Dirk and Iris Togashi are from Honolulu and Maui, met at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and decided to make their wedding and home in Hilo. They also wanted to use Fuku-Bonsai plants as centerpieces and as gifts to their families and guests,  most of whom would be flying over to the Big Island. Iris also liked the small wood display stands that Michael makes for special orders and which will be offered in the future. The plants were gift-wrapped,   we loaned "Restaurant Specials" from our rotation supply, and it worked out great! 

        Congratulations Dirk and Iris!

           I was delighted to receive Waihee's calligraphy in a unique bamboo frame as a gift.  In Chinese it could be translated as "The Tao of Pun-sai (or penjing)" and in Japanese as "The Way of Bonsai."  The calligraphy for Japanese "bon-sai" is the same as Chinese "pun-sai". Penjing is at least 1,000 years older than Japanese bonsai.  Waihee has generously sent other beautiful calligraphy to enhance this website. 

           Mahalo Sam and Waihee!

         It's fun to meet people from all over the world and time permitting, we try to teach. They purchased and successfully handcarried plants home.  Bonsai is a wonderful bridge for international friendship!

Emails like this make our day!

        "I received my order for one PKB-8 today and I was very pleasantly suprised.  "Yolly," who prepared and I presumed chose the plant, made a beautiful choice. And the plant was packed perfectly and there was absolutely no damage.  (I admit, the way some business treat customers I was afraid that when I opened the box I would find some shriveled specimen with three roots and dead leaves.)

        Instead I found a strong, thriving plant, asthetically beautifully grown and tended to. It must have 50 roots and a thick head of leaves. If I can just keep it that way I would be more than happy. Already I feel that the value was double the price!

        Whether I am able to "keep it alive or not," I still would heartily recommend anyone buying one from your nursery. One could not ask for a healthier, better prepared stock.

       Jack Rockett (Pollock Pines, California)

       ______________________________________

 

WOW!   What a nice letter!  So I wrote Jack requesting permission and he allowed me to "use my name any way you wish (just don't buy any million dollar homes with my name . . . unless you invite me to stay!)"   Jack's really getting into it with dental tools, trimming, etc. and promises photos one day.    Thanks Jack!

 

      In spite of a full schedule, for over a year, I assisted in putting together the North American Bonsai Federation website, the NABF Editorial Team, and the premier issue "A TRIBUTE TO JOHN NAKA." John Naka (right) with Pius Notter in Switzerland with a collected pine bonsai.  Photo courtesy of Pius who is the WBFF European director.

       John is truly America's bonsai living treasure and I congratulate him, WBFF-NABF leader Felix Laughlin, webmaster Andy Rutledge, and the NABF Editorial Team!  Visit: www.bonsai-wbff.org/nabf/main.htm

 

       And last, a small world story:  As Myrt was packing a gift order addressed to Lola and Walter Luke, she thought:  "Here's another Lola!"  The next day, there was a very excited Lola calling that she received the plant and apologizing that she quietly just got married!  The gift was from Walter's nephew who lives near to Fuku-Bonsai and who has given a number of our plants as gifts.  Lola was our bridesmaid when Myrt and I got married in 1962!  Congratulations Lola and Walter!