Next Meeting is 1:00 pm Saturday, December 16 th at the Melbourne Library.

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1 December 2017 Volume 18, Number 12 Next Meeting is 1:00 pm Saturday, December 16 th at the Melbourne Library. President s Message By Dr. Reggie Perdue Greetings bonsai nuts and Happy Holidays. This Saturday is our annual Holiday Party at the Melbourne Library at 1PM. I'd like to personally invite everyone to the event. There will be good food, friendship and bonsai. Following dinner, we plan to have door prizes and a raffle of a Simpson Stopper pre-bonsai that was initially styled at our last Bonsai Show at the Brevard Zoo. I hope to see everyone there. Regards, Reggie In this Issue: Tree of the Month Conifers Picture of the Month News Bonsai lost in Japan? Election of new Board Bonsai Society of Brevard is a non-profit society meeting to further the artistic endeavor of Bonsai. The club meets the third Saturday of every month, 2 PM, at the Melbourne Public Library, Fee Avenue, Melbourne

2 From the Editor Dennis Reilly, OK, I don t have one of these. Maybe next year. dennis dennisreilly32@yahoo.com Page 2

3 BSOB is invited to the CFBC Christmas Party At Benjamen Agresta s house in Orlando. Details here: CFBC Annual Holiday Party, open to all CFBC members and family, and any other bonsai club members too. Tree exhibit with awards, enough food to feed an army, auctions, music and drinks. Come see over 150 trees on display in the private garden, as well as a Trio of Tortoises, and bring your swim clothes if you want to try our new (HEATED) lazy river and waterslide! Kid friendly event! Sunday, December 17, 11am-3pm 1661 Chickasaw Trl S, Orlando, FL Upcoming Events Calendar Bonsai Holiday Party December 16th BSOB Picnic F Burton Smith Park Rescheduled: April Day Trip to Old Florida Nursery Vero Beach Dec (day TBD) Page 3

4 Tree of the Month Spruce Conifer/ Blue Spruce Bonsai Society of Brevard is a non-profit society meeting to further the artistic endeavor of Bonsai. The club meets the third Saturday of every month, 2 PM, at the Melbourne Public Library, Fee Avenue, Melbourne

5 BONSAI BOY OF NEW YORK bonsaiboy.com COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE (picea pungens glauca) The Colorado Blue Spruce is a beautiful conifer (cone bearing) tree with distinctive blue-green evergreen needles. The bark is thin and gray, with narrow vertical furrows. The crown is conic in young trees, becoming cylindrical in older trees. The shoots are stout and orange-brown. It is native to the Western United States primarily in the Rocky Mountains, but can also be found in the Northeastern United States as well as Eastern Canada. The tree color can vary from dark green through all shades of blue-green to powder white blue. The tree thrives outdoors and likes full sun when possible. How To Take Proper Care Of Your Bonsai Tree Bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature. This art form has its origin in Japan and China where it has been practiced for centuries. Bonsai are grown in pots and are totally dependent on you for their care. With proper care, your bonsai will remain healthy, beautiful and miniature for many years to come. Since your bonsai is a living miniature tree, it will increase in beauty as it matures through the years. The instructions below are just the basics and, therefore, we recommend that you purchase one of the many fine books available on the subject. PLACEMENT A Colorado Blue Spruce Bonsai is a living miniature tree and not a house plant; therefore, your bonsai must be maintained in a cool/cold environment during the winter season. As a guide, around Thanksgiving Day it is time to prepare your Bonsai for its winter dormancy period which should last approximately three (3) months. This can be accomplished in several ways. One method is to bury your tree in the ground (preferably without the pot) up to the rim of the container and then mulch up to the first branch. It is best to choose a location that is protected from wind and sun, but not rain or Page 5

6 snow. A second method which is also common is to place your tree(s) in an unheated garage or shed. During this time, your tree does not require light because it is in a dormant state; however, it will require watering approximately every two weeks. Throughout the spring, summer and fall your Bonsai should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace, or in a garden. Once outside, your Bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun morning sun and afternoon shade is best. A Bonsai can be viewed best when it is placed approximately three to four feet high (eye level), such as on a table, wall or bench. A Bonsai can and should be brought into the house on special occasions and displayed in a prominent place. Your Bonsai should not remain inside for more than a few days at a time, as the atmosphere is detrimental to the health of your tree. WATERING The watering of your Bonsai must never be neglected. Apply water when the soil appears dry -- never allow the soil to become completely dry. If your Bonsai is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water once a day. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil and type of Bonsai tree you own. Evaluate each tree's water requirements and adjust your watering schedule to accommodate it. It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your Bonsai tree. Watering should be done with a watering can or hose attachment which should dispense the water in a soft enough manner as not to disturb the soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot. A good rain is usually a sufficient watering. HUMIDITY During the cold months, when your bonsai is inside, we recommend placing it in a shallow tray filled with a layer of gravel with water added. This provides extra moisture around the tree as the water evaporates and reduces the amount of moisture lost to modern heating systems. FERTILIZING Fertilizing is also necessary if your bonsai is to remain healthy and beautiful. Since your bonsai is growing in such a small amount of soil it is necessary to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically. Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month except during winter. Your bonsai will also respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray. TRAINING This brief explanation of basic care does not cover training. Training deals with the art of bonsai and should be thoroughly understood before undertaking -- or left to a professional. However, most of the true bonsai trees you find have already been through their training period, thus requiring only periodic trimming and pinching to remain miniature. TRIMMING & PINCHING Trimming and pinching keep your tree miniature. Pinch and trim back the new growth to the farthest safe point. Never should all of the new growth be removed. A little should be left to sustain the health of the tree. Tropical and sub-tropical trees used for bonsai will require periodic pinching and trimming throughout the year. Since different trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to evaluate each tree s rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching to accommodate it. REPOTTING Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their root system has filled the pot. The reasons for repotting are to supply your tree with fresh soil, and to encourage a more compact root system. As a rule, most deciduous trees require repotting every two or three years, while evergreens only need to be repotted every four or five years. Since trees grow at different rates, this schedule will Page 6

7 not always hold true, therefore, you should examine your tree's root system each year to determine if it has become pot-bound. In most cases, the potting process is easy and safe if performed properly and at the right time of the year. Repotting should be done in mid-summer. The tree, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot. The outer and bottom most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed. This is done by raking the soil away, then pruning back the roots. In most cases, it is not good to prune back more than one fourth of the tree's root mass. After this, the tree can be placed back in its original pot or into another. The pot should have screen placed over the drainage holes. Then a thin layer of small gravel is placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage purposes. On top of this gravel is placed the new fresh soil. Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should be filled in with fresh soil. This fresh soil should be worked in around and under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets. After repotting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. This can be achieved by submerging the entire pot in a tub of water. Moss or other ground covers can be used to cover the surface of the pot to help prevent soil erosion when watering. INSECTS & DISEASES Since your bonsai is a tree in miniature, it can be treated for insects and diseases the same as any other tree. If you discover any insects or diseases, visit our website where you will be able to obtain the necessary products to eliminate the problem. Page 7

8 Picture of the Month Page 8

9 Bonsai News from Around the World Japan's ancient art of bonsai threatened by waning interest among youth By Japan reporter Rachel Mealey Posted 1 Apr 2017, 4:19pm Masashi Hirao exudes the calm you'd expect of a bonsai master. He speaks softly and appears to glide not walk as he moves around a bonsai tree with his golden scissors held aloft. The act absorbs him, his eyes dart from branch to branch as he spins the artwork on its platform, carefully inspecting it from every angle. "When I first saw a bonsai tree it reminded me instantly of the view and smell of the mountain where I played in Tokushima when I was young. That's how I entered the bonsai world," he says. At 35, he's one of the youngest masters practicing the craft in Japan. He says bonsai could die out unless another generation takes up the enthusiasm for the ancient pastime. Page 9

10 PHOTO: At 35, Masashi Hirao is one of the youngest bonsai masters in Japan. (ABC News: Rachel Mealey) "There are not many young bonsai craftsmen and many bonsai trees are being exported overseas," he says. "If this condition continues, bonsai will disappear in 30 years and bonsai craftsmen will also disappear." Mr Hirao decided to meet the problem head on. He now "performs" bonsai at galleries and festivals in the hope of attracting younger people. Page 10

11 PHOTO: A finished work created by Masashi Hirao, from a bonsai performance. (ABC News: Rachel Mealey) He takes an unrefined bonsai tree and changes its shape, turning it into a finished work of art in 30 minutes. "It's just showing how cool bonsai is and breaking the image of bonsai people have," Mr Hirao says. He hopes his performance will spark an interest and prompt a visit to a bonsai nursery. "I'm hoping when people come to the bonsai nursery and stand in front of a bonsai tree which doesn't move but is alive and older than they are, they can feel the energy or something that comes out of the tree without saying it in words." There is evidence that bonsai trees were brought to Japan from China as souvenirs in the 6th century. Bonsai trees came to adorn the homes of wealthy Japanese people and the "potted trees" became symbolic of Japan. These days bonsai is seen in Japan as an old man's hobby. Page 11

12 Rumiko Ishida is the curator of the Bonsai Art Museum in Omiya, in western Tokyo. She says the museum attracts a lot of visitors, but not young Japanese people. "For Japanese people, many are senior-aged, but many of the foreign visitors are young and they're in their 30s and 40s," Ms Ishida says. Austen Kosasih is a 26-year-old Melburnian who is in Japan studying an apprenticeship under bonsai master Kunio Kobayashi. PHOTO: Austen Kosasih thinks the revival of the craft of bonsai depends on the rest of the world. (ABC News: Rachel Mealey) He believes bonsai is lost to Japan and its revival now depends on the rest of the world. "As we speak, every single day, bonsai masterpieces in Japan are being shipped to the UK, to Europe, to China, to Taiwan. They are losing national treasures on a daily basis because there is a great decline in the hobby," Mr Kosasih says. Page 12

13 "It's sad, but it could be an uprising of a new bonsai generation worldwide, so I'm just hoping that will be the case. Mr Kosasih runs a bonsai rental business in Melbourne, offering hotels, restaurants and shops the opportunity to rent one of his bonsai trees to adorn their premises. He hopes it also prompts a more general interest in the hobby in Australia. PHOTO: There are fears bonsai could die out unless another generation takes up the ancient pastime. (ABC News: Rachel Mealey) "I think that the one thing that us Australians have is that we love our DIY we love it!" he says. "Bonsai is DIY in essence, if you have a seed that you grow and you spend several generations to create something like this it's a work of art." For him, bonsai offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Page 13

14 "When I'm really in the zone to do bonsai I don't think about anything else. Hours can go by really quick. It's healing, it's meditative, you're so in touch with nature you tend to appreciate a lot of things that you see in your surroundings." Board of Directors Barbara Hiser, President bhiser@me.com, Donnie Emenegger, Vice President Robert Mandel, MD, Secretary Bill Crabtree Membership Secretary Cosette Kellry, Treasurer Rob Kempinski, Zoo Exhibit rkempinski@cfl.rr.com Rob s Blog Thank You Reggie for a great year. Your casual style and easy-going personality made attending BSOB events very enjoyable. Congratulations to the newly-elected board. Every year is more challenging than the last. dennis Page 14

15 HANDY BONSAI WEBSITES Has many links to Brevard Club Newsletters and bonsai tips for Florida bonsai. Bonsai Society of Florida. Good info on Fl. Bonsai. Our own Rob s website. Great articles & pics. Worldwide site with galleries and information. Nice site with great galleries. The Art of Bonsai Project is an online journal and community for the examination and exploration of the bonsai art form. Orlando Bonsai Sandy Racinski Sandy@orlandobonsai.com Dragon Tree Bonsai L A R G E S P E C I M E N T R E E S AVA I L A B L E ROBERT PINDER 3663 S.W. Honey Terrace, Palm City, FL (772) Right Next to Turnpike Exit #133 in Palm City We are proud to have supplied the large specimens for many BSF Convention workshops. Page 15

16 Bonsai Resources Roger s Nursery or mike@mikerogersbonsaistudio.com M I K E C A R T R E T T Lectures, Demonstrations, Workshops, Private Sessions, Bonsai Redesign, Repotting, Maintenance, and Sales YOUR SOURCE FOR TROPICAL INFORMATION. B.S. in Horticulture, Over thirty years as a nursery owner. CALL OR cartrettm@bellsouth.net Old Florida Bonsai By Appointment Only Richard Turner J.J. Turner th Avenue (772) Vero Beach FL Cell (772) Amerian Bonsai Cullen Mariacher Bonsai tools, supplies, pots, soil (321) & Page 16

17 Heathcote Botanical Gardens An exhibit of quality bonsai trees from the collection of Master Jim Smith Savannah Road Fort Pierce, Florida Tuesday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm Sundays (Nov-April Only) 1:00pm - 5:00pm Closed Mondays and Major Holidays $6 Adults - $5 Seniors $2 Ages 6 to 12 (Children Under 6 Free) Free for Members and Veterans with I.D. (excluding special fund raisers) Handicap Accessible - Wheelchairs Available Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens Includes an exhibit of quality trees donated by members of the Bonsai Society of Florida over many years Morikami Park Road Delray Beach, FL Adults (18 to 64) $13 Seniors $12 Children (6 to 17) $8 Five and under free Closed Mondays and National Holidays Tuesday through Sunday 10 to 5 Page 17