2026 May Update

Bonsai Notebook

A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT:
Before getting into this months program,
I want to share some sad news.
Long-time bonsai Master and Sensei Al Nelson passed away April 29 at 94 years of age.
Al was a talented artist, a great teacher, and a friend to all.
He did demonstrations for our club many times over the years, and he had a unique talent for teaching the art of bonsai.
What he taught us will live on through us; a fitting legacy for Al.
~Dave

Next Meeting:
May 9, 2026
7pm
at the LA Arboretum- Palm Room

Our Guest Demonstrator for May is: Ryan Pitts

Ryan studied Bonsai under Master David Nguy of Bonsai Jidai.
He is the Past President of the Chino Bonsai Club, the Co-Chairman of the John Naka Memorial Exhibition in Los Angeles, and his award-winning work has been in several exhibitions.
He often travels, doing private collection work, performing demonstrations, and conducting workshops.
Apex Bonsai Studio is located in the City of Montclair, in Southern California.

DEMONSTRATION:
Ryan will provide instruction on best practices, selection, cultivation and styling of common materials for bonsai.
This includes an overview of the benefits and characteristics of the material and why it is a viable candidate for the practice of bonsai.

He will give a demonstration and 1st styling of a tree which will be placed in the raffle at the end of the evening.

We have a unique opportunity for all in attendance at this meeting.
Please bring a tree and your tools- Ryan will be critiquing and providing suggestions for making future show ready trees.
(tools are available if you don’t have some of your own)

It’s going to be an information filled, interactive meeting!

MEETING REFRESHMENTS: Hungry???
Please bring your favorite appetizers and snacks to share
water provided by SABS

RAFFLE TABLE
We’re hoping for a Large Raffle Table- including a special raffle for Ryan’s Tree, Kathy Boehme pots and more…

Bring a bonsai related item to donate
Your donations to the raffle at the meetings are a BIG help to support the club
Please keep them coming

SAVE THE DATE
The Annual Memorial Weekend Show and Members Sale will be May 23-25
Mark your calendars for May 23-25th in Aryes Hall at the LA Arboretum
We still need volunteers.
Please help out and sign up at [email protected]

A unique opportunity for a workshop with Peter Macasieb will be offered on May 23 & 24 at 11am ( see flyer for details)

UPCOMING MEETINGS

We are looking forward to an exciting year of programs aimed at helping our members of all experience levels continue to grow and enjoy the bonsai artform.

May 9, 2026
Demo Ryan Pitts; 1st tree styling & Crique & suggestions for your own- bring a tree
LA Arboretum -Palm Room

June 13, 2026
Demo by: Wanda Danesi
Spring Bouquet’s: Introduction to working with decidous, tropicals and other flowering materials.
Discussion and demonstration on Vibernum
LA Arboretum- Palm Room

July 11, 2026
Demo by Peter Macaseib
at Peter’s Shohin Bonsai Court- West Covina, Ca

August 8, 2026
Demo by David & June Nguy
at their Shisei-En Garden- Chino, Ca

SABS meetings are always on the 2nd Saturday monthly January-November 2026

MEMBERSHIP

Our Annual membership drive for 2026 is now ongoing
Single memberships continue to be $20 and Family/Couple Memberships are $25
Cash, Check or Zelle payment options are available

APRIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

April’s meeting with Daniel Deephouse helped members with advice for their final 2026 show tree preparation.
Thank you Daniel.