This year's summer picnic was a great celebration of the past year in bonsai with the society.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Gardens for the American Bonsai Society’s (ABS - www.americanbonsaisociety.org) Learning Seminars May 9-11 to attend some workshops, see the All-Michigan Bonsai Show, compete in the New Talent Competition, and visit the large vendor area.

Photos of the companion plants that were shown alongside each of the main trees at the ABS All-Michigan show.

Photos from the All-Michigan bonsai show that took place during the ABS Learning Semiars.

Photos from the 2024 ABS's annual New Talent Competition at the Learning Seminars at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens & Sclupture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

For this Beginner's Workshop we used parrot's beak (gmelina philippinensis) to create a unique bonsai tree.  I think everyone had fun and hope they continue to learn and love bonsai!

Photos from the recent repot/follow-up phoenix graft (aka tanuki) workshop that took place way back in 2018.

Have you ever seen a miniature tree in a pot – known as bonsai – and wanted to learn the skills needed to grow your own?  In this hands-on class we’ll teach you the basics of how bonsai are created, and get you started growing, styling, and caring for your very own tree!

Kerry has been in the horticultural industry for over 30 years.  He is also a a collector of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs and is currently the buyer, nursery manager, and merchandiser at Jamie's Mulch and Landscaping in West Chester, OH.  Needless to say, he loves bonsai!

If you didn't make it to the yamadori outing with Ben Kirkland from Appalachian Bonsai (Appalachian Bonsai) you missed a great trip.  Was it cold?  YES!  Did it snow the night before?  YES!  Did everyone have a good time and find some great trees?