GSBF Bonsai Garden

The Golden State Bonsai Federation has a bonsai collection at the Bonsai Garden Lake Merritt in Oakland California. There are over 300 bonsai in the collection, of which about 50 are on exhibit at one time. Kathy Shaner is the curator, and Gordon Deeg is the director.
Gorden asked me to photograph the trees so they can have the full collection on their computer. I agreed to give it a try. It will be one helluva job. Each tree except for the very largest ones will be moved to the table I've set up for photography
Each tree has a catalog number. My wife/assistant has made up a numbering system so each photo is identified by number and date.
I will need to find more assistants to do the tote and fetch with the trees. A few hours there today reminded me of my 77 years. CREEK AND GROAN!!
The image is a ginkgo about 30 inches tall.

And for the detailed and on-going investigative story behind the oldest documented tree in the collection, please see
http://www.phoenixbonsai.com/1800Refs/Burlingame.html .

Robert J. Baran
Bonsai Researcher and Historian

Robert, excellent post! The oak is in very healthy condition, and is a most unusual bonsai. I remember when it arrived at the collection. A problem tree that required the expertise of Kathy Shaner to bring it to is current state.
This is truly an old bonsai with a fascinating history.

Mike

I never thought to blame it on the Squirrels
Very nice artical. Love the oak.