Editor’s Notes
Modern technology and bonsai
I thought I would share two ways that I incorporate technology into my bonsai practice: getting Japanese tips for bonsai, and logging the progression of my trees in photo albums.
The power of translation tools
I have a Japanese cedar (cryptomeria), and perhaps because my Google skills are not the best, I sometimes struggle to find convenient, easy to understand English resources to answer specific care questions. How do I determine which buds to remove? Do I use scissors or pinch? It occurred to me that I can just Google the same questions in Japanese, and suddenly: figures! illustrations! But you don’t even have to speak Japanese to do this, you can just ask Google Translate to translate your question, click on some promising link with pretty pictures, and then have your browser translate the page into English :) !
Digital photo albums
You can create specific albums for your favorite trees, and monitor their progress throughout the months! This is a great way to check-in on how their ramification is coming along, and also just gain a great sense of pleasure in seeing how far your tree has grown. Collages are a fun tool too, to create side-by-side photos of your tree: before and after a repotting, from yamadori to refined tree, etc.
- Keisuke
UPCOMING Club Events PROGRAMS
First thursday: tree improvement program
Thursday February 5th, 2026, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
Elliott Cooper‑Balis will lead the tree improvement program. Here’s a chance for you to get thoughtful, constructive feedback on your trees! Consider bringing an early-stage tree and a more developed tree. Style, health, planting angle, preferred front? These are all great topics!
third thursday: hands-on repot workshop!
Thursday February 19th, 2026, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
Pack up your trees, grab your tools, pots, and soil, and bring a smile!
UPCOMING BONSAI EVENTS
The Mammoth fundraiser—submitting trees
The Mammoth Fundraiser is three months away, March 7-8, 2026!
For an up-to-date list of more events, check out the Golden State Bonsai Federation events page.
