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.
