Featured Instructors
Ryan Pitts
Ryan studied with Master David Nguy of Bonsai Jidai, and he is the President of the Chino Bonsai Club and Co-Chairman of the John Naka Exhibition in Los Angeles. He often travels to perform demonstrations and to teach workshops for clubs and shows. His work has been displayed in many shows and exhibitions.
Cesar Ordoñez
Cesar Ordonez began his bonsai practice in April, 2019 after a shohin juniper caught his eye. He studied with David Nguy the first year of his bonsai journey, and is now studying with Peter Tea. After noticing what thrives in his area, he started collecting olives.
“I feel like this is just the beginning," says Cesar, "I look forward to continue learning much more in the coming years, applying that to my future trees, continue collecting trees, and eventually having my own little nursery.”
Sam Tan
Sam Tan's bonsai journey began at Grove Way Nursery in Hayward, California, where he purchased his first bonsai tree. What started as a quick question to the nursery assistant about juniper care turned into an hour-long conversation about bonsai cultivation — and he was hooked.
"What I’ve come to love most about bonsai is the tactile experience of working with my hands," Sam explained, "It’s something I’ve always enjoyed — from studio art classes in high school to wood turning in college — but it’s rarely possible to do in my day-to-day job in software. There’s something deeply rewarding about creating with my hands.
Julian Tsai
Julian Tsai is a full-time bonsai professional and artist based out of Southern California. In 2018, Tsai began an apprenticeship in Osaka, Japan under Keiichi Fujikawa of Fujikawa Kouka-en.
After returning to the US, Julian furthered his skillset by learning from professionals Peter Tea and John Wang. In 2022, he launched his career as a full-time bonsai professional, launching his business "Just Bonsai."
Today, he collaborates with customers, works on collections, and provides educational services.
"Bonsai, in its origin, is a multi-generational practiced art. That is to say in both respects, the medium (the tree) and practice exceeds the human lifespan. Trees, like us, are living and thus constantly changing and growing. Just as we strive to continuously learn and improve our own lives, we can adopt similar principles which bring the best out of our trees.
- Philosophy of Julian Tsai
David Nguy
David Nguy is well known for his work with California Junipers and Black Pines. His 35+ years of experience includes studying with sensei Harry Hirao, Ben Oki, Ernie Kuo, and Masahiko Kimura in Japan. David’s skills and advanced techniques can be found in his signature trees and has been referred to as “Mr. California Juniper” by the Golden State Bonsai Federation.
Currently a featured instructor, David travels the world to preside over shows, conduct demonstrations, and oversee workshops at various clubs and international exhibitions.
Adam Toth
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 instruction on "Tree Styling and Development Techniques."
Steve Iwaki
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.
FRESNO HOME AND GARDEN SHOW
Don't miss the Central Valley's largest public display of Bonsai.
Fresno Bonsai Society's annual exhibition is featured inside Building 9, on the south end of the Fresno Fair Grounds. Discover a huge variety of trees, breathtaking displays, a full schedule of inspiring how-to seminars, and items for sale which include bonsai, pre-bonsai, pots, stands, and much more.
March 6-8, 2026
10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. each day
For more information, click here to visit the Fresno Home and Garden Show official site