Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida Shares March Newsletter Updates on Speakers, Programs

The Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida's March 2026 newsletter names Brandon Martin as the club's next featured speaker, while also delivering Rick Simon's full written recap of the February 21st meeting and an update on the status of the Torii Gate.

The Facebook post from the club describes the newsletter's contents directly: "This month's Newsletter discussed our next speaker, Brandon Martin, has a full report of the Feb 21st Meeting by Rick Simon and some comments on the status of the Torii Gate. Also, please enjoy the many Bonsai Pictures at the end of the Newsletter." The newsletter closes with a gallery of bonsai photographs for members to browse.

Martin's specific topic, demonstration format, and scheduled date have not been announced publicly yet, but his appearance represents the club's primary spring programming focus based on the newsletter's framing. Rick Simon's February 21st recap fills in what happened at last month's gathering, giving members who missed it a written record of the meeting's proceedings.

The Torii Gate reference is notable for longtime SWFL members who have followed the project. The newsletter includes commentary on its current status, though the club has not released specifics publicly beyond that mention.

Members looking to connect with the club or get the full newsletter can reach the Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida at (239) 935-6850 or info@bonsaiswfl.org.

Separately, the Santa Anita Bonsai Society published its own March 2026 update, authored by Lorraine Miles, highlighting a productive February meeting in which Bill Ward walked members through his method for sourcing quality bonsai material at low cost. Ward brought physical examples of trees and products he had found across multiple nurseries, and members responded with enough enthusiasm that the club noted in its update: "Everyone seemed motivated to now explore nurseries, especially out-of-the-way areas that might have hidden gems." Ward and fellow member Ray Blasingame also donated trees for two special raffles at that meeting; Patty took home the Blasingame Fig and Peter won Bill Ward's juniper.

The Santa Anita club's next meeting falls on March 14, 2026, at the LA Arboretum's Palm Room, with show planning on the agenda at 6pm and a 7pm session on Accent Plants and Display Tables featuring guests Debra Mauzy-Melitz and Ken Bross. Looking further ahead, Daniel Deephouse is scheduled to demo on April 11, with a companion workshop asking members to bring their show tree. The club's Annual Memorial Weekend Show and Members Sale is set for May 23 through 25.