"...shall be to promote knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the art of bonsai to its members and to the general public through meetings, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, publications or other means."

Ann Arbor Bonsai Society

  Current Newsletter

Established in 1970

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2009 Calendar of Events
Quick Overview
Details available here
(BYOT=Bring Your Own Tree)

January 28 - Indoor Bonsai Critique - BYOT.
February 25 - "Art of Bonsai" -- Julian Adams -- Guest Speaker.
February 28 - Beginner and Intermediate Classes, Part I.
March 7 - Beginner and Intermediate Classes, Part II.
March 14 - Beginner and Intermediate Classes, Part III
March 25 - Video presentation of Shinji Suzuki.
April 11 - Collecting Trip to Ypsilanti.
April 22 - Challenging Trees Review -- BYOT
May 27 - Working Critique.
June 13 - AABS Annual Pot Luck.
June 24 - Roy Nagatoshi -- Guest Speaker -- Shimpaku Juniper.
June 25 - Roy Nagotoshi -- Workshop -- Shimpaku Juniper.
July 11 - Photographing Bonsai -- Workshop -- BYOT
July 22 - Focusing on Pines -- BYOT
August 26 - Prospecting for Bonsai -- Challenges and Opportunities.
August 29-30 - AABS Bonsai Show.
September 23 - AABS Auction
October 10 -- Gee Farms Field Trip.
October 28 - Growing and Training Indoor Shohin Bonsai -- BYOT.
November 9 - AABS Annual Banquet and Mini-Exhibit
December - No Meetings


All meetings of the AABS are at Matthaei Bontanical Gardens unless otherwise noted.

 June 24th! -- June Meeting

Roy Nagatoshi


  Roy Nagatoshi -- Guest Speaker -- Demonstration using Shimpaku Juniper Roy Nagatoshi of California owns Fuji Bonsai Nursery in Sylmar, outside of Los Angeles, California. holds a Bachelor Degree in ornamental horticulture, and makes frequent appearances, teaching and demonstrating bonsai all over the U.S. Roy was credited for creating bonsai for a major motion picture, Karate Kid III, in 1990, and was also involved in a bonsai educational video professionally produced by Puget Sound Bonsai Association, with funding provided by Weyerhaeuser Company of Tacoma, Washington. He is the President of the California Bonsai Society and a favorite of John Naka. Read the Knowledge of Bonsai Forum, "Roy Nagatoshi Demonstration on a San Jose Juniper". Roy Nagatoshi's short biography is available here.
Watch two 10 minute YouTube videos of Roy Nagatoshi styling a shimpaku juniper: Part I ||| Part II.

LOCATION: Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium
DATE: June 24, 2009
TIME: 7:30pm (socializing begins at 7:00pm)

 June 25th! -- June Workshop

Workshop Leader - Roy Nagatoshi


  Roy Nagatoshi will lead a workshop using Shimpaku Juniper. Examples of the shimpaku junipers that will be offered for Roy’s workshop in June are pictured below. Junipers will each cost $35. Cost of the class is an additional $35. Total enrollment will be limited to 10. An additional 5 more may attend if they bring their own tree.
If you want to attend this workshop, it is important to contact Alfonso Tercero ASAP! This workshop is filling up fast!

LOCATION: Matthaei Botanical Gardens Room 125
DATE: June 25, 2009
TIME: 4:00pm - 8:00pm

 NEW! -- AABS 2009 Calendar of Events -- NEW!


2009 Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Programs Begin January 28th


The goal of educational programming this year will be to improve member’s collections into more evolved and styled bonsai, hence the numerous BYOT (Bring Your Own Tree) events. In the past the focus has been in providing members with opportunities to acquire more trees through workshops, but after considerable feedback from AABS members, many do not know what to do with their trees after they have acquired them. More instruction has been requested for refinement techniques of pruning, wiring and general styling. Members will be encouraged to participate by brining their trees for show and tell, critique and exposition.

Also in 2009, look forward to the Invited Guest Speakers. In June, AABS welcomes Roy Nagatoshi of California who owns Fuji Bonsai Nursery in Sylmar, outside of Los Angeles. Mr Nagatoshi holds a Bachelor Degree in ornamental horticulture, and makes frequent appearances, teaching and demonstrating bonsai all over the U.S. Mr. Nagatoshi was credited for creating bonsai for a major motion picture, Karate Kid III, in 1990, and was also involved in a bonsai educational video professionally produced by Puget Sound Bonsai Association, with funding provided by Weyerhaeuser Company of Tacoma, Washington. He is the President of the California Bonsai Society and a favorite of John Naka. Mr. Nagatoshi will provide a lecture and workshop using Shimpaku Juniper.

And, to round out the rest of the 2009 AABS Calendar of Events, you do not have to look very far to obtain quality instructors. AABS members possess a wealth of knowledge that they have selflessly shared for many years with other members. AABS members, Jack Wikle, Bill Heston, Connie Crancer, Cyril Grum and others will lead dynamic discussions, critiques and workshops on a variety of topics. Of special interest is a photography workshop with Carlos Diaz, a collecting trip to the Ypsilanti area, and a field trip to Gee Farms. Make note of these dates as you will not want to miss these unique events.

Last, but certainly not least, the Annual Show and Auction are to be noted, promoted and definitely attended. All of these events and many others provide AABS members with numerous opportunities to finely tune their bonsai skills. Please join us!

Ann Arbor Bonsai Society - 1800 North Dixboro Rd. - Ann Arbor - MI 48105-9741
The Ann Arbor Bonsai Society is affiliated with the American Bonsai Society and the Mid-American Bonsai Alliance.
©2009 Ann Arbor Bonsai Society
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