Mid-Michigan Bonsai Message Corner

Our first meeting of 2026 on January 15th, 2026 at 7pm - 9pm (gathering at 6:30pm for socializing) at the Foster Community Center, Room 211

Mark Takagishi, will be providing a presentation to the club on his recent travels to Japan. Mark will be presenting on many bonsai and bonsai-related topics from Japanese landscape gardens to Niwaki. Mark and his family also made their way to the remote island of Yakushima where 1000+ year old Cryptomeria (Japanese cedars) are found.  Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage location.  

 

Autumn 2024 Open House & Sale

This semi-annual popular event will be held at the International Bonsai Arboretum on September 7-8, 2024.

Upstate New York Suiseki Study Group Exhibition 

The Bonsai Society of Upstate New York has a couple of study groups. On September 7-8, 2024, a special suiseki exhibition will be held at the Autumn 2024 Open House & Sale at the International Bonsai Arboretum. Over 50 suiseki from members will be displayed. Members will there to answer any questions.

Which Species Fatten Trunks in a Bonsai Pot?

Growing plants for bonsai tends to assume time in a large training container, or the ground. The goal is to grow a big trunk.

What Bonsai are Worked on in August?

In the Northern Hemisphere, July is the last summer month to trim back deciduous trees. If deciduous like this Chinese Quince are cut too late, past the first week of August, we can set up two problems: not enough time to finish growing before frosts set in, and not enough time for some species to set flower buds for next year. Wisteria and Satsuki azalea are examples of the second issue.

Warren Hill Trees, Then and Now

A recent post shared the loss of one of our great teachers, Warren Hill. When we talk of legacy in this community, the bonsai themselves are a part of that.

Summer cutback on a large cork oak

After a number of years working with cork oak bonsai, it’s become really clear that for the lower branches to thicken, the top needs regular trimming. This photo from earlier this week makes it clear where the tree wants to produce new growth.

New Jersey Bonsai Societies Exhibition A Great Success!

Last weekend four bonsai societies worked together to present their 2nd Annual Open Event “The Art of Bonsai” exhibition and sale at the Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. Members from the Bergen, Deep Cut, Great Swamp and Pennsylvania Bonsai Societies sponsored the exhibition which was a huge success!

Does It Matter If Our Benches Are Level?

Aside from looking at things with our heads tilted, yes, it matters in another way, too. 

Shade Cloth Part IV: Foliage Health

Here is a set of images for a clearer idea of the benefits of shade cloth.

50th Gafu Ten Shohin Bonsai Tour

Join Kora Dalager and me for the 50th Anniversary Gafu Ten Shohin Bonsai Exhibition held in Kyoto, Japan, in early January. This is the premier exhibition of shohin bonsai in Japan. Some of the best shohin bonsai masterpieces will be displayed for your appreciation and study.