Featured Instructors

 Seth Nelson’s approach to Bonsai comes from a respect for tree health and longevity. “If the work done puts the tree into a state of decline, that work had no meaning.”

Nelson formed his foundations under the mentorship of Jim Van Landinham, a tropical species specialist.

In 2017, Seth met Juan Andrade, a former apprentice at Aichi-En, who introduced him to more advanced techniques. This friendship eventually led to a recommendation for an internship to Junichiro Tanaka, where Seth served under Tanaka-San’s guidance.

Nelson’s experience has taught him patience, respect, and humility. His mission is to continue working closely with hobbyists and collectors, creating new trees, and sharing the lessons he’s learned throughout his journey. 

A retired high school teacher and coach, Lucy Judd learned from "the best," Mary Sakaishi (her mother). Mary and her husband, Gary, maintained a large collection of bonsai varieties and Lucy gained a lifetime of experience and love for both bonsai and kusamono and teaches both arts at various garden clubs and convention workshops.

She had the honor of being invited to display one of her kusamono plantings at the 2021 National Exhibition in New York. Most recently, she taught a kusamono workshop at the 2023 Shohin Seminar. She was also a featured instructor at the 2023 Golden State Bonsai Rendezvous.  

February 19, 2024

Steve Iwaki is a second-generation bonsai artist. His father, Ted Iwaki, was one of the founding members of the California Bonsai Society in the 1950’s. Steve’s personal bonsai journey began over 30 years ago when he discovered a bonsai class at a local recreation center. It was taught by Japanese gardeners, much like the group his father socialized with when he was growing up. Today, Steve is the president Sei Boku Bonsai Kai in San Mateo and regularly displays, collects, teaches, and demonstrates throughout California.

At this meeting, Steve will be helping intermediate attendees style 20 year old multi-truck collected boxwoods into an oak-style bonsai. The small leaves and fine-fissured bard on boxwoods make them ideal for bonsai material.

Adam fell in love with bonsai over a decade ago. After apprenticing for over three years with Taiga Urushibata at the Taisho-en bonsai garden in Shizuoka, Adam returned to the U.S. and established himself as a well-respected young professional. 

In this educational seminar, he will provide instruct on "Tree Styling and Development Techniques."