Repotting, Styling and Wiring Workshop

Written by George Haas
January 7, 2026

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.

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