Last weekend the Yamato Bonsai Kai hosted their 50th annual exhibition in Union City, California. The event featured demonstrations both days by club sensei Johnny Uchida, vendors, club sales, and a fun mix of show trees – several of which are among my favorites in the Bay Area.
The Western juniper below was initially styled by Shinji Suzuki. The movement and deadwood along the trunk is beautiful.
Western juniper
I’ve long been a fan of the Sierra juniper below. The deadwood shows great age and detail.
Sierra juniper
I’d also like to call attention to one of my favorite Monterey pines – it’s nearly 4′ tall!
Monterey pine
Johnny Uchida working on the demo tree, a California juniper, with help from Howard
(photo courtesy Noah H.)
Tokonoma display with spruce and satsuki azalea
Trident maple
I gave a talk Sunday morning for club members that focused on preparing trees for exhibit and display conventions.
Inviting a tree to grow toward the new front (photo courtesy Noah H.)
California juniper (photo courtesy Noah H.)
Sierra juniper
California juniper
Sierra juniper
Speaking of exhibits, now’s the time to plan a trip to Kannapolis for the 2021 Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo. The event is held at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and features a mix of deciduous trees and select conifers. Learn more at the event website.
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Richard Dorfman says
Twin trunk Sierra Juniper is extraordinarily beautiful.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks, Richard – I’ll pass this along to the tree’s owner!
Tom Regelski says
It seems an ideology of “fantasy” prevails over the original bonsai quest for naturalism. I am struck by their beauty but for most, I sense an attempt to demonstrate a high degree of skill for its own sake, a virtuosity that attracts attention to itself and away from a natural look. A similar observation has been made in music when the virtuosic demands of a concerto outweigh more “strictly musical” results.
Alessandro says
Ciao Jonas! What kind of soil has been used? It is so dark in some trees!!!
Thank you!
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Alessandro! The dark soil is black scoria (lava rock).
Vern Smith says
Thank you for joining us at our show Jonas. Your talk on Sunday morning was very helpful and enjoyable!
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks, Vern!
Rachael says
Wow. Amazing designs…beautiful. I’m an amateur learning at beginner level. The expo…what talent 👏 breathtaking! Rachael~
vance hanna says
Hi Jonas,
Wow! IT is really nice to see Johnny! I was over in Oakland today with all the heavy rain…to see my grand daughter….thought of you guys!
But the reason today is here are some photos* of the pine needle curl on my P.Thunberii. Also it happens on the other pines as well. Nothing totally serious but it does spoil a few shoots here and there. Any idea on what is causing this?
I never had it in the past. Yet this is the second year of this.
thanks I do promise to get over there to meet you personally soon!* sending via email
Robert Thatcher says
Thanks for showing all the trees native to N. America. You are so lucky to
be able to go out and collect such material.