for giving me the initial kick. I want to thank Keisuke for graciously helping out. I want to thank Nancy for helping with copy editing. I want to thank Juan for filling those several times I didn’t have data to put the newsletter together. I want to thank all who have submitted things for the newsletter. I want to thank all the readers who have enjoyed the features I have put together.

See you at the next meeting! 🌳

UPCOMING Club Events PROGRAMS

sam tan’s pygmy cypress demonstration

Thursday November 06, 2025, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club

And you thought you couldn't grow a redwood tree as a bonsai? Yes, redwoods are a challenging species, but what an incredible tree to grow and enjoy the tall rustic beauty and green foliage.

To our rescue comes Sam Tan, our speaker and demonstrator for this month's program. Sam introduced his pygmy cypress to our club last November, receiving a great response for his speaking ability and the detailed knowledge he possesses on the subject.

This time Sam promises to introduce his technique for developing redwoods. Redwoods are tricky, and require especially tailored methods throughout their growing periods for pinching and cutting back new growth. Sam plans to bring with him a couple of trees he's very proud of as examples, along with a large screen computer presentation showing the process. So stay tuned everyone for Thursday's meeting, redwoods might be in your future!