Al Nelson passed away on April 29. 2026. He was 94.
Al was a pillar of the bonsai community for many years, admired not only for his skill but for the generosity and steadiness he brought to art. He was especially well known for his coastal live oak bonsai, a species he elevated through patience, insight, and an unmistakable personal touch.
One of his trees resides at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. Al took particular pride in this oak because he developed it entirely without wiring—a testament to his deep understanding of the tree’s natural movement and his belief in guiding, rather than forcing, its character. When the time came to donate the tree, he drove all the way from Southern California to Oakland to ensure it arrived safely, a gesture that reflected both his dedication and his care.
A Quarter Century of Living Art at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
For twenty‑five years, the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM), Oakland, California, has stood as a testament to patience, artistry, and community. Like the trees it houses, the garden has grown slowly and intentionally shaped by many hands, guided by shared vision, and rooted in a deep respect for the ancient art of bonsai.
BGLM is a volunteer‑driven nonprofit organization supported entirely through donations and grants.
The anniversary book captures years in the making. It is a story of transformation: of trees, of people, and of a public space that has become one of the most cherished bonsai collections in the United States.
The major project in 2024 was undertaken by a modest group of garden volunteers to celebrate 25 years of BGLM. Research and execution took more than 13 months, six separate photograph shoots, and certainly dedication for creating and publishing the book.
The 123-page book focuses on the history of the garden, the number of donors, supporters and volunteers, and the museum quality bonsai and suiseki viewing stones. Going back to the concept in 1974 and covering the years of construction and growth, more than 1,700 contributing individual names were published in the book.
The 25th Anniversary Book – produced in both softcover and hardcover editions – was completed right on schedule and made its debut during the BGLM’s anniversary celebration in November 2024. Its release became a highlight of the event, offering visitors and longtime supporters a tangible way to commemorate a quarter century of growth, artistry, and community.
The future of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt – its trees, its stones, its educational mission, and its role as a living art museum – will rest in the hands of all‑volunteer bonsai practitioners and enthusiasts who support it today. Their dedication is the garden’s greatest asset.
In August 1961, Sandy married John Planting, beginning a 60-year romance. Sandy’s father had a nursery in Menlo Park, California, and on display was a booklet on bonsai. That booklet inspired John so that when he saw an announcement for Kusamura Bonsai Club’s (Kusamura) first show in Fall 1961, they attended. They then joined Kusamura and began taking classes that winter. That began their life-long love of bonsai. The club’s sensei was Tosh Saburomaru who taught the beginner classes. “Tosh”, as he was affectionately known, believed in involving others in teaching bonsai so in 1977, he asked Sandy to take over these classes. She taught them until 2011. For many years, our monthly meeting featured Sandy teaching basic bonsai skills during the first hour. She and John were active participants during our club’s annual show, often organizing the layout of the trees or doing a demonstration for visitors.
Following the creation of Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF), Sandy served as Chair of Exhibits and Vendor Committee for the very first convention held in Berkeley, 1978. In 2014, Sandy was named a member of the GSBF Circle of Sensei, joining people such as John Naka, Ben Oki, Tosh Saburomaru, Ted Matson, David Nguy, and others. Many have been presenters at Kusamura events.
Sandy and John Planting served the club in many different capacities, including hosting monthly workshops and potting parties. They hosted advanced workshops with teachers from Japan, Southern California and elsewhere. Their large back yard held 3,000 bonsai and pre-bonsai that would often be used in a demo by a visiting teacher.
Together Sandy and John served as club president for 14 years, and for 40 years straight, one or both were a club officer or board member. They were powerful influences on the direction of Kusamura and bonsai in the U.S.
Sandy had other interests outside of bonsai. She studied Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging and had a diploma from Koryu Ikebana, one of the oldest schools of Ikebana in Japan. In addition, she was an accomplished painter – many of us have scrolls with art she created. She spent a week studying in Japan with shohin master Zeko Nakamura, also a prominent comic actor and potter. For many years Sandy was active in the sister club, California Shohin Society.
Sandy and John have contributed to the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt by their gracious support and donation of bonsai from their collection:
The 33rd Mammoth Auction and Sale fundraiser for the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt wrapped up successfully on March 7 and 8, 2026. The annual fundraiser began as the “Mammoth Bazaar” in February 1992 to raise funds for building the bonsai garden. There were vendors, consignment sales, demonstrations, raffles, and food. The event continues to offer live auctions, quality vendors, consignment sales, and silent auctions. The annual fundraiser is well attended by bonsai enthusiasts and public. This year the fundraiser offered a total of 110 items in the live auction, of which 101 were quality trees, and silent auctions that included four trees donated to the bonsai garden’s collection.
Director Suzanne Muller, who chaired the event, said the Saturday auction exceeded all expectations. She added that sales on Sunday were equally successful. Sales were a record number of both donated and consignment items, such as trees, pots, stands, tools, and books, adding significantly to increase net revenue for the bonsai garden.
Gordon Deeg and Addison Galambos skillfully managed the live auction as auctioneers. The room was filled with enthusiastic bidders. Bidding was active across the printed catalog, with prices spanning a wide range. Item #29 – Tiger Bark Ficus opened the low end at $200, while item #1 – a show‑ready, collected Sierra juniper, commanded the highest price at $12,100. All cataloged items were listed by number, providing a clear picture for bidders throughout the event.
There were 17 bonsai vendors present on Sunday morning. Many of the vendors are regulars in supporting the annual fundraiser. They offered a variety of bonsai related merchandise, such as soil, tools, pots, trees, and handcrafted wooden bonsai stands. The vendors contribute to supporting the bonsai garden by making quality goods available to bonsai practitioners.
On Sunday, donated and consigned bonsai goods went on sale. This venue attracts crowds of folks seeking to buy at bargain prices. The line up started at 8:00 a.m., which the doors opened at 10:00 a.m. This year, a substantial collection of bonsai trees, pots, books, tools, and other related items were available. Goods were placed on tables with overflow of items placed underneath the tables. Individuals could purchase an unlimited number of items. Happy folks went away with their purchases.
Such events rely on a lot of bonsai garden volunteers. The bonsai garden deeply expresses its gratitude to all the volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the 2026 Mammoth Auction and Sale fundraiser. Like past years, the Sign-Up Genius online app was used to organize volunteers and assign their tasks—from early cleaning and photographing auction items, through managing the two-day event, to wrapping up the fundraiser.
Looking forward, the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt begin working on the next Mammoth fundraiser scheduled for January 23 and 24, 2027.
The 26th Mammoth Auction & Sale 2026 By George Haas
Director Suzanne Muller takes over from George Haas as the Mammoth Chairperson. If you have questions, Suzanne can be reached HERE or visit the website Join Us-As-A Volunteer and ask for a link to Sign Up Genius.
On March 7 and 8, 2026, the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) will hold its 26th annual Mammoth Auction & Sale 2026. This is the primary fundraising event for the BGLM. The proceeds from the event go towards annual operating expenses.
Originally, the event was called the Mammoth Bazaar, which was conducted on March 29, 1992, at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, Oakland, California, to raise funds for the planned Bonsai Garden. Since then, the two-day event has been held every year with few exceptions like the Covid Pandemic in 2020.
The Mammoth Auction features live bidding on approximately 100 quality bonsai trees, pots, stands, and related bonsai materials on Saturday. On Sunday, the fundraiser opens with a dozen or so bonsai vendors who offer bonsai supplies such as bonsai trees, tools, soil, pots, stands, and the like. Subsequently, a large variety of bonsai trees, pots galore, books, suiseki viewing stones, stands, and art objects, are offered for sale at bargain pricing from either donations or consignments. Crowds of excited shoppers show up hours early, lining the entrance of the garden center in hopes of snagging the best deals.
To have a successful fundraiser, there is the requirement for many volunteers to fill the varied roles in conducting the event. It may take 50 or so volunteers to conduct the auction, whereas a similar number of volunteers participate in the second day of sale activities. About a month and a half prior to the event, volunteers take part in cleaning and prepping the bonsai trees and pots, followed by a morning to photograph the sequential order of auction items. A catalog is published for the bidders because of their efforts.
All proceeds from the fundraiser support our annual operating expenses, including the care, maintenance, and essential supplies needed to ensure the bonsai collection continues to thrive.
In 2026, the two‑day event will feature 110 high‑quality auction items, including exceptional bonsai trees and handcrafted stands. There are 17 notable bonsai vendors participating in the second day. The sale on Sunday promises to be exceptionally good for bargain hungry shoppers.
The following images depict the Mammoth Auction and Sale for 2025. Photos by George Haas.
Live auction with Gordon Deeg and Addison Galambos as auctioneers.Auction well attended by bidders and observers.Silent auctions were offered for the first time.Sale items were donated or on consignment.Vendors offered bonsai trees and variety of goods.Quality bonsai vendors participate every year.Sales check out with the cashiers.
On January 3 and 4, 2026, at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) professional artist and instructor Sam Tan and Addison Galambos of East Bay Bonsai Society (EBBS) facilitated a bonsai workshop for repotting, styling and wiring of bonsai trees from the bonsai garden collection. Mike Roberto and Nick Vargas Vila assisted in the workshop. The following individuals were present: Ashley Pouliot, Michal Tiede, Yuri Aono, Adam Kleinberg, Mark Walker, Megan Swift, Katie Bauer, and Walker Schlott of Pasa Robles.
Sam Tan and Addison Galambos served as the lead bonsai practitioners and artists, guiding the participants through the finer points of design, shape, and wiring techniques. With calm, practiced rhythm, the two demonstrated how subtle adjustments in angle, tension, and branch selection can completely transform a tree’s character. Attendees gathered closely together, watching as Sam emphasized structural balance and Addison highlighted the expressive possibilities of movement and flow. Their combined expertise created an atmosphere that was both instructional and inspiring, giving everyone a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind bonsai.
The hands‑on sessions focused on Item 140, a Monterey cypress; Item 146, The John Naka California juniper; Item 447, a Sierra juniper grafted with Kishu foliage; and Item 478, a California juniper.
The iconic John Naka California juniper was ready for styling after a year of recovery since its February 8, 2025, repotting. This session marked a major step in its ongoing development. The re‑styling allowed volunteers to gain firsthand knowledge of pruning and wiring techniques.
Item #140 Monterey Cypress
Monterey cypress Item #140, re-styling and wiring. Photo depicts Mark Walker, Mike Roberto, Ashley Pouliot and Megan Swift.Photo depicts Yuri Aono and Walker Schlott.Photo depicts Yuri Aono and Walker Schlott.Mike Roberto wired the Monterey cypress lower branch.Creating branch pad. Photo depicts Nick Vargas Vila, Mike Roberto and Sam Tan.Mike Roberto and Sam Tan made final styling adjustments.
Item #447 Sierra Juniper with Kishu foliage
Sierra juniper grafted with Kishu foliage Item #447, before repotting.Start of repotting by Sam Tan.Sierra juniper grafted with Kishu foliage, repotting. Photo depicts Walker Schlott, Mark Walker, and Ashley Pouliot. Sierra juniper grafted with Kishu foliage, removing air pockets. Photo depicts Yuri Aono, Adam Kleinberg, and Mark Walker.Photo depicts Addison Galambos.Sierra juniper with grafted Kishu foliage, after repotting.
Item #478 California Juniper
California juniper Item #478. New to bonsai, Katie Bauer was learning to wire branches.
Item #146 John Naka California Juniper
John Naka California juniper Item #146, before re-styling. Photo depicts Sam Tan and Michal Tiede.Sam Tan wired a lower branch.Photo depicts Addison Galambos and San Tan.Photo depicts Sam Tan and Ashley Pouliot.Sam Tan made one last view of the re-styling.Mike Roberto, Sam Tan and Ashley Pouliot replaced the juniper on its pedestal.John Naka California juniper, after re-styling.
25th Anniversary Book covering more than 25 years of history, bonsai tree and suiseki collections, and the volunteer force caring for the bonsai garden.
On November 23, 2025, at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM), a special project was undertaken by Kyle Jeffrey and JJ Ignotz. Kyle Jeffrey works for the Woods Beer and Wine Company, Treasure Island, California, as winemaker. He hired JJ Ignotz, a Professional Photographer, to photograph the bonsai trees.
The company is operated by the following:
Jim Woods, Founder & CEO Matt Coelho, Founder
The photo shoot was accomplished with the help from BGLM volunteers – Gordon Deeg, Yuri Aono, Michal Tiede, Mike Roberto, Ashley Pouliot, Nicole Yabut, and Suzanne Muller.
This was no ordinary project! A total of 19 bonsai trees were selected from among the 160 bonsai trees that make up the collection at BGLM. Weeks before, BGLM volunteers tended to the bonsai trees in anticipation of them being photographed by JJ Ignotz. In taking on the project, a temporary photo studio was set-up within the BGLM workshop. It took most of the day to completely photograph all 19 bonsai trees.
The bonsai tree photographs will be transformed into artistic wine labels designed by JJ Ignotz for the Woods Beer and Wine Company (Woods Beer and Wine Company). The wine is featured at six local bars, brewpubs and wineries in the San Francisco Bay Area:
Woods Cervecería – Mission, San Francisco
Woods Outbound – Outer Sunset, San Francisco
Woods Polk Station – Russian Hill, San Francisco
Woods Lowside – Lower Haight, San Francisco
Woods Cole Valley – Cole Valley, San Francisco
Woods San Anselmo – Downtown, San Anselmo (Opening Soon)
Woods Beer and Wine Company plan to debut their new line of wine labels featuring BGLM bonsai tree photographs and artistic designs by JJ Ignotz from April 2026 through February 2027.
Their wine is sold by the brand name Woods Beer and Wine Company. The bonsai trees will be on the 2025 vintage of wine. They will have seven varieties of wines each with a bonsai tree for its label. They produce various wine types, some of which can be found on their website (Previous Community Club Releases). The company is a very atypical winery with a number of options.
The wine can be purchased at any of their six bars or brew pubs in San Francisco and soon in San Anselmo. There is also an option to become part of their Community Club.
Every new vintage label for the wines will have an image from a variety of sources. In 2024, the labels included art from local San Francisco artist. One year the labels included images around Treasure Island, and another year, images from the Hubble space telescope.
In 2019, Kyle Jeffrey’s vision for a wine label was to takeoff from the name “Woods”. The ideas began to form. What was the best way to incorporate an image of a tree or artist who drew trees or design the image of the texture of trees? All these ideas brought them to start doing research on small trees, and Googling “Museum for Bonsai Trees” only to discover there is a bonsai garden across the Bay! He and JJ Ignotz scheduled a tour of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt and found their next vintage label images.
Their beer wine hybrid “Divine Origin Series” won the World Beer Cup’s Gold Medal in 2025. The prestigious award recognized excellence in craft brewing and cider production, and the series has been celebrated for its quality and innovation. The World Beer Cup is referred to as the “Olympics of Beer,” and the Gold Medal is a symbol of the highest level of achievement in the craft beverage industry.
Category 18: Experimental Beer – 129 Entries
Gold: Divine Origins Carignan
Surely, the artistry of wine labels merits its own competition format, honoring them as an art form.
Gordon Deeg and Ginkgo Kyle Jeffrey and JJ Ignotz Kyle Jeffrey and Japanese Mountain Maple Kyle Jeffrey and California Juniper Kyle Jeffrey and JJ Ignotz Kyle Jeffrey, JJ Ignotz, RedwoodKyle Jeffrey and Trident Maple Mike Tiede, Mike Roberto, Kyle Jeffrey
BGLM Mammoth fundraiser is schedule for March 7 and 8, 2026. The two-day event is roughly three months away!
This month ends the call for auction and sale consignments and donations. Quality bonsai trees, pots, stands, and related bonsai items are needed for the auction. Sale items can be suitable pre-bonsai trees, bonsai trees, pots, stands, tools, and bonsai art.
All auction items must be delivered to BGLM now or by Saturday, January 10, 2026, 9:00 a.m., so that the items are photographed for the auction catalog. Prepare your items as if show ready!
Please contact Director Suzanne Muller at queueinteriors@comcast.net for delivery instructions and additional information.
