My Bonsai Show

By Jim Scholz

I invited my two brothers and two sisters to this year’s Redwood Empire Bonsai Society (REBS) Bonsai Show. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, our annual show was cancelled. I was very disappointed because my trees were in good shape and I was looking forward to getting together with my brothers and sisters. So, I decided that I was going to have my own bonsai show.

(L to R) Shohin: Black Pine, Oak, Black Pine, Shimpaku Juniper;
San Jose Juniper, Root Over Rock Elm
(L to R) Juniper, Sierra Juniper, Austrian Black Pine

I rented a room with an outdoor patio at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa, California for August 23, 2020, the same date our cancelled show was scheduled. When Susanne and I arrived at the hotel I requested two 6-foot tables to be placed on our outdoor patio. I covered them with a couple of white sheets and arranged my stands and trees on the tables.


My family was impressed with the display. I said a few words about the history and style of the trees, and they decided they would vote for their favorites. Best of Show went to my root over rock elm, second was my large Austrian black pine that I have owned for over 30 years. Third was my Sierra juniper that was collected by Ned Lycett from the California Sierras. Then they asked which was my favorite and I seriously had to admit that I love them all. We had a good time and I felt like I had a successful bonsai show.

Root Over Rock Elm – First Place (3 years in training)
Austrian Black Pine – Second Place (6 years in training)
Sierra Juniper – Third Place (3 years in training)

3 thoughts on “My Bonsai Show”

  1. Wow, George I am so impressed! These are all lovely, well-tended trees and I couldn’t possibly pick my favorite………oh, alright, it’s the Austrian Black Pine. What a great idea to fulfill your desired event with your family, in such a creative and joyful way.

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