Editor’s Notes
Automated sprinkler systems
Experimenting with bonsai can be stressful as a beginner. The stakes of each cut, wire placement, and repotting can feel so high as to take the joy out of learning! A few years into my journey some of that anxiety has waned, but I am ecstatic to report that I have found a low-stakes area of experimentation: my watering system.
The consequences of poor watering are dire, to be sure. But the experimentation to arrive at an acceptable solution was quite fun, and the worst I suffered was a mild soaking in June weather.
I initially attempted a drip irrigation system, and while this was suitable for my vegetable beds with localized watering needs, I quickly gave up on the idea of adding enough drippers to evenly soak my bonsai. With some advice from Juan Cruz, I bought a sprinkler system for an even spray across my trees. Combined with a multi-port irrigation timer, I was set to go! Testing the system, I could see clear short-comings, however:
(1) Not all my trees need the same amount of water, and I need more sprayers with different pressures to accommodate their needs.
(2) The spray soaked the entire tree, which a problem for some trees prone to water-logging in the bark (e.g. my sugi)
(3) Separation anxiety!!! I ultimately still ask my neighbors to check that my trees have not all died and my system is working.
In short, I encourage everyone to explore all aspects of bonsai, especially the ones that allow playful experimentation and learning!
-Keisuke
UPCOMING Club Events PROGRAMS
First thursday: summer maintenance demo
Thursday July 2nd, 2026, 7:30PM
Midori Bonsai Club
JT will demonstrate summer care tips on a variety of deciduous trees.
third thursday: Workshop
Thursday July 16th, 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
Marin bonsai club show @ the marin county fair
(Wed—sun 7/1—7/5/2026)
Visit the Marin County Fair to check out the Marin Bonsai Club’s work! Our own Tung Dao is an active Board Member of our neighbor, so let’s show support.
East Bay Bonsai Society Annual Auction @ the lakeside garden center
(7:00pM —9:30PM, wed 7/8/2026)
Take a trip up to Oakland to bid in a live auction for trees, tools, and other bonsai supplies. For more information, check the link.
For an up-to-date list of more events, check out the Golden State Bonsai Federation events page.
