Jack Wikle is certainly one of the important figures in the American bonsai world. I got to know Jack sometime in the mid 1990’s. I hosted Jack when he spoke at the Cincinnati bonsai club; Jack reciprocated when I spoke at the Ann Arbor bonsai club. He and his wife were extremely kind when they hosted me at their home. His mame trees grown totally under artificial light were amazing; they had small leaves, short internodes, and deep green coloration, some of the most beautiful trees I have seen. Jack pioneered the techniques he used, including keeping the light source literally a few millimeters from the trees. It was winter in Michigan, but Jack took the time to open up his cold frame so we could see and discuss his larger deciduous and conifer bonsai. He also took me around to meet other local bonsai enthusiasts; Ann Arbor had one of the larger communities of well known bonsai artists, probably largely from Jack’s influence. Jack has also been an important national bonsai influence, having contributed numerous lectures, articles, and ideas, as well as holding many administrative positions. He was also the editor of the Journal of the American Bonsai Society. His role as curator of the bonsai collection at Hidden Lake Gardens for 50 years deserves support.
Douglas K Hawley MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Cincinnati