Attention Los Locos de Arbolitos!! Well, friends, this is the weekend you’ve been waiting for— the Superbowl, Armageddon, Your First Kiss, The Birth of Your Children, and the Oakland Roller Derby Finals all rolled into ONE !!!! We will meet at the palatial home of Janine and Gordon (contact Jesús or Karl for details if you’ve never been there) as…  FULL STORY

OK, Buckaroos, October is here, and we have some serious bonsai wrangling to do.  10/01 at the church.  Read the message below.  10/15-10/16 at Gordon’s hacienda.  I will send a map in another email.  Read about this below.  And, of course, a timely warm and fuzzy message from John. Happy trails,//Jesús.   Hey Jesus, Please remind everyone in your monthly…  FULL STORY

Despite the Labor Day Weekend, our merry band of wee tree specialists will be meeting this Saturday, September 3rd at 9 a.m. in the Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

It’s a BiG month… Bonsai in the Garden of Kenn and Vicki.  Contact the Web Guy for details if you missed the e-mail invite.

THE POINT, Dear Ones, is that we will meet at the home of the Mistress of Mayhem this Sat. at 9:00am for another attempt to save face. We have a question about the effects a potassium-charged water softener has on trees. Most experiences with salt-charged devices are disastrous, of course, but what about the potassium? Any thoughts on this problem??…  FULL STORY

From Will Arthur, brave volunteer hosting our monthly riff-raff: When: Saturday, July 9th Time: 9am – ? Where: Will Arthur’s home Address: (Contact the web guy for exact location) Here are the major streets by cardinal directions bordering my home: South: Lomas North: Constitution West: Washington East: San Mateo For anyone so wishing, my pools open & I’ll have some…  FULL STORY

Back during the frosty weeks of winter when we were laying out the year’s schedule, it seemed reasonable to think that we’d have nothing to do but work on our bonsai over the 4th of July weekend.  But last month, suddenly everyone remembered the picnics, the trips to the mountains, firework-caused wildfires, and the in-laws coming to visit.  So with…  FULL STORY

The monthly workshop will be held at Ms. Connie’s Marvelous Madhouse of Maples.  Saturday June 18, 9:00 until the last tree is chopped.  Considering that temps will be over 100°, this might be a weekend to work on tropicals and succulents.

This from Catherine Hubbard, Director of the Albuquerque Botanic Garden

We now return to our regularly scheduled monthly meeting, this Saturday June 4 at the Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Here’s the list as of 4/30/16 with the schedule of support for the Mothers Day Show. BonsaiShowSignupList0001

Will be this Saturday (4/16) at Connie’s house.  John must not be sniffing the Superthrive as his note below is unusually brief. Jesús Just a mercifully short note to remind everyone that we will be freezing our nebaris off at The Stinging Nun’s backyard on Sat. AM @ 9:00. I was in ABQ yesterday, and purchased a couple of flats…  FULL STORY

Heads up, Frond Fidgeters!!! Oh, Man—– This is an opportunity that does not come along very often. If you can con, wheedle, demand,or assert your right to disappear for awhile, try to take some time this week to join Kenneth in his Orgy of Bonsai Shame over at Connie’s this week. This will be your reward for all the help…  FULL STORY

I expect to hear from Burt or John with some choice words about the meeting scheduled for this Saturday, March 5th.  It’s the beginning of high season for spring bonsai work.  Prune, shape, transplant, fertilize, wire — don’t just sit there! Maybe someone will remember what the program is supposed to be.  I’ve got my leaf anatomy presentation ready, but…  FULL STORY

The question is how many of you new folk we can squeeze into Fox’s shop this Saturday for our workshop. In the “loaves and fishes” tradition, we always seem to have room, and we really want you newbies to show up. Maybe bring a folding chair if you’ve got one. Richard’s address is … [ha ha, only if Burt has…  FULL STORY

All kinds of excitement this month:  George and John’s report from the distant shores of the California bonsai scene (the Baikoen show), updates on the Queen’s condition, sage advice on the selection of pots, pandemonium re: the Mothers Day Show (only 3 months away, ahh!), and much, much more.  Don’t miss it!  

From Richard M., a little seasonal humor.

The December bonsai club meeting is our traditional holiday potluck and festival of decorated bonsai trees.So bring a dish to share and decorate your favorite tree.We will start the annual collection of dues, $24 per household, and make another try at completing the program schedule for 2016. Happy holidays – burt

Remind me, Dear Hearts, when I am making fun of ignorant superstitions, that last Friday– 11/13– was indeed a day when the Croaking Ravens came home to roost and crapped their filthy white feces into my life like a nightmare— a bad movie in which I was the unwilling star. When George came home from work Fri.PM, he was approached…  FULL STORY

It has been a while since our last meeting at the church so tomorrow will be busy. On the agenda is a discussion of the wind swept and the slanting style. a discussion of the Artisan Cup which was held in Portland, Oregon. I have served my year as president and Richard as vice president – Richard is a brilliant…  FULL STORY

Clearing skies mean colder nights. The Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for tonight. Weather Underground forecasts temps near 30° in the North Valley for the next 3 nights. Probably right around freezing in the Heights. Bundle up when you come to Saturday’s meeting–near 40° at the start, into the 50s by the finish. Sunshine will make it feel…  FULL STORY

The members-only bonsai workshop will be this Saturday 9:00 a.m. at Connie’s.  I’m sure Burton and John will be sending out more verbose and entertaining details shortly.

Post-field trip note from John: Dearest Twig Necks,              Those blessed among us who showed-up in the bowels of Los Lunas/Tome yesterday were treated to a display of horticultural expertise of serious proportions. The owner, Michael Melendrez ( the “r”is correct), gave us about two hours of high-speed Basic Chemistry which had the vicious ring…  FULL STORY

Despite it being the holiday weekend, the diehards of the club will be holding their monthly meeting at the Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 9:00 a.m. this Saturday, Sept. 5.  Program details below from El Presidente Burt.  See you there.   The bizare bonsai behavior continues – I will again be standing in front of you on a very early…  FULL STORY

Well, Peanut Heads, did you enjoy Saturday’s meeting?? I hope that those of you who showed up at the church Sat.AM will admit your error—- we will not laugh at you, we will laugh NEXT to you….. However, you will notice from the attached flyer that our strange boy Willie Pentler many months ago conned me into volunteering US for…  FULL STORY

A word or two from the Sensei: “I turn to simplicity; I turn again to purity.” —– Genghis Khan, 1221 AD Yes, friends…. Even the Great Khan ( whose methods and politics many in our Club still revere) wished for rest and quiet in his last years. And, my fondest desire was to follow old GK into the peaceful Gardens…  FULL STORY

Once again, the People have spoken and the ABQ Bonsai Club have bowed to their will. Connie’s lovely cascade has taken the prize after this weekend’s bonsai show at the Botanic Garden.

Follow this hyperlink to see Burton’s interview:  http://krqe.com/2015/04/30/botanic-gardens-to-host-bonsai-exhibit/ ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE)- The Albuquerque Botanic Gardens is hosting a miniature event. The ABQ Bonsai Club will be showcasing their beautifully designed bonsai trees during the Annual Bonsai Club show. Bonsai, pronounced bone-sigh, is a Japanese art of creating miniature trees and landscapes. Bonsai creates the illusion of a fully grown tree in…  FULL STORY

From the desk of John Egert regarding this Saturday’s meeting (9:00 a.m. May 2 @ Heights Cumberland):         Well, I have now entered the yearly phase of Bad Bonsai Dreams. Last night, I dreamt that a rival bonsai club– full of charlatans who showed artificial trees and strange papyrus-like plants— were horning in on our show. They were…  FULL STORY

That’s right, you Pine Knots!!! Revelations!! And it is now upon us!! In 23 days, you will not be read your cheesy “Rights”, nor will you be offered legal assistance!! On the afternoon of 5/8/15 you will be sucked down the burning hole of Bonsai Hell, and the crusty undead will grasp at your alabaster ankles….  And “Why”, you bleat…  FULL STORY

We’re on track for the monthly meeting 9:00 a.m. Saturday April 4th at Heights-Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Lots happening this time of year, so bring your questions and your trees. It’s just over a month until the Mother’s Day show at the Albuquerque Botanic Garden — preparation for that big event will be a topic of discussion.  

Well, people—- I have finally triumphed in the techno-wars!!! Burt’s son– like mine– is gainfully employed and is no longer readily available to show Old Dad how to hit the “ON” button on his computer, so, it has fallen to me to remind you that we will meet at 9:00 am tomorrow at the Church. We should have enough going on to…  FULL STORY

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” — Matthew 7:15 As George and I were driving home from the Saturday meeting, we passed the buffalo ranch near the Rio Grande crossing south of ABQ. It occurred to me that, as a penance for beating my gums at top speed during these…  FULL STORY

Susan kindly contributed these photographs from the December meeting/pot luck.                                                    

The Albuquerque Bonsai Club has had a Facebook page since July 2014 and now (January 16, 2015) there is a Twitter feed — @ABQbonsai where all the latest may be found.  Even if you don’t tweet and don’t have a Twitter account, you can see what’s there by pointing your browser at https://twitter.com/ABQbonsai. Meanwhile, don’t forget John Egert’s workshop on…  FULL STORY

Come Celebrate Nicholas Ng’s Life on Sunday October 5th !!! Nick’s friend of 30+ years, Sally Price, has graciously offered to host Nick’s celebration at her home in Four Hills this Sunday afternoon. Meet and Greet Mixer from 4-5PM, Food Will Be Served at Five PM Sally’s address is : 1024 Wagon Wheel SE Sally’s Phone # is : 292-2737..…  FULL STORY

We recently learned of the passing of Nicholas Ng, long time club member and authority on flowering bonsai.  He will be missed. For our new people, who didn’t get a chance to know Nicholas very well, John Egert submits the following: Nicholas Ng was one of those rare people who marched to a very different drum than the rest of…  FULL STORY

Dave Ellis sends his thanks for the turn out for Nicholas’ memorial: I’m really happy that members of the Bonsai Club were able to attend Nick’s send-off.  I know that it meant a lot to Simon and Theresa.  I hope that everyone took home some of Nick’s Bonsai library… I sure know that I did.. There were still quite a…  FULL STORY

We’re back on schedule with the formal meeting at the Heights-Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Saturday September 6 at 9:00.  Time to do fall maintenance and (for those of us who are brave) transplanting.  Be there.  Aloha.

As is sometimes the case, the July meeting occurs on the 4th of July weekend.  Due to an abundance of holiday activities, the usual meeting on the first Saturday of the month is being cancelled. See you in August.

On Saturday August 2nd we will be having a Bonsai in the Garden (BIG) potluck at Gordon and Jeanine's home.

The club generally meets at the Heights-Cumberland Presbyterian Church 9:00 AM on the first Saturday of most months.  We meet in the multipurpose building indicated by the letter ‘A’ in the Google Maps image below. Enter the multipurpose building via the only door (on the southwest side under the portal). We are down the main hallway and then to the…  FULL STORY

Saturday February 1 at 9:00 AM Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church Look for us in the SE side of the facility in one of the multi-purpose rooms Words from the Prez: This saturday at the meeting we will be having a raffle for the two pots that the club has bought, John’s donation. If you go to this site http://www.bonsaivision.com/category-s/1869.htm third…  FULL STORY

Wake Up And Smell The Liquid Fish!!!! And yet AGAIN, we are firing-up the monthly Affront to Botany which will be held at the palatial estate of Richard Fox in his workshop, which houses a many-thousand$$ woodworking machine of rather hazy purpose, which, in any event, has now been shunted into obsolescence by simple 3D printers which will soon be…  FULL STORY

This Saturday Burt will be explaining about hypertufa. This is the beginning of the new year, so it will be appreciated if everyone remembers to bring their club donation.   For those of us who are having memory problems, it is $24 for the year or $2 per month or $0.462 a week or $0.066 a day.  I am sure Athena would appreciate receiving the…  FULL STORY

No official word just yet, but your intrepid web guy is guessing that Sat. Dec. 7 will be the date for the usual holiday potluck.  Bring food and, if you’re feeling generous, your $24 to renew your annual membership.

This Saturday November 9 at 10:00 we will be gathering  at Connie’s place to help her winterize the trees that she has not already gotten to. When the task is done John will discuss the group plantings that Connie has. Sorry, no sales  🙁

Instead of the usual class by John Egert, the October 19 get-together will be a field trip to Trees That Please.  Plan on meeting at #9 Gilcrease Rd. Los Lunas at 10:00 to take advantage of club access to their 1 gal. material. See Athena’s e-mail for details. Afterwards, people are encouraged to go to their nursery for their Fall sale,…  FULL STORY

The October meeting was held in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the 5th.  The topic du jour was preparing our trees for winter.  Nick gave us some good advice about Bougainvilleas, John diagrammed proper secondary and tertiary branch shaping, and Kenn worked on a formal upright that needed fine wiring.

The July club meeting on Sat. the 6th will not be at the Heights Presbyterian Church, but instead at Wayne Lorenz’s house for a summer potluck. Contact Kenn Grieves for directions if you need them.

Connie Gardner’s Trident Maple carried away the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Albuquerque Biopark Bonsai Show.  Two days of voting saw every tree in the exhibit gather some votes, but in the final tally, Connie took the prize.

Once again the ABC put on its annual Mother’s Day bonsai show at the Albuquerque Botanical Garden, May 11-12.  And just  in time… the ABQ Biopark has been included in a listing of the top 10 botanical gardens in the U.S.                                      …  FULL STORY

May will be getting ready for the Mother’s Day show at the Botanical Garden. Mother’s Day show May 11 & 12. Please let Kenn, John or Susan know who has what in the way of setup material. Some conferences coming: ABS Saratoga Springs, New York Sept. 12-15 There is an Deco-Japan exhibit at the Albuquerque Museum Feb 9 through April…  FULL STORY

A few photographs from the April 2013 Master Workshop.

The July 7 meeting will be the traditional midsummer potluck. This year it will be at Connie Gardner's house. Members only, please.

Once again the club is hosting the Mother’s Day Bonsai Show at the Albuquerque Botanical Garden.  This year the display will take place Saturday May 11 through Sunday May 12.  Club members will be showing general bonsai techniques and answering questions all weekend.  John and George Egert will provide Sunday demonstrations, turning perfectly good nursery plants into the beginnings of…  FULL STORY

Just a quick reminder that bonsai enthusiasts with fewer than 10 year’s experience still have time to apply for participation in the 11th annual Joshua Roth New Talent Competition in Denver.  — Kenn Greives, ABC President Visions of the American West, sponsored by ABS and BCI, will be held in Denver from June 21-24, 2012.  Information about the contest is…  FULL STORY

With the spring winds, thoughts of bonsai fanciers in New Mexico turn to the annual Mother’s Day Show.  This year it will be May 12-13 at the Albuquerque Botanical Garden.  The “Ancient Art of Bonsai” show will wrap up the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s spring indoor show season co-sponsored by the Albuquerque Bonsai Club. The bonsai show will be held in…  FULL STORY

We have added a new award category to the Mother’s Day Show held on May 8-9. There was no contest that the bonsai most photographed during the two day Albuquerque Bonsai Club event was the Bald Cypress which stood in the patio at the entrance to the Show. The effort that it took for John and George to style and…  FULL STORY

The overall winner of the People’s Choice Award for the Mother’s Day Show at the Botanic Garden is a Korean Lilac in full bloom. Out of more than 35 bonsai on display it was the favorite of most of the people who visited. A close second was a trident maple with a lot of attitude. Thank you to all who…  FULL STORY

The winner of the most popular bonsai awarded by our guests at the Botanic Garden show for Saturday, May 8 is – #16, the lilac that is in full bloom! People visiting the show enjoyed it’s display of color and were delighted by the scent as well. It was clear that most all the little girls who came through the…  FULL STORY

May 12-13, 2012 Once again the “Ancient Art of Bonsai” show will wrap up the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s spring indoor show season co-sponsored by the Albuquerque Bonsai Club. The bonsai show will be held in the Garden Showroom. Members of the club will be show their best bonsai of different styles and species of trees. Local varieties such as Alligator…  FULL STORY

April 7, Cindy Read Workshop St. Mary’s Episcopal church. 1500 Chelwood Park Boulevard Northeast. 9:00.  Cindy Read, she has studied with Roy Nagatoshi and others and was here last October, will be having a workshop on Saturday April 7th. There will be fourteen positions, seven in the morning and seven in the afternoon. The positions will be $35.00 each. If you…  FULL STORY

Sign up now for this wonderful workshop at the Albuquerque Botanic Garden with Jim Barrett. A master from Pasadena, CA, Jim has been a featured speaker at many bonsai conventions and clubs and has worked for many bonsai associations. He is a past president of Bonsai Clubs International, the first president of Golden State Bonsai Federation, the founding president of…  FULL STORY

We stand prepared to make laughingstocks of ourselves once again on Saturday AM at El Zorro Loco’s workshop. I will try to repot a tree which is showing bad effects from the -18 night two weeks ago. Then, we will talk about The Great Dig on 3/19, both what you need to bring and what to look for when you’re…  FULL STORY