Kusamura Logo Tree – A Bonsai with a Storied Past

Botanical Name: Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'

Common Name: Creeping Juniper

Story of the Tree

This remarkable bonsai, traces its roots back to the 1970s. It was originally trained by Tom Refvem, an early member of the Kusamura Bonsai Club, from cuttings he acquired at a nursery in Half Moon Bay.

Under the guidance of Mr. Harunobu Tokita, the tree began taking its elegant shape. Later, Mr. Yasuo Mitsuya refined its styling, recognizing its exceptional form and stating that it was worthy of display at the prestigious Kofuku Bonsai Show in Japan.

In the late 1990s, Tom’s wife, Janet Refvem, honored his legacy by donating the tree to the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, where it continues to inspire bonsai enthusiasts today.

Exhibited by: BGLM