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President's Message
Boy, there are plenty of exhibits to keep us busy this
month! Were lucky to be in an area with so many bonsai
organizations that offer activities literally throughout the
year. Be sure and check the events listing at the end of this
issue and try and get yourself to some of them.
I've talked about the value of visiting bonsai exhibits with
several club members and we agree that it can be a very
valuable learning experience. Of course, most of them
offer demonstrations so we all can pick up some tips just
by watching and listening. In addition though, I believe
that just carefully evaluating the trees on display can be
just as valuable. When you see one that you really admire,
what is it about that particular tree that you like? That is
sometimes a very difficult question to answer. More times
than not, Im sure there are more than one or two things
that combine to make the tree special. It could be the tree
itself, or a combination of a nice tree well fitted with a
pot that compliments it well
Of course, the same goes for trees you may not care as
much for. Why dont you like them? Are the branches out
of balance, or is it badly placed in its pot? Too tall for its
trunk thickness? Again, its probably a combination of
things that give you the feeling.
Go to some of the events available this month and really
study some of the trees that you like most, and some that
you like least. If you can see just a thing or two that makes
a tree stand out for you, youve learned something very
valuable. Remember those thoughts when evaluating your
own trees and youll be able to apply them when its time
to work on them.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Take advantage of a chance to see the best bonsai from
many area clubs displayed in one place during the Annual
Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco this month.
Trees from our club will be among those available for
viewing at the Radisson Myako Hotel on April 24th and
25th.
The festival is quite an event so make a day of it and take
in the many displays and activities relating to Japanese
culture.
We like to have a couple of club members available at all
times to answer questions and generally "take care" of our
display, so please check with Bob Evans to see how you
can help.
Bargain Osmocote
I recently purchased a 50lb sack of Osmocote 14-14-14
and have some extra I can share at the price I paid. It's
much less expensive than purchasing small amounts, so if
you can use some I'll have it available at this month's
group meeting on the 12th. I'll keep it simple and just have
bags of 1.5 pounds for $2.00. If youve purchased it, or
even just noticed the price in the stores, you understand
thats quite a bargain.
I'll put some printed instructions for using it in the bags
too.
April Bonsai Events
Lots to see this month!
April 10-11
American Bonsai Association of Sacramento
Annual Spring Show and Sale at the Sacramento Garden
and Arts Center, McKinley Park, 3330 McKinley
Boulevard, Sacramento, CA. Demo at 2pm each day. Pre-
bonsai, completed bonsai, plants, tools, and pots for sale.
Show hours 10am-5pm both days. For more information,
contact Jay Stahler (916) 481-5506.
April 10-11
Stockton Bonsai Club Annual Exhibit at
Micke Grove Park, 11793 North Micke Grove Road,
Lodi, CA. Demo at 2pm on Sunday. Show hours 11am-
5pm both days. Call Pam Gallego for information at (209)
463-6279.
April 17-18
Bonsai Sekiyu Kai 22nd Annual Bonsai
Show at the Sacramento Buddhist Church, 2401 Riverside
(Riverside Boulevard and X Street) Sacramento, CA.
Demo by John Uchida both days at 2 pm. Bonsai sale
during the show. Show hours 12-6pm on Saturday, 10am-
5pm on Sunday.
April 24-25
Fuji Bonsai Club 45th Annual Exhibition at
Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellvue Avenue,
Oakland, CA. Demo by Jimmy Inodomi at 2pm both days.
Show hours 10am-5pm.
April 24-25
Kusamura Bonsai Club 39th Annual Show at
Mitchell Park Community Center, 3800 Middlefield Road,
Palo Alto, CA. Demos by Tatemori Gondo at 1:30 pm on
Saturday; Sandy Planting and Jim Ransohoff on Sunday.
Bonsai stock, pots, and a selection of imported Satsuki
azalea on sale. Show hours 12 - 5 pm on Saturday, 11am-
5pm on Sunday. For more information email
susanc@sirius.com.
April 24-25
Spring Bonsai Exhibition at San Jose Buddhist Church
Betsuin, 640 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA. Demo by
Harry Hirao both days at 2 pm. Door prizes; bonsai plants,
tools and pots sale. Show hours 12-5pm on Saturday,
11am-4pm on Sunday.
April 24-25
Cherry Blossom Festival, Radisson Myako
Hotel, Geary at Laguna, San Francisco.
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