Plans are now complete for our exciting Autumn 2015 0pen House & Sale in a few days on September 5-6, 2015. In addition to formal and garden bonsai displays the Suiseki Study Group of Upstate New York will be having the 4th display featuring many fine suiseki. Although summer weather has “returned” this week and 90F is forecast for tomorrow, a few of the Japanese maples are beginning to show their autumn coloring as are the porcelain berry bonsai. The white Chojubai Japanese flowering quince bonsai have HUGE fruit and might produce some interesting seedings in the future.

Throughout the day Suiseki Study Group members will answer questions and guide visitors around the suiseki display. Marc Arpag will present two suiseki lectures with several stones from his private collection. All questions and comments are encouraged.

Include in the formal bonsai displays will be the four bonsai which will be displayed in the soon upcoming Artisans Cup in Portland on September 25-27th. Marc Arpag will display his Camellia composition as well as his shohin bonsai composition. Wm. N. Valavanis will display his Shishigashira and Koto Hime Japanese maple bonsai. They will explain their display theory and discuss how the companion plantings were selected.

Three award winning bonsai artists will demonstrate their techniques using their own trees. They have spent decades practicing and experimenting with new techniques which have won them numerous awards on a national, regional and local levels. Each freely shares their knowledge and skill. Several advance techniques will be demonstrated and questions and discussions are encouraged in an informal close-up setting.

Harvey B. Carapella

Marc Arpag

10 am:  Marc Arpag/Suiseki I

11 am:  Harvey Carapella/Eastern White Cedar

2 pm:  Wm. N. Valavanis/Valavanis Dwarf Cypress

10 am:  Marc Arpag/Suiseki II

11 am:  Marc Arpag/Chinese Juniper & Eastern White Cedar

2 pm:  Wm. N. Valavanis/Dwarf Brush Cherry

Harvey Carapella Eastern White Cedar demo tree

Marc Arpag Chinese Juniper and Eastern White Cedar demo trees

Wm. N. Valavanis– Valavanis Dwarf Cypress demo tree

For visitors staying all day to enjoy the programs and bonsai/suiseki displays, hot dogs will be available as will cold drinks. Chef Marc Arpag will be bringing his special “Hot Sauce” for those who like spicy food.

All events are FREE, in addition to a 20% discount on most purchases. The weather forecast is great, so join us for an enjoyable weekend.