3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend

thank you to our sponsors

David Graeser
Margaret & James Bell
Joe & Debbie Graviss
Pursuit Spirits

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Friday, May 30 – Sunday, June 1, 2025
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
FREE ages 16 and under

Tickets purchased are valid for the whole weekend, May 30 – June 1, and re-entry is welcome!

Special guest Judge: Owen Reich

Owen Reich has been on a journey to become both a bonsai master of all species and styles as well as a plantsman. This required a complete understanding of horticulture (UGA ‘06) and direct interaction with Japan’s native species. Central Japan is very much like the southeastern United States, so after building and managing Samara Farms LLC he spent three years of apprenticeship at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Osaka, Japan. Owen learned how to care for multi-generational bonsai of all species, instead of focusing on conifers only. Understanding the 3-5 year rhythms of deciduous trees commonly used for bonsai in Central Japan was primary interest for studying deciduous species and kusamono, with three years of styling time on tons of conifers. Exhibition preparation and container / stand harmony is a big part of Kouka-en’s specialty, so Owen’s approach to exhibitions is largely focused on overall display harmony and allusions to the current and upcoming seasons. Owen’s current focus is on deciduous and broadleaf evergreen species of all kinds, especially those native to the eastern half of the United States of America, utilizing these for bonsai is likely the future of introductory bonsai training. Current habitat restoration and design / build project is Bask Retreat Center in Centerville, Tennessee. A Japanese inspired moss garden with all native species and their cultivars will be proof of concept for expansion of this garden style.

Bonsai Weekend Vendors

In Vivo Bonsai, Green Witch Gardens, Asian Artique, Clayfoot Pottery, Twisted Nature Bonsai, Pottery Cat Designs Studio, Hagabon, Myrick Bonsai Pottery

Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the 2nd Annual Bonsai Weekend presented by Mac and Catherine Willett, featuring the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society! Thank you to Phil Malhiot for his informative and engaging demonstrations and workshops, and to all the show entrants for sharing their exceptional trees with the community. Many thanks to Renshoku Ramen, Kentucky Science Center, and Asia Institute Crane House for their participation in making this weekend a success!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Bonsai Weekend:

Best in Show – 6 Tee Shohin display by Joe Graviss (Sponsored by WBG)

1st Place – Shimpaku Juniper cascade by Jim Keith

2nd Place – White Pine by Russ Stevens

3rd Place – Yew by Jim Doiron (Top three sponsored by Central Kentucky Bonsai)

People’s Choice – White Pine by Russ Stevens (Sponsored by Twisted Nature Bonsai)

GLBS Club Choice – Easter White Cedar Forest by Joe Dietz (Sponsored by GLBS)

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