FOG CITY BONSAI November Fog City Bonsai

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1 Fog City Bonsai Newsletter of the Bonsai Society of San Francisco San Francisco County Fair Building, Lincoln Avenue Between 9th & 10th President s Message Autumn; the best time to practice our bonsai techniques November to early December is the best time for heavy pruning, and wiring for most bonsai species. It is also regarded as the best time to repot many of the flowering and fruiting plants. Everyone can take on that task now by making the design decisions and then carrying them out with pruning and wiring to develop your bonsai. In many cases taking care of these tasks now, at the best time, can insure the success of your efforts. Select a plant that you already have or find something at a nursery or sale, make some styling decisions and carry out the work. Doing this will increase anyone s understanding of bonsai whether it yields a good bonsai in the future or not. Usually the plants that receive work now will not be repotted at least until early spring. Also, styling work we do now may lead to a few more years in a large, deep pot to promote rapid growth rather than an immediate transition to the bonsai pot. The demonstration by Juan Cruz at our October meeting was filled with informative ideas about caring for bonsai in general while demonstrating a wide range of techniques for using wire to shape the tree. The redwood he worked on now is like a sample board of wiring techniques. My raffle ticket won the tree so I will be donating the redwood to the December raffle and silent auction. It has the potential to be an impressive bonsai soon. Exciting program coming, don t miss: Our monthly programs and workshops continuously provide instructions on the process of caring for bonsai. The Matt Reel demonstration will be another great program with a skilled artist working on a nice black pine. Don t miss this program and another opportunity to advance you understanding of bonsai. Then, go home, grab a tree and try your ideas out. That s how bonsai happens. Raffles/auctions and other fundraising events: BSSF funds all of our activities with money raised from membership dues, proceeds from raffles and auctions, commissions from member sales, and donations from friends and members. Costs to pay the professional presenters at our meetings, purchase demonstration material, provide workshops; pay the rent and present refreshments at our meetings are covered by our fundraising activities. We also provide funds to the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, and their curator s fund. I have always questioned the use of raffles to acquire good material for my collection. I like auctions because I can choose the material and participate in determining the price. However, after fourteen years as a member of BSSF, four or five of my best bonsai are raffle prizes. Member s participation in our fundraising events will keep our club finances in good shape and along the way BSSF members will improve their collections with good material.

2 President s Message Continued... Business and officers: The annual election of officers and directors for 2014 will be held at our November 15 meeting. Come to the November meeting for the added bonus of meeting the nominees for the 2015 BSSF board. Our board members seek and welcome suggestion and ideas from every member for ways to improve our efforts to promote the bonsai community. We are always looking for new ideas. Robert Smith HELP WANTED! The staff of Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) publication Golden Statem ents Magazine is in need to fill the following positions: Matt Reel to visit BSSF in November An interesting new talent to the Bay Area bonsai world, Matt Reel, will conduct a styling demonstration at our member meeting on November 13 th. He will also lead a full-day workshop for BSSF on November 15th. This is a unique opportunity, because Matt recently returned to the United States from an eight year apprenticeship with Shinji Suzuki. Matt became aware of bonsai when at 14 years of age when he came across some "Mall-sai" and was captivated by the uniqueness of a living art. His first teacher, Robert Guitron, hosted Boon Manakitivipart for a workshop in Portland. After observing Boon s work Matt knew Japan was the place he needed to be. With the help of Boon and Michael Hagedorn, Matt became the third apprentice of master Shinji Suzuki. During his apprenticeship, Matt learned all facets of the art and is happy now to be creating good Bonsai in America! On November 13 th Matt will style the Japanese Black Pine in the photo. There will an auction to send the tree home with a new owner. 7:30PM in the Garden Room at the SF County Fair building. Catherine Wolf Treasurer Advertising Manager Subscriptions Manager Part Time Assistants For more details on duties and special perks, contact George Haas, Past Editor of Golden Statem ents Magazine, or gwhaas@comcast.net George Haas Page 2

3 Soil Prep Workshop Thom de Cant akadama, pumice and red lava. While sifting through the various sizes of material, members had the chance to get to know each other a little better and share their experiences with bonsai. After the dust settled, club members helped each other bag their soil and departed with a On Saturday, September 27th, BSSF club members attended the clubs first soil prep workshop. The workshop was organized by Catherine Wolf who wanted to offer club members an opportunity to learn first hand the art of soil preparation. Yes, it is an art. As simple as it may seem, knowing the correct soil to use, as well as the size of material best suited for a particular bonsai is crucial to its cultivation. Attendees were assigned to specific prep stations to learn the process and stages of sifting through different material. Each station was divided into groups and instructed on the techniques and steps necessary to prepare and mix better knowledge of soil preparation and the key role it plays in growing healthy bonsai. But most importantly, everyone left with a sense of community and the experience of how rewarding working together can be. A special thanks to Bernard Marque and Diana Lum for their part in helping to make the workshop a success, and to Catherine for taking the step to bring club members together to learn while having fun! Page 3

4 Meeting Notes Juan Cruz Eric Schrader be effective sometimes, they generally do not offer the degree of control over placement of the branching that can be accomplished using wire. For our October 2014 meeting BSSF invited Sacramento native and bonsai artist Juan Cruz to discuss bonsai and do a wiring demo on a medium-size redwood tree. Juan has been a bonsai enthusiast for nearly two decades and has studied under Kathy Shaner, the Midori bonsai club in San Jose and in Omiya, Japan at Mansei-En bonsai nursery. Juan is currently a member of the GSBF board of trustees and the district representative for the Bay Area clubs. Juan started his talk by discussing the history of training bonsai. He mentioned that some of the older techniques employed to bend branches were rocks hanging by twine from the branches and bamboo lashed to the branch. Both techniques were used before wire to make trees look older by moving the branches generally downward. The general properties of a tree are that young trees have upward sweeping branches while older trees have branches that have more character and that have been bent downward by their own weight among other environmental influences. Bending branches downward therefore has always been considered a good way to make a tree look older. In modern times, wiring is the most common technique for accomplishing these changes. While weights added to branches can According to Juan, years ago people more commonly started using wire (that would be ) to more effectively bend branches. With his background in Electrical engineering Juan went into an explanation of the reasoning behind wire gauges. American wire gauge (AWG) has a smaller number for the larger size wire; the rating is linked to amperage that the wire is rated to carry. AWG 4 is the largest that is commonly used for bonsai and 20 or 22 is generally the smallest. AWG copper wire for bonsai is generally available in sizes 4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20 and 22. The sizes most frequently used depend on the type and size of tree. The tools that are needed for wiring are matched to the size of the wire that is being applied. Most people will use a medium size wire cutter most frequently, but there are three typical sizes of wire cutters: Large (about inch long handle) for gauges 4, 6 and sometimes 8 or 10; medium (7-8 inch handles) for 8,10,12,14, 16 and 18; and small size cutters that resemble scissors for sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. (Size 25 can be cut by sneezing on it.) All three sizes will cut wire right out to the tip of the cutter such that they can be used for cutting into wire that is wrapped around the branches without damaging the live part of the tree. Juan mentioned that if you double the size of a wire that it will have eight times the strength (this is logical given that the cross section area of the wire is equal to 2p times Page 4

5 Cruz Continued the radius). To figure out what size wire to use on a given branch you should try to estimate based on how stiff the branch is. Typically, the size of the wire needed will vary greatly depending on species as different trees produce more or less flexible wood. Take the branch that you are going to wire and gently bend it a little with your fingers. Then compare the resistance that the branch offers to a piece of wire that you think is the right size. If more force is required to bend the branch than to bend the wire then you likely need a larger wire. to bend in comparison to the branch. To illustrate these concepts, Juan passed out wire for people to practice. He advocates using the wire to practice to increase your understanding of the relationship of the wire size to the branch size. Although Juan concentrated on talking about copper wire, as he was using this to style the redwood tree that was the subject of the demo, he did also touch on the use of Aluminum wire for styling. Aluminum is sized by millimeter measurements. It is not as strong as copper wire for the same size wire but does not work harden as much after it is used. Aluminum is considered easier for beginners to learn with and is used frequently on tree species that have more sensitive bark. Because it is easier to bend it typically will do less damage to the bark than copper and it will not stain the bark either since it is annodized to resist oxidation. (Copper oxides will wash off the wire and can stain the bark of some trees.) After his discussion of wiring Juan proceeded to cover numerous other topics as he worked on the redwood tree in the demo. He advocated the use of a work setup that allows the tree to be raise and lowered. The tree should be at about chest level so you can work comfortably. Like the strike zone in baseball. The idea is that you should not have to raise your arms up for hours at a time while trimming or wiring a large tree. Juan works on wiring the tree. The downfall of wire that is too small is that it will not hold the branch in the position that it needs to be in. The effect of applying wire that is too large is usually damage to the branch and bark because the wire is difficult For the styling of the redwood tree Juan said to start with the cleanup; during cleanup you want to start from the top of the tree and work downward. Any time you will be making a mess the work should start at the top so that you clean off the debris that you are creating as you move downward. Page 5

6 Cruz Continued In contrast, when wiring a tree you will want to work from the bottom upward. As discussed at the outset of the talk, wiring is generally used to move the branching downward, so starting at the bottom allows for the work to progress without anything being in the way. Excess branches can be eliminated and the branching can be positioned to greater advantage. Juan touched on one thing multiple times during his talk which was what he calls the Spirit of bonsai. Bonsai, like some other interesting hobbies and pastimes has the power to bring people from different backgrounds together to create a community. In the case of bonsai, it may take more than one person, or even a few to create an enduring work of art. Keep the spirit of bonsai in your mind as you wire your redwood trees. Nearing completion, Juan takes a few moments to chat with members. Redwoods are a high maintenance tree; they grow quickly and they grow profusely, both in backbudding and in the length of the growth even after consistent cutback. Juan advocated carefully keeping an eye on wire, and staying on top of clipping the tree. Pinching is typically something that has to be performed on redwoods to keep the growth from getting leggy, but caution should be taken with doing it continuously since it can weaken the tree over time. The completed dem o tree. Page 6

7 BSSF Meetings and Workshops November 9, 2014 Workshop November is an important month to work on your Black Pines. Eric Schrader will lead this four-hour workshop in Black Pine techniques. erics(at sign)bssf.org to register for the workshop. 12PM to 4PM in the Garden Room at the SF County Fair buildingg November 13, 2014 Matt Reel Demonstration. Matt Reel, who recently returned to the United States from an eight-year apprenticeship in Japan, will give club members a taste of what he learned. 7:30PM in the Garden Room at the SF County Fair buildingn November 15, 2014 Matt Reel Workshop. Matt Reel will lead a full-day workshop to assist members with development of their own material. This workshop is limited to six participants. The cost per participant is $ Please catherine.wolf(at sign) wolfwerk.com or call to register. 9AM to 4PM in the SF County Fair Building. The room is to be announced November 20, Third Thursday Members Free Workshop. Stop by the Free Third Thursday Workshop. It begins at 7PM and is always an opportunity to learn something new for your trees. Bring a couple trees by the San Francisco County Fair Building and get free advice from advanced members of the club. December 11, 2014 Member Meeting Our December member meeting is always a party. Members, family and friends are invited to enjoy a pot luck dinner. A silent auction will be held to raise money for the Curator s Fund at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. 7PM in the Recreation Room at the SF County Fair building. December 18, Third Thursday Members Free Workshop Bring a couple of trees by the San Francisco County Fair Building and get free advice from advanced members of the club. It begins at 7PM in the Garden Room, and is always an opportunity to learn something new for your trees. General Meeting, December Winter Celebration/BGLM Fundraiser It s party time! You, family, kids, and guests are invited to join in the fun on December 12, starting at 7:00 P, M. in the recreation room at the Hall of Flowers. We hold this even annually to raise money for the Curator s Fund at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. We need your help to make this event spectacular. Please sign up to volunteer and donate raffle and/or silent auction items or let us know how you will help. Tim Kong will be leading the food arrangements, Diana Lum will plan the setup and table decorations, James Frank will lead the raffle and silent auction and Robert Smith will lead clean-up. The club will provide ham turkey and a vegetarian dish. You bring a bottle to share, as well as a potluck dish (6:30 P. M. setup). People with last names beginning with A-E, bring a salad; F-M, bring an appetizer; N-R, bring a dessert and S-Z, bring a side dish. Also, bring some $$$ to play in the fundraising activities. Robert Smith Page 7

8 Northern California Bonsai Events December 6, 2014 Fresno, California Fresno Bonsai Society: Seventh Annual Bonsai Yard Sale at 736 West Browning. Set up begins at 8 AM. Everyone is welcome to buy, sell or trade. Sales include pre-bonsai, finished trees, pots, supplies, stands, books, suiseki and accent plants. Lunch will be available. Great bargains and great fun! If you need a table or more information, contact Ralph Schroeder at ralsch@sbcglobal.net or Peter Schaffert at peteschaffert@gmail.com. February 21 22, 2015 Oakland, CA GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt: The annual Mammoth Fund Raiser will be held at 666 Bellevue Ave. (Garden Center Building). Saturday: Auction preview at noon with Auction starting at 1 PM. Sunday: Vendor Sales start at 9 AM, Plant Sales start at 10 AM, and Demonstrations at 1 PM. Also on Sunday help us celebrate our 15th Anniversary! The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt will celebrate the many bonsai clubs who have created and supported the Garden by inviting Bonsai Clubs from all over Northern California to showcase their best trees. Bonsai Garden will be open 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Noon to 4 PM on Sunday. For more information or to sell trees, bonsailakemerritt@gmail.com and visit Fog City Bonsai Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the Fog City Bonsai Newsletter is the 3rd Saturday of the month. You can submit articles, photos to: spiatanesi@att.net. Page 8

9 BSSF Announcements 2014 Board Members and Officers President: Robert Smith Vice President: Treasurer: Secretary: Webmaster: Newsletter Editor: Librarian: James Frank Marge Casey Diana Lum Eric Shrader Scott Piatanesi Bernard Marque Board Members at Large: Tim Kong, Gerard Lespinette, Dan Casey, Eric Schrader, Catherine Wolf, Cheryle Kawamoto, Harlan Kawamoto. Past President: John Edwards. BSSF General meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30PM. The members workshop is the following Thursday ( 3rd Thursday of the month) at 7:00PM. BSSF Board Meetings are held on the 4th Monday at 7:00PM. All of the meetings occur at the San Francisco County Fair Building, on Lincoln Way, between Ninth Ave and Tenth Ave. Enter through the parking lot at Tenth Ave and Lincoln and walk along sidewalk behind the building to the doorway to the garden club meeting room. Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt The GSBF collection in Oakland needs volunteers to be docents on every 3rd Saturday afternoon in each month. It is a fun and educational opportunity for all bonsai hobbyists. No matter your skill level, you can help care for these wonderful trees and educate the public about the art of bonsai. Please sign up at a meeting, check the docent calendar at bonsai.org/lake-merritt/ NewDocent.htm or call Kay Hardy at (952) Membership Dues 2014 membership fees are $30 for individuals, $50 for families and $20 for seniors. Bonsai Sales at Monthly Meetings Please remember that any time during the year you wish to sell bonsai trees, the BSSF welcomes you to bring the trees to our monthly meetings or workshops. The club will receive 20% of the purchase price. BSSF Bonsai Library The BSSF has on hand a large assortment of books, magazines, and other literature about our favorite hobby. To access the library, arrive early at either the monthly meeting or the monthly workshop and speak to Bernard Marque. Checking out materials requires a $5 deposit per item. Page 9