Editor’s Notes
Learning things the hard way with dormant spray
“What the heck is dormant spray? I’m sure I’ll be fine without it…”
So I thought my first Winter in 2024 as a new bonsai hobbyist. With the sheer number of things to worry about (Repotting, and with what medium? When to trim? When to fertilize?) I thought I would be fine to ignore this one measure that had never made an appearance in a workshop. Predictably, the Spring of 2025 was a near disaster as scale bugs, aphids, and other pests threatened to overwhelm my “budding” collection. Recovery was a slow process, and I lost a significant amount of time.
…And so, this Winter, I diligently sprayed my plants with malodorous neem oil. Lo and behold, my plants are healthier this Spring, and the threat of infestation more manageable!
Bonsai can be overwhelming: even as more experienced members give advice, it’s hard to understand how the pieces of information fit together as a whole and it’s easy to miss details. If you’re ever unsure, ask!!!
It’s great to learn from your mistakes, but it’s a lot easier to learn from other peoples’ mistakes ;)
- Keisuke
Flowering Plum
Several years ago, I got this flowering plum from George in the club. The past two years it has blossomed in early spring. This year in particular, the blossoms peaked on Lunar New Year. It must mean good fortune for the coming year, I bet!
—Tung Dao
UPCOMING Club Events PROGRAMS
First thursday: workshop
Thursday April 2nd, 2026, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
Take note, the workshop is the first Thursday this month! Bring your trees and catch up with your fellow bonsai artisans.
third thursday: ficus demo by jennifer price
Thursday April 16th, 2026, 7:30PMh
Midori Bonsai Club
The professional ballerina-turned-bonsai artist Jennifer Price will join us for a demonstration on a ficus! I am looking forward to learning how she translates concepts of movement in the two art forms. Check out some of her work here.
UPCOMING BONSAI EVENTS
cupertino cherry blossom festival
(10:00AM —5:30PM, 4/25—26/2026)
Visit the Quinlan Community Center in Cupertino for this beloved annual festival celebrating Japanese culture! Enjoy food, music, and arts, and join fellow Midori Club Members that will be showcasing bonsai. See link for more details and schedule.
For an up-to-date list of more events, check out the Golden State Bonsai Federation events page.
