Bring Your Own Tree Workshop
Twenty‑Five Years of Growth — Past, Present, and Future
Twenty‑Five Years of Growth — Past, Present, and Future
For twenty‑five years, the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM), Oakland, California, has stood as a testament to patience, artistry, and community. Like the trees it houses, the garden has grown slowly and intentionally shaped by many hands, guided by shared vision, and rooted in a deep respect for the ancient art of bonsai.
BGLM is a volunteer‑driven nonprofit organization supported entirely through donations and grants.
The anniversary book captures years in the making. It is a story of transformation: of trees, of people, and of a public space that has become one of the most cherished bonsai collections in the United States.
The major project in 2024 was undertaken by a modest group of garden volunteers to celebrate 25 years of BGLM. Research and execution took more than 13 months, six separate photograph shoots, and certainly dedication for creating and publishing the book.
The 123-page book focuses on the history of the garden, the number of donors, supporters and volunteers, and the museum quality bonsai and suiseki viewing stones. Going back to the concept in 1974 and covering the years of construction and growth, more than 1,700 contributing individual names were published in the book.
The 25th Anniversary Book – produced in both softcover and hardcover editions – was completed right on schedule and made its debut during the BGLM’s anniversary celebration in November 2024. Its release became a highlight of the event, offering visitors and longtime supporters a tangible way to commemorate a quarter century of growth, artistry, and community.
The future of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt – its trees, its stones, its educational mission, and its role as a living art museum – will rest in the hands of all‑volunteer bonsai practitioners and enthusiasts who support it today. Their dedication is the garden’s greatest asset.
For information about purchasing the 25th Anniversary Book, click Purchase 25th Anniversary Book
Hardcover
Softcover
Bring Your Own Tree (BYOT)
Elevate your bonsai skills at this year’s REBS Bonsai Show! On Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, headliner Sam Tan will lead an exclusive Bring Your Own Tree (BYOT) workshop. This hands‑on session is a rare chance to receive personalized guidance from one of today’s most inspiring bonsai artists. Participation is just $50 per person — an incredible value for direct instruction at this level.
This is a great opportunity where you bring your own bonsai tree and have Sam Tan guide you through the process of styling.
The number of participants is limited. For further information, please contact Show Chair Bob Shimon at shimon@mcn.org.
Annual Bonsai Show
Mark your calendars for the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS) Annual Bonsai Show scheduled for August 22 and 23, 2026, at the Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, California 94928.
2026 Kokufu-ten Bonsai Exhibition Part 2
Prepared by George Haas
2026 Kokufu-ten Bonsai Exhibition Part 2
The première bonsai exhibition Part 2 took place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan from February 14 thru 18, 2026. It was celebrated as the 100th anniversary of the of Kokufu-ten bonsai exhibition.
Ivan Lukrich and George Haas attended Part 2 of the renowned bonsai exhibition on February 17 and 18, 2026. Photographs were allowed for the 181 additional bonsai displays. A photograph album is available for purchase with the publication date due sometime in June 2026. Nippon Bonsa Association sponsored the bonsai exhibition.
The following photographs are some of the 181 bonsai trees on display for Part 2:
