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• Shitakusa and Kusamono by Stephen Ahing

Shitakusa and Kusamono are living expressions of nature’s fleeting beauty and timeless storytelling. Shitakusa, delicate accent plantings, subtly enhance bonsai displays, creating harmony and evoking a sense of place. Kusamono, in contrast, stands alone as a complete artistic statement, capturing the essence of a landscape, a season, or even a moment in time. These arrangements whisper stories of wind-swept fields, shaded forest floors, and the quiet resilience of nature.

Stephen Ahing, a retired professor, ceramic artist, and creative force, brings a deep passion for Shitakusa and Kusamono to his work. His handcrafted containers and carefully composed plantings are narratives waiting to be unraveled. With a profound understanding of form, texture, and seasonality, Stephen weaves mystery and meaning into each arrangement, inviting viewers to see beyond the surface and into the world of natural storytelling.

This presentation is a rare opportunity to glimpse the philosophy and artistry behind Shitakusa and Kusamono. His entries in Bonsai Winnipeg’s annual display have long captivated audiences, leaving them with a lingering sense of wonder. What stories do these plants tell? What secrets lie within their miniature landscapes? Join us and discover the answers for yourself.

• A roundtable discussion on spring fundamentals

Joe Grande will be leading a roundtable discussion where you can share your spring rituals as your bonsai emerge from dormancy and enter their growing season. How do you approach this crucial time? Do you categorize your trees to determine the techniques and processes you apply? Do you experiment with different methods? How do you track your successes? Let's learn from each other.

As part of the discussion, we’ll review and share a link to Spring Fundamentals, a workshop by Ryan Neil presented to the Bonsai Society of Portland. Together, we’ll explore how to apply these insights to optimize our spring work, ensuring our trees are at their best for the WAG exhibit on June 26–29.

• A show-and-tell on a Smoke Bush

If Jamey Baker's Smoke Bush bonsai is cooperating and in bloom, Jamey will introduce us to this unique species and explain why it makes an excellent bonsai. The Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria) gets its name from the wispy, smoke-like plumes that appear in late spring to early summer. These “smoky” clouds are actually clusters of tiny, feathery seed-bearing filaments that develop after the flowers fade. The airy, billowing effect creates the illusion of a haze or mist surrounding the plant, giving it its distinctive name.

RAFFLE PRIZES—TREES, BONSAI POTS AND MORE.

Do you have something bonsai-related you no longer need that you can donate to the club? Please bring them. Raffles are a fun way to acquire new items and also help raise funds for the club.



GUESTS ARE WELCOME!

Come to a meeting and meet new friends who share your interests.