One of the highlights of visiting bonsai shows is getting a chance to see friends and talk to members about their trees. In the past few months I’ve learned about fungus attacking satsuki azaleas, discovered the botanical name of a tree I recently purchased and compared notes about how decandled pines are doing in different microclimates. We’re fortunate in the Bay Area to have around 20 clubs nearby and another dozen or so within a 2-hour drive. Midori’s show is conveniently located in Shuei-Do Manju Shop for a mochi fix and shave-ice after the exhibit.

This year’s show featured a few varieties with which I’m not too familiar (like pyracomeles) and plenty of suiseki. I appreciate the diversity and look forward to learning more about these trees.