Bonsai on the Bayou Houston, TX April 11-14, 2019

[BillsBayou]

Oh - and you ain't seen nothing yet

S

THAT'S THE PROBLEM!!! We ain't seen nuttin yet!

I'm hoping to beat the drum for this convention in Southeast Louisiana. There are far too many people in the GNOBS who have never been to a convention. Houston is about 5 hours away and a nice town to visit.

Can beat the drum if I have no drum.

The dilemma for New Orleans members is that we know Byron's workshop is great, but we also really like Byron so we want him to get more exposure. Do we take the workshop and get another personally made pot? Do we step aside and let others get to know Byron and his workshop? Personal Gain versus Friendship... Hmmm.....

 

[markyscott]

THAT'S THE PROBLEM!!! We ain't seen nuttin yet!

I'm hoping to beat the drum for this convention in Southeast Louisiana. There are far too many people in the GNOBS who have never been to a convention. Houston is about 5 hours away and a nice town to visit.

Can beat the drum if I have no drum.

The dilemma for New Orleans members is that we know Byron's workshop is great, but we also really like Byron so we want him to get more exposure. Do we take the workshop and get another personally made pot? Do we step aside and let others get to know Byron and his workshop? Personal Gain versus Friendship... Hmmm.....

And we love our neighbors to the east. And then there’s me - with my charm, striking good looks, razor sharp wit, magntic personality and, above all, my modesty, how could anyone stay away?

We would REALLY love to meet some of the folks from the New Orleans here in Houston. Recently the Louisiana Bonsai Society in Baton Rouge and the Lake Charles Bonsai Society became member clubs in the Lone Star Bonsai Federation and I would love nothing more than to see more Louisiana member clubs. Together, we can afford better and higher quality conventions with nicer material and more frequent touring artists. Come on down to Houston and we’ll give you a warm Texas welcome and have a cold Shiner waiting for you!

How can I help you get the word out in New Orleans?

S

 

[BillsBayou]

And we love our neighbors to the east. And then there’s me - with my charm, striking good looks, razor sharp wit, magntic personality and, above all, my modesty, how could anyone stay away?

We would REALLY love to meet some of the folks from the New Orleans here in Houston. Recently the Louisiana Bonsai Society in Baton Rouge and the Lake Charles Bonsai Society became member clubs in the Lone Star Bonsai Federation and I would love nothing more than to see more Louisiana member clubs. Together, we can afford better and higher quality conventions with nicer material and more frequent touring artists. Come on down to Houston and we’ll give you a warm Texas welcome and have a cold Shiner waiting for you!

How can I help you get the word out in New Orleans?

S

I'll get you the contact information for the GNOBS board. Likely on the site or facebook page... Lemme go check....

I'm back.

Head on over to gnobs.org
Under the "About Us" tab, you'll see the current board. Randy Bennett is our president and has been doing bonsai for 40+ years. He's a great guy. He can be the destination for any materials or information you want to send our way.

 

[markyscott]

I'll get you the contact information for the GNOBS board. Likely on the site or facebook page... Lemme go check....

I'm back.

Head on over to gnobs.org
Under the "About Us" tab, you'll see the current board. Randy Bennett is our president and has been doing bonsai for 40+ years. He's a great guy. He can be the destination for any materials or information you want to send our way.

Thanks Bill. I’ll follow up with Randy.

Scott

 

[JRDillWFM]

Come on down to Houston and we’ll give you a warm Texas welcome and have a cold Shiner waiting for you!


S

Everyone...if Scott asks I'm from New Orleans.

 

[markyscott]

Everyone...if Scott asks I'm from New Orleans.

No worries. I’ll have one for you too

 

[markyscott]

Another surprise. Brussel Martin (yes THAT Brussel) will vend and lead a workshop at the convention.

Trident Maple Forest with Brussel Martin - We are fortunate to have Brussel Martin in attendance at the convention. With his experience and access to material, you can be sure your new trident grove will have a great start. This workshop provides everything needed for a 7-11 tree trident maple forest. The trees range from 3-8 year old, heights 8” to 20”, caliper 1/2” to 2”. Head over to Brussel’s vendor table early to pick out your trees and pot and then put it all together at the workshop.

It might surprise some to learn that there really is a person named Brussel behind “Brussel’s Bonsai” and that he laid the foundation for the company when he was in elementary school. The life defining event occurred when Brussel’s father returned from a business trip to California, bringing home several small bonsai trees. Brussel was captivated; that was the start of a lifelong love affair. While still in his teens, Brussel sought out American Bonsai masters like John Naka and Ben Oki; renowned artists who taught Brussel bonsai concepts and techniques, and helped refine his skills. As his talents grew, so did the bonsai collection in the family’s backyard. Soon he was selling small trees to make room for more. The fledgling business had sprouted. Seeking the best sources for young bonsai trees, Brussel began developing business relationships with Asian growers in the mid-1970s. Now, decades later, his business is the largest in North America and his annual buying trips take him to Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea where he has friends he’s worked with for decades.
When you love something, it’s natural to want to share it, right? Brussel does just that every spring during the long weekend known as Rendezvous. The nursery hosts an annual gathering of bonsai enthusiasts which is held over Memorial Day weekend. Internationally recognized teachers (Masters) from around the world and students from all corners of the U.S. gather for lectures, hands-on workshops and demonstrations. And of course, there are also generous helpings of delicious barbecue, memorable camaraderie and classic Southern hospitality.



S

 

[markyscott]

First surprise - Mike Serant, founder and owner of Microlife Fertilizer, will give a talk about the use and benefits of organic fertilizers in container gardening. I hope you’re as excited about his presentation as I am.
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Well, the bad news is that we had a cancellation. Mike Serant won’t be joining us. But the great news is we have a fantastic replacement - Angela Chandler, author and Harris County master gardener, will give a talk about the use and benefits of organic fertilizers and pest controls in container gardening. She‘lI touch on rainwater collection and put it all in the context of keeping your bonsai collection thriving. I hope you’re as excited about her presentation as I am.

Angela Chandler is a lifelong gardener with a passion for learning and teaching. Angela is a member of the Harris County Master Gardener Association (Retired), and a member of the Garden Writer’s Association. She and her husband Fred tend a ½ acre organic micro-homestead in Highlands, Texas. They raise vegetables, fruits, chickens, goats, bees, and a pair of rescued dogs. She has been published in local and national print media, and her background includes: Texas Master Gardener 2000, Certified Propagation Specialist, Certified Greenhouse Management Specialist, Certified Rainwater Harvesting Specialist, Certified Entomology Specialist, Former Coordinator Precinct 2 Master Gardener Satellite, Former President Harris County Master Gardener Association, Texas State Master Gardener of the Year (Awarded 2004), and Texas Master Naturalist 2001. Website: www.thegardenacademy.com, Garden Academy Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegardenacademy

 

[BillsBayou]

Fantastic to see more knowledge coming to the conference!

She has been published in local and national print media

I've been published in local, national, and international print media. Maybe I should put that on my business card.

Granted, the entire time I was being interviewed by Horticulture magazine, I kept wanting to tell the writer "You can lead a horticulture, but you cannot make them think." I'm not really ready for prime time.

 

[markyscott]

Fantastic to see more knowledge coming to the conference!


I've been published in local, national, and international print media. Maybe I should put that on my business card.

Granted, the entire time I was being interviewed by Horticulture magazine, I kept wanting to tell the writer "You can lead a horticulture, but you cannot make them think." I'm not really ready for prime time.

Oh no.

With jokes like those I’m going to keep that Shiner to myself.

S

 

[coh]

Sounds like a great event, Scott!

 

[markyscott]

Sounds like a great event, Scott!

Come on down, Chris! It’ll be fun. I don’t know if I’ll buy you a Shiner after the miserable weather you arranged for me at the last National Show, but all will be forgiven if you can arrange for some nice, crisp fall temperatures this September.

S

 

[coh]

Come on down, Chris! It’ll be fun. I don’t know if I’ll buy you a Shiner after the miserable weather you arranged for me at the last National Show, but all will be forgiven if you can arrange for some nice, crisp fall temperatures this September.

S

It's been a hot summer so far but what are the chances it'll be that hot again in early September! Just be glad you didn't have to spend several hours on Saturday carting around those monstrous trees. I'm still recovering.

Never been to Houston. Never been to Texas at all,in fact. Some day, but probably not in time for this

 

[markyscott]

More great news. Jonas Dupuich of Bonsai Tonight is vending at the convention and has set aside a great selection of his black pine for the workshop. Purchase your favorite from trees at his vending table and then begin developing your tree in the workshop with this well known black pine artist.

Jonas Dupuich is a Northern California bonsai professional who began his journey over twenty years ago when he befriended Boon Manakitivipart. Jonas started a program of study with Boon over the following years. During this time he became a founding member of Bay Island Bonsai and worked closely with award-winning Japanese professionals Akio Kondo and Daisaku Nomoto.

In 2011, Jonas spent two months immersed in the world of Japanese bonsai studying with fourth-generation bonsai grower and artist Junichiro Tanaka of Aichi-en nursery. During that time, he worked on trees in Tanaka's collection and participated in various high-level exhibitions including Gomangoku, Meifu-ten, Taikan-ten and Sakufu-ten.

Jonas is the owner of Bonsai Tonight and the author of a blog by the same name. His blog has become the most successful English-language bonsai blog in the world. Created in 2009, it features well over 700 free articles on a wide range of topics with new posts published every Tuesday and Friday.

Jonas now travels across the country doing demos and workshops and is widely respected as an excellent artist and teacher.

 

[JRDillWFM]

More great news. Jonas Dupuich of Bonsai Tonight is vending at the convention and has set aside a great selection of his black pine for the workshop. Purchase your favorite from trees at his vending table and then begin developing your tree in the workshop with this well known black pine artist.

Jonas Dupuich is a Northern California bonsai professional who began his journey over twenty years ago when he befriended Boon Manakitivipart. Jonas started a program of study with Boon over the following years. During this time he became a founding member of Bay Island Bonsai and worked closely with award-winning Japanese professionals Akio Kondo and Daisaku Nomoto.

In 2011, Jonas spent two months immersed in the world of Japanese bonsai studying with fourth-generation bonsai grower and artist Junichiro Tanaka of Aichi-en nursery. During that time, he worked on trees in Tanaka's collection and participated in various high-level exhibitions including Gomangoku, Meifu-ten, Taikan-ten and Sakufu-ten.

Jonas is the owner of Bonsai Tonight and the author of a blog by the same name. His blog has become the most successful English-language bonsai blog in the world. Created in 2009, it features well over 700 free articles on a wide range of topics with new posts published every Tuesday and Friday.

Jonas now travels across the country doing demos and workshops and is widely respected as an excellent artist and teacher.

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VERY excited to hear this! I can't wait to see the pines he brings! His workshops are always so detailed and full of education.

 

[markyscott]

The pub committee. A great Texas bonsai tradition. It’s by invitation only. You’re all invited!

 

[markyscott]

Here in Houston we are very fortunate to have Sooncheng Cheah as a resident artist and current national champion kusamono artist. Soon will be at the convention and will teach a workshop on making this beautiful living artwork. Kusamono is truly the art within the art and Soon’s work is subtle, beautiful and delicate. Learn how its done from a master.

Soon is an avid gardener. About ten years ago, she became interested in kusamono and applied her gardening skills in this new venture. She says, “Since my husband works on big trees, why don’t I work on small stuffs like kusamono.” That husband-and-wife team work was recognized when she received the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Best Kusamono Companion Award along with Hoe’s Best Tropical Bonsai.

Soon has her unique style. She draws inspirations from nature. The result is best summed up when Colin Lewis critiqued her kusamono in the 2013 Lone Star Bonsai Federation Show; Colin said they look very natural, like an English wildflower meadow where he could just lie down and enjoy the nature. Besides the more complex looking kusamono she also creates simple, minimalist kusamono from a single plant.

She is a popular speaker, has taught classes in Houston, Austin, Dallas and Corpus Christi bonsai clubs, and at Timeless Trees Bonsai Nursery and several Houston community centers. Her works were featured in “Penjing World”, an online Chinese magazine, and she received invitations to do workshops in Shanghai and Yunan.






Scott

 

[MACH5]

Here in Houston we are very fortunate to have Sooncheng Cheah as a resident artist and current national champion kusamono artist. Soon will be at the convention and will teach a workshop on making this beautiful living artwork. Kusamono is truly the art within the art and Soon’s work is subtle, beautiful and delicate. Learn how its done from a master.

Soon is an avid gardener. About ten years ago, she became interested in kusamono and applied her gardening skills in this new venture. She says, “Since my husband works on big trees, why don’t I work on small stuffs like kusamono.” That husband-and-wife team work was recognized when she received the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Best Kusamono Companion Award along with Hoe’s Best Tropical Bonsai.

Soon has her unique style. She draws inspirations from nature. The result is best summed up when Colin Lewis critiqued her kusamono in the 2013 Lone Star Bonsai Federation Show; Colin said they look very natural, like an English wildflower meadow where he could just lie down and enjoy the nature. Besides the more complex looking kusamono she also creates simple, minimalist kusamono from a single plant.

She is a popular speaker, has taught classes in Houston, Austin, Dallas and Corpus Christi bonsai clubs, and at Timeless Trees Bonsai Nursery and several Houston community centers. Her works were featured in “Penjing World”, an online Chinese magazine, and she received invitations to do workshops in Shanghai and Yunan.

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Scott

Love Soon and Hoe! Soon and I immediately connected at the last National as we admired each other's kusamono citing how some of the best plants for it are actually "weeds" from our own backyard. Excellent artist and one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. Great addition to the convention!

 

[markyscott]

When we think of bonsai, we often turn our attention to Japan. But, the art originated in China, and there is a rich tradition of cultivating miniature trees and numerous regional styles that has evolved across Asia, creating a rich tapestry of living art. Join Houston-area artist, fellow B’nut member and National Champion Dr. Hoe Chuah for this bonsai travelogue and take a virtual walkabout of some of the most beautiful and provocative penjing gardens in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Hoe Chuah became interested in bonsai after visiting the Montreal Botanical Garden’s Penjing and Bonsai Collections in 1990. Largely self-taught, he learns from books and videos. He was fortunate to have made over 20 business trips to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan, where he took opportunities to attend national and international shows, visited bonsai nurseries and gardens, observed and learned from several professionals; many of them became friends. As he could read Chinese and some Japanese, he bought a lot of bonsai books during his travels, and continue to improve his skills. After retiring, he attended and completed Pedro Morales’s three-year Tropical Bonsai School.

Hoe has won numerous awards. His Tiger Bark Ficus received an award among the Twenty Five Exceptional Bonsai in the 7th World Bonsai Friendship Federation Convention and the Best Tropical Bonsai in the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. He also won several awards in the Lone Star Bonsai Federation conventions, which include Best of Show, Best Conifer, Best Evergreen and Best Deciduous.

He works on both Lingnan Clip-and-Grow Penjing and Japanese style bonsai, from mame to large trees. In 2006, he co-founded the Houston Chinese Bonsai Society and is their current President. Hoe is also the Second Vice-President of the Houston Bonsai Society.

 

[markyscott]

The venue is just one of the many things you’ll like about the 2019 ABS National Convention in Houston. All of the convention activities, the vendor hall and the exhibit will be held in the recently renovated, 600 room Houston Marriott Westchase. This full-service hotel is located near Houston’s Energy Corridor just west of downtown and the Galleria. The hotel has a beautiful 10-story atrium, spacious rooms with mini-fridges, a large fitness center and heated indoor/outdoor pool with whirlpools.

Within the hotel, there is a full-service restaurant/lounge, with on-site Starbucks and room service. Bonsai on the Bayou will occupy nearly all of the hotel’s 43,000 square feet of convention space, so there is plenty of room for a large numbers of vendors and a huge exhibit hall.

We‘ve negotiated a great rate at the hotel - just $95 per night. This rate will last as long as the block of rooms we’ve reserved is available. Call now at (800) 452-5110 to reserve your room at the hotel and be steps away from all the great convention activities. Be sure to ask for the “American Bonsai Society Rate” to lock in these heavily discounted prices. You can book your room now. See you there!