B Volume 45 Number 8 illboard Newsletter of The Bonsai Society of Upstate New York Inc Summer Workshop: Bring Your Own Tree ur August meeting will feature a free open workshop O for all members. During this workshop, experienced members will be on hand to help you with whatever questions, problems you might have. Now is a good time for wiring your trees, but if you wired your maples or elms in the spring, it might also be time to remove wire. Bring trees, tools, wire, and a shallow box to work in with you. You will not be able to pot or transplant your trees during this workshop, sorry. Come prepared to work on your trees, share some stories and enjoy the fellowship of other members interested in bonsai. You also might have some rough material that you don t know what to do with and want to start designing your new bonsai. This workshop will be a good place to get the help and advice you need, especially for those members new to bonsai. Prior to the BSUNY meeting on August 30, the Suiseki Study Group of Upstate New York will hold their meeting from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The Suiseki Study Group are encouraged to bring a stone to the meeting for discussion purposes. Set-up for the meeting will begin at 5:00 PM. Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 30, 7:00 pm Summer Workshop Brighton Town Lodge at Buckland Park 1341 Westfall Road, Rochester, New York near corner of Westfall and Clinton Billboard is brought to you by: PRESIDENT: Mark Arpag President@bonsaisocietyofupstateny.org CO-EDITORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom Friday & Irma Abu-Jumah Billboard@bonsaisocietyofupstateny.org CONTRIBUTORS: William N. Valavanis, and Harvey Carapella A Great Opportunity! EXHIBITION COMPETITION An exciting opportunity has arisen that will allow a select members tree to take part in the upcoming 5th US National Bonsai Exhibition. Come and enjoy a Summer evening with other bonsai friends. Bill V. has graciously allowed the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York to select a tree that will grace the break room at the September show. The special bonsai will be selected at the upcoming August workshop. We all know how hard Rick Marriott works to supply us with food and beverages at our meetings and shows and what a great job he does for us. We now have the opportunity to improve the atmosphere where all of the volunteers, exhibitors, judges and demonstrators will spend their down time at the exhibition. Dues Are Due! See page 5 for details on how to renew your Bonsai Society membership. Any club member who is not displaying in the exhibition should bring one of their favorite bonsai to our August workshop where all members present will vote on their favorite bonsai, which will then play a part in the finest bonsai exhibition in America. We encourage everyone to participate in this fun and rewarding selection. Enhance the bonsai experience with us next meeting and at the show.
2 Highlights of July Bus Adventure to Ohio and Pennsylvania ark Arpag did a another great job organizing the bus trip that 18 M members and guests made the one day journey to Ohio and Pennsylvania. They left very early Saturday morning and traveled for over four hours to Mel Goldstein s house near Cleveland, Ohio. Along the way Rick supplied coffee & donuts and other beverages. Mel s house is right on the shore of Lake Erie. Beautiful day and many great bonsai and suiseki on display. Thanks Mel for allowing us to visit your beautiful home.. After about an hour and a half the group departed Mel s for Mulberry Creek Nursery. The trip took about 90 minutes, and upon arrival the group enjoyed a sandwich lunch. Mark provided three different delicious salads, and Rick supplied iced tea and Spring water. Great day for a picnic. The group spent time going through the green houses, and about an acre of display beds of plants. Great miniatures, Fairy Gardens, and outdoor G-scale train display. Lots of great plants to buy and take home to display with bonsai.. The travelers were off to visit David Bennett s private bonsai garden, suiseki and wood carvings. This visit was an added special stop by invitation on the way to Les Allen s. David is a very talented artist. He works besides wood carving include pottery, and a great bonsai and suiseki display. His pond and grounds were very beautiful. Lots to see and enjoy. Thanks David for the invitation. Back to the bus and on to see Les Allen s private bonsai garden at his home near Erie, PA. After looking at Les s private bonsai garden and suiseki collection, they enjoyed pizza and refreshments for dinner. Another great stop and a very beautiful home and gardens. Thanks Les for the very nice visit. The bus departed Les Allen s and headed back to Rochester. After a very busy day everyone was glad to be back. The bus arrived safely at Marketplace Mall at about 9:30pm. Everyone enjoyed the trip very much and are eager to take another Bonsai Adventure. soon.
Care Tips for Mid-Summer ome things to consider doing now that we are mid S way through Summer: Pines need to be in full sun and kept a little on the dry side Now is the time to separate healthy and weak trees - healthy trees are drinking daily, weaker trees drink less often Pay extra attention to your watering, including a deep dunking for your root bound trees Repot and prune tropicals Move maples into semi shade Fertilize everything well Remove wire before it cuts into new vigorous shoots Move trees and rotate them in order to give them more or less sun depending on the species Elm trees and other deciduous species can be pruned back hard. Pay extra attention to your watering, including a deep dunking for your root bound trees Spend a lot of time weeding this time of year. Remember that a weed-free pot will allow better watering and better all around care 3 Keep a close eye on your trees with the high temperatures we are having! Reprinted from Michael, Roger, and Phil at Bonsai West http://www.bonsaiwest.com/ The 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition is finally here! oin people from around the world for the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition J where over 200 of the finest Bonsai in the country will be on display. The world bonsai community will once again be enriched by the display of bonsai gathered from across the United States at the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, September 10 11, 2016, in Rochester, NY. Like Japan s Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition, people from around the world attend the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibitions to appreciate and study the diversity of the unique and distinctive species displayed by accomplished bonsai artists from across the United States. Towering bonsai from the Pacific Northwest, rugged bonsai from the Rocky Mountains, and tropical bonsai from the Southern swampy regions will be displayed alongside weathered bonsai from the Southwestern deserts and refined deciduous bonsai from the Northeast. The 2016 exhibition promises to exceed past shows in both scope and quality. The 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition will include an expanded Invitational Suiseki Exhibit, feature demonstrations and critiques lead by bonsai masters from around the world, and offer one of the largest bonsai specific vendor areas available at an event of this kind. Feature demonstrations by Sean L. Smith, Pennsylvania, Michael Ryan Bell, Mississippi, Peter Warren, England Tony Tickle, England, and Minoru Akiyama, Japan. For more information and complete 5th US National Bonsai Exhibition schedule, visit http://www.usnationalbonsai.com/
4 It s That Time Of Year Again... atering is the single most important element in growing bonsai, even more important W than fertilizing. Water until the excess water drains through the drainage holes. How often you water depends on many factors, including: sunlight, wind, temperature, species, container size, and depth, condition of plant material and your objectives. Generally, water at least once a day in summer, and twice on particularly hot, dry days. Try to be consistent in the time of day your water. Late afternoon is good. Fertilizer schedules should have begun by now and should be maintained until October or early November. I ll give you my fertilizer cake recipe if you ask me for it. Keep up your spray program for pests, don t let them eat your precious bonsai! Malathion and Isotox are excellent pesticides for most species trained for bonsai, but read the labels, some plants don t tolerate all pesticides. A new product on the market is less noxious but works well, a refined oil that smothers the insects instead of poisoning them. The new oils can be used on plants fully leafed out. There are several brands available at nurseries in this area. Don t forget to keep up with trimming deciduous species and pinching conifers. Remember that undeveloped bonsai should not be trimmed or pinched as often as developed specimens. Now is a good time to wire deciduous species because the twigs are flexible. Have a good summer and remember to feed and check for pests. Don t forget to make provisions for your bonsai when your go away for vacation, because it s that time of the year... W.N.V. Photos from 2016 BSUNY Exhibition ou may find some of your trees wilt in the heat. Before you water, Y check the soil moisture, you may be surprised! Many years ago I noticed a summer dormancy period with my legume and buttonwood bonsai. The trees had seemingly shut down. They pouted and even shed a few leaves. Another symptom was little to no new growth. Summer dormancy is a temporary inactive phase caused by chemical changes within the plant cells. This growth arrestment is caused by high temperatures. During this time, allow your bonsai to rest. They have stored up enough nutrition to sustain themselves. Do not try to wake them up with fertilizer, it won t work! Don t overwater either. Before you water, make sure your bonsai need it. Summer Dormancy by Mary Miller, Bonsai Banter Above are some comments borrowed from Mary Miller s Bonsai Banter. From BonsaiBark, by Wayne Schoech, 8/1/2015 2016 PROGRAMS President Sept 10-11: 5th US National Bonsai Exhibition Sept 12: Oct. 25: Nov. 22: Dec. 20: Vice President Secretary Treasurer Billboard Education Exhibitions Library Membership Table Photographers Publicity Raffle Refreshments Rules & By-Laws Minoru Akiyama (Japan). Note Date Change! Owen Reich Bonsai Critique with Jim, Mark, and Harvey Holiday Meeting & Auction with treats & Bill Valavanis travel pictures Society Leadership Vendors Ways & Means Webmaster Society Consultants Past Presidents Mark Arpag William Valavanis Jason Henderberg Ron Maggio Tom Friday & Irma Abu-Jumah Will Hebert Harvey Carapella Joe Lentner Elmer Dustman Joe Noga, Tom Friday, Irma Abu-Jumah Irma Abu-Jumah Alan Adair Rick Marriott Joe Galley Alan Adair Joe Moore Irma Abu-Jumah Doug McDade, Will Hebert Jim Dolce, Harvey Carapella Special thanks goes to our officers who have served in these positions previously and continue to provide guidance to the society.
5 Time to Renew Your Dues 2016 2017 We hope you have enjoyed your membership in the BONSAI SOCIETY OF UPSTATE NEW YORK and that you have found it helpful with your bonsai. With your continued support we can provide world-class educational programs at each meeting and workshop. Membership dues for the 2016-2017 season are now due. Please send your check today so we can include your name in the new membership list, now being prepared. Renew now to avoid missing any bonsai billboard issues and society news. Most of our members are now receiving the BSUNY Billboard by e-mail. This is the best way to communicate with you. Receiving the Bonsai Billboard by e-mail saves the society money, you get to see great color photos of bonsai and we can quickly send you updates and announcements. If you want a printed copy, you can always print one from your computer. Printed Billboard editions are available at EXTRA $5 ANNUAL FEE. If you recently joined us during the BSUNY Bonsai Exhibition held in May, or during the summer, your dues for the coming year have already been paid. Thank you for joining us. Perhaps you might like to give a gift membership to a friend who has admired your bonsai. Sincerely Yours, Treasurer Treasurer@bonsaisocietyofupstateny.org There will be a $5 fee for members and $10 for non members at our special meetings to help offset the higher travel costs for special speakers. Mail To & Make Checks Payable To: Bonsai Society of Upstate New York P.O. Box 92215 Rochester, New York 14692 Membership Renewal Form Name (please print neatly): Address: E-mail City State Zip Phone Membership Rates $30 Individual $35 Joint (One Household) Membership fee includes our monthly digital Newsletter: The BILLBOARD. Printed Billboard editions available at EXTRA $5 ANNUAL FEE. Check box if you are requesting a printed copy
AKIYAMA BONSAI WORKSHOP s l Monday September 12, 2016 l 11AM - 4PM INTERNATIONAL BONSAI ARBORETUM Workshop Participants: $ 80 Minoru Akiyama, second generation bonsai artist fromyamanashi, Japan, studied with Kunio Kobayashi at the Shunka-en Bonsai Museum for six years. As a true professional bonsai artist he has been trained in a wide variety of species. His father grows junipers and many deciduous species. During his studies with Mr. Kobayashi, he had extensive experience with Satsuki azaleas. Basically, Mr. Akiyama is qualified in all species trained for bonsai. Mr. Akiyama, has won numerous awards in Japan for his bonsai. At the age of 29 he was the youngest artist to win the coveted Prime Ministers Award at the Creators Bonsai Exhibition in 2011, which is limited to professional bonsai artists. He recently won the award again as well as a major award for a Satsuki exhibition. Peter Warren, from England, studied with Mr. Kobayashi as well for six years. During that time Mr. Akiyama was Peter s superior apprentice and a close friendship was formed. Peter Warren often translates and assists Mr. Akiyama usually when he travels outside Japan. Mr. Warren will be translating for Mr. Akiyama at the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, as well as this special seminar and his demonstration for the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York. AKIYAMA BONSAI WORKSHOP INFORMATION Observers: $ 30 Registration for the Akiyama Bonsai Workshop is $ 80, Observers $ 30. Observers may ask limited questions. Bring your own plant material or purchase something exciting at the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition sales area. The Akiyama Bonsai Workshop will be held at the International Bonsai Arboretum, 1070 Martin Road, West Henrietta, New York. Refreshments and a pizza lunch is included. Don t delay in registering for this special and limited seminar. To register contact: William N. Valavanis n WNV@internationalbonsai.com n (585) 334-2595
Introductory Bonsai Course Autumn 2016 This comprehensive Introductory Bonsai Course has been planned to teach the fundamentals of classical bonsai art to people who have had no experience in this fascinating living art form. Detailed and thorough information will be explained on the theory and techniques of bonsai design, pruning, wiring and potting. Students will learn the background and skills to create, develop and maintain their own bonsai. Each three hour lesson consists of a Powerpoint program that reveals the beauty of well developed bonsai masterpieces, followed by a demonstration and workshop where students are encouraged and assisted in creating their own bonsai. Instructor for this special course is William N. Valavanis, professional bonsai artist, author and educator. He has combined his two horticultural degrees and fifty year intense bonsai study and passion to develop dynamic educational programs which he freely shares with organizations around the world. He is the publisher and editor of International BONSAI, a well recognized magazine distributed around the globe. The Introductory Bonsai Course will be held on four Monday evenings from 7:00-10:00 P.M. or on Saturday mornings from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. All classes will be held at the International Bonsai Arboretum, 1070 Martin Road, West Henrietta, New York, home of the Valavanis Bonsai Collection. An area map will be sent with confirmations. A Wednesday session may be added if there is interest. AUTUMN 2016 COURSE OUTLINE Mondays Saturdays Study Topics Workshop Trees Lesson I Sept. 19 Sept. 24 Care & Maintenance Tropical Fruit Tree Lesson II Sept. 26 Oct. 1 Styles- Pruning- Aesthetics Brush Cherry Lesson III Oct. 3 Oct. 8 Wiring- Transplanting Pomegranate Lesson IV Oct. 10 Oct. 22 Bonsai Training Techniques Dwarf Juniper REGISTRATION Registration for the Introductory Bonsai Course is $90.00 for the entire four week course. Registration fee includes instruction, handouts, screened bonsai soil and cut paste. Please bring your own bonsai tools, however tools will be available for rental or purchase in the classroom. Workshop material will be available for purchase. Space will be limited in order to provide individual instruction, please send your application early to avoid disappointment. Phone (585) 334-2595 for additional information or future course offerings. An additional session may also be scheduled, please inquire. REGISTRATION APPLICATION AUTUMN 2016 INTRODUCTORY BONSAI COURSE Mondays 7:00-10:00 p.m. Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon NAME PHONE ADDRESS CITY-STATE-ZIP E-MAIL My check in the amount of $ attached. Please make checks payable to: The International Bonsai Arboretum, 1070 Martin Road, West Heniretta, New York 14586-8901