BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 1 In This Issue Message from the Vice President February Program February Bonsai Tips and Advice Club Bonsai Show January Program in Review Feburary To Do List Beginner Bulletin Board Link of the Month Club Dig Board of Directors President, Vacant Emily White, Vice President/Program Chair ewhite82@gmail.com Ben Karlson, Secretary bkarlson@gmail.com Bill Muto, Treasurer bmuto@aol.com Chandra Velmulapalli, Membership Chair csvemula@gmail Haiying Huang, Newsletter Editor Haiying_huang@yahoo.com Todd Hang, Webmaster tqhang@gmail.com Luis Alex Lebron, Social Media Chair luislebron78@gmail.com Brian Myers, Member at Large John Borusheski, Member at Large Howard Smith, LSBF Delegate bonsaismiths@tx.rr.com John Miller, President Emeritus bonsaimiller@aol.com Sylvia Smith, President Emeritus sylvia3smith@gmail.com Bonsai Society of Dallas Monthly Member Newsletter February 2018 Message from the Vice President February is the month we are energized (mentally, physically, emotionally, or otherwise) to demonstrate care. While most are only thinking of showing affection to human loved ones, BSD members are thinking of demonstrating care for our bonsai trees as well as family. That s right, it is repotting season! Hopefully everyone is well equipped for the season. The weekend discount event at Dallas Bonsai Garden (which recently ended) certainly came in handy for restocking tool kits. Below is a short list of equipment you want to have handy when you start repotting: Pots Bosai soil Mesh Wire Bamboo chopsticks Root Cutters Gloves I regret to share with you that Benjamin and I will not be able to attend this year s BSD Bonsai Exhibition (i.e., club show). Despite this fact, I encourage you to help the club by volunteering for one or two slots. Also, start thinking about what tree or trees you might want to submit as candidates for the club show in March and be on the lookout for an email soliciting photos and dimensions of show trees. Lastly, remember to start thinking about attending our upcoming LSBF convention in April. Make it a social occasion - invite a BSD member to meet you there. Happy Repotting! Emily White
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 February Program Study Groups with Bonsai Smiths 9:00 AM to Noon, February 3 rd - North Haven Gardens February Study Group with the Bonsai Smiths is our program focused on the starting point of making a quality bonsai plant the ROOTS! The roots of the plant must be cared for with regard to two aspects: (1) pruning the part of the roots buried in the soil, and (2) developing the part of the roots exposed above-ground into fine quality nebari. The first aspect, which is root pruning, is extremely important in the training of the whole bonsai. BSD s goal of hosting the Study Group workshops is for each member to bring the same tree year after year to gain more insight into the methods needed to advance the styling of bonsai over time. Ultimately, you could have one or more bonsai trees well on their way to becoming show trees. Don t worry if you don t want to bring the same tree each time, you can bring whatever you need help with. For example, you prebonsai material that has been collected or nursery stock that needs to be placed in a bonsai pot or the next stage of growing container. As another example, you can bring a more advanced, established bonsai already in a pot that needs root refinement. In both cases, you can practice repotting and root refinement with guidance from Howard and Sylvia Smith, local bonsai artists and winners of numerous bonsai recognition awards. This is not a structured workshop. It s more of a walk around workshop. When you aren t working on your trees take advantage of the opportunity to follow Howard and Sylvia around as they work with other members trees. You can pick up a lot of good information that way. Below is a list of guidelines for the Study Group workshop: 1. Limit one (1) tree per person. You can bring a second tree but there might not be time to discuss it. 2. Bring all of your repotting tools, pots, wire, and soil. None will be provided at the meeting. All soil purchases must be made prior to the meeting so please contact your sources and make arrangements or purchase your soil ahead of time. 3. Soil sifting CANNOT be done in the classroom. You may step outside the back door to do so, and you MUST clean up any mess you make. Come watch, look, listen, and get your finger nails dirty. It's going to be a messy fun time! Upcoming Events February 3 rd Study Groups with Bonsai Smiths February 18 th Club Dig in Whitesboro, TX March 3 rd 4 th 2018 Club Bonsai Exhibition April 20 th 22 nd, 2018 LSBF Convention Longview, TX Events Elsewhere February 2 nd 4 th, 2018 California Shohin Seminar Santa Nella, CA February 3 rd 4 th, 2018 Noelanders Trophy XVIII Genk, Belgium February 8 th - 16 th 92 nd Annual Kokufu-Ten Tokyo, Japan February 22 nd 25 th Bonsai Exhibition by Bonsai Namaste Pune, India March 21 st 23 rd 10 th Guangzhou International Flowers, Bonsai & Garden Exhibition Guangzhou, China April 20 th 22 nd, 2018 LSBF Convention Longview, TX April 23 th 29 th, 2018 Bonsai Club International (BCI) Convention Malaysia
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 February Bonsai Tips and Advice By John Miller The big event we are looking forward to is coming up - repotting season. Normally the best time to repot is when the sap starts to flow and buds swell. In the real world, we usually need to fudge this a little because of constraints on our time so we need to do it earlier. But never after the buds open. Deciduous trees repotted in Jan will need the new roots protected by setting on the ground and mulching well or in a greenhouse or garage. Be sure to watch their watering needs. Preparing a group of basic soil mixes can save time at the actual repotting. Mix your favorite recipes in three sizes, for small, medium, and large pots, and then modify them by adding some extra of one material or the other to suit the particular tree you are repotting. There is no perfect mix, you must decide based on your backyard. The basics of good mixes: Permit free drainage: use granular material - decomposed granite, lava gravel, pumice, haydite, Turface, etc. Provide water retention: material - akadama, ground or decomposed bark (organic, should not break down too quickly). Provide air space: use appropriately sized particles. Moisture retention is controlled by the type of material (e.g. akadama is good while granite is poor for moisture retention) and by particle size (finer particles retain more residual water). A good general mix for this part of the world is equal parts of akadama, lava gravel, and pumice. Akadama is not magic. It is merely a soil native to Japan which is a volcanic island. After lava has broke down, they dig it and low fire it to dry it, break it up and sieve it into uniform sizes to use as one part of their bonsai soil. We do not have anything native comparable on the market in the USA. The advantage of akadama is that it holds water uniformly throughout the particle and is soft enough for roots to penetrate easily. Having this source of moisture close to the trunk results in short fibrous roots. So I have started using it on my bonsai. I feel the pinch of dollars too much to utilize it on the growing stuff even though I am sure it would speed up their development. Check wire applied last year. During dormancy, the woody portions tend to lignify and swell. Severe wire marks can occur. Remove any tight wire. Rewire if necessary. Early February is the end of the season for major pruning. You may be able to continue for a while on some late sprouting species such as the oaks and yaupon hollies. After the onset of sap flow, you should not try to make big cuts; cut paste or pruning sealer cannot withstand the hydraulic pressure created by the urge to grow. If there is a significant warm streak, you could get some activities from over-wintering pests. A dormant spray (horticultural oil or a very weak lime Sulphur) should be used on outside plants. The lime Sulphur should not be used on any green growth or after buds begin to swell. The lime Sulphur will also serve to kill fungal spores and help control any bacterial diseases. For plants in the greenhouse, use the original organic spray mixture. I get good control of mites, aphids, and even scale with it when used on a weekly basis. My original organic spray is 1 tablespoon each of fish emulsion, liquid kelp, molasses, and apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water. Organic sprays tend to have little residual action. They should be applied on a regular schedule, probably weekly, however they will control well if you hit the mites and even bagworms when they are young. Using organic fertilizer cakes on top of the soil is a better way to fertilize. You may make your own or buy one of the commercial versions from your local bonsai vendor.
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 I would suggest that you also repot azaleas at this time. The roots will be re-established by blooming time. This is much easier on the tree than waiting until after bloom when the temperature will be hot. (A side note: later on, before blooming starts, you will be removing a lot of excess buds anyway which will reduce the stress on the tree at that time). On developed bonsai when new growth appears, keep it pinched so you keep the internodes short and develop a compact set of twigs on the branches. On alternate leaved species (e.g. elms) pinch when the shoot gets 4 or 5 leaves. Fingernails or shears can be used. If the twig gets too long it will be tough and you have to use shears. On opposite leaved trees (maples) pinch the central shoot as soon as it can be distinguished from the two leaves. To do this really right, you need to use pointed tweezers. On trees still in the development stage, follow your plan. Refer to your teacher or read the bonsaitonight.com blog. Spring flowering plants will have their buds set on last year s growth so pruning them will remove some flowers. Those that bloom later in the year will generally bloom on this year s growth. Pruning them will reduce the amount of flowers. In some cases such as crape myrtle, tip pruning of the branch will result in no flowers at all. In these cases, you must decide which is most important, ramification or flowers. A compromise would be to prune the branch shorter than you normally would and then let it bloom on new growth, which will at the proper length. When the growth starts the tree will need fertilizer. However, use one that has only a small amount of nitrogen (the first number on the label). The tree is naturally programmed to grow rapidly at this time so you don t need to encourage it further. Feed enough to maintain a healthy green foliage. Trace minerals should be added to help with both the foliage color and the color of blooms. Annual Club Bonsai Show March 3 rd 4 th North Haven Garden It's getting close to show time again as North Haven Gardens hosts our annual Bonsai Exhibition! The show will take the place of our regularly scheduled meeting in March so I hope everyone will attend to help us show off our trees as well as judge trees for a "Member's Choice Award". By learning to judge trees you will get the much needed practice of evaluating the structure of a bonsai. This is a very important exercise in learning how to style and choose trees for our collections. It is a fun hands-on exercise that we can discuss in a future meeting. Please be on the lookout for our sign-up sheet. The exhibit is a semi-formal one and can only come together with the help of all of our members. Please sign up to help set up, welcome guests, encourage participation in the "People's Choice Award" and then take down the exhibit. We need everyone's help. A few pictures from last year s show. Enjoy!
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 January Program in Review Improving Nebari January s program featured Sylvia Smith leading an engaging discussion on how to work on and develop roots so that our tree s nebari becomes more aesthetically pleasing. Remember the goal is to achieve a wider root base with roots that extend laterally from the tree. This gives the tree the appearance of age and size. After a brief slideshow, Sylvia demonstrated the techniques discussed on her Japanese maple and with the help of a wellpositioned camera the club was able to see exactly what she was doing. Sylvia also briefly worked on a nursery bought boxwood explaining that the amount of the root ball that can be removed is highly dependent on the health and variety of tree. Home Depot Annual Sales Information provided by Bruce Harris Home Depot's fiscal year ends on January 31st. They usually have okay discounts at the end of their fiscal year on trees and shrubs, including small olives, boxwoods, and ligustrums. Consider Home Depot as a supplier of nursery stock, starter bonsai trees at reduced prices.
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 6 Club Dig Sunday, February 18 th What to Bring If you are new to bonsai, this may be your first dig. To help you get prepared, you will want to gather the right tools for the job. A dig will take time, energy, and patience but the trees collected from the wild give you a head start on an interesting trunk, which is essential to good bonsai. We highly recommend the use of the sharpshooter shovel. That long narrow blade is essential for this type of work. Loppers are also a necessity to prune branches, thick roots, and surrounding small trees to create your work area. The heavy weight of the small mattock will help break up the soil and a small hand shovel will be useful to remove soil that has been loosen. A small pruning saw is also a good thing to bring. A battery powered reciprocating saw (with spare batteries) can also be the ideal tool to sever a stubborn tap root. Supplies to consider bringing are burlap, twine, cellophane spool (the wider the better), duct tape, and a misting bottle. safety glasses, gloves, kneepads, a small wagon, a and bottle of water. some snacks/lunch aren t a bad idea either. Having the right tools for any job make it go a much easier. Others will be there to help but bring along the tools you need to successfully dig, wrap, lift, and transport your new tree. And of course, plan to have fun! Tip of the Month Focus on the trunk base The most important feature you are looking for in collecting trees from the wild is an interesting trunk base. Weather and/or grazing animals could have created unusual scars and dramatic yet nature bends for you. Once you have identified a potential dig, make sure that you remove the debris and top soils that may have buried part of the trunk. By exposing the trunk all the way to the surface roots, you will be able to focus on the portion of the trunk that is about six inches above the soil line. Take a picture of the trunk using your cellphone so you can exam it in more details. Pictures taken at different angles also reveal features that may have escaped your naked eye. The picture shown is the trunk base of a creosote shrub in Big Bend National Park. The entire plant is about 12 inches tall. Too bad we cannot have a bonsai dig in national parks!
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 7 February s To-Do List This is a simple monthly checklist for those enthusiasts who have the knowledge and skill required to perform the tasks listed. It is intended to tell you what to do, not how and why to do it. Want to know more? Send in any questions you might have or come to any monthly program to discuss further. All Species Protect from late freezes after repotting Wait four to six weeks after repotting to fertilize or when you see your tree begin to push new growth If you have large collections, timing is important as different species are ready to repot at different times Deciduous Only repot trees whose leaf buds are beginning to swell; too late if leaf has emerged Watch closely as even same species may leaf at different time Evergreen/Conifer Repotting can be done anytime between now and when the new leaves/needles begin to emerge from the candles, and on junipers throughout the spring season Flowering/Fruit These will usually be repotted now prior to flowering Flower buds can be carefully removed every other year when ramification is being done Tropical Repotting can begin on Sub-tropicals; follow deciduous guidelines Member News Got news to share? Let us know.. Thanks for those who have renewed their memberships. If you have not already done so, please mail, or better yet, bring your membership dues to the next meeting. Please use the form at the end of the newsletter to ensure we have your information up to date. Just a reminder that the club dig is on Sunday Feb. 18 th and it is for members only. The club dig is just around the corner. Whether this is your first dig or you are a veteran tree harvester, it is helpful to read up about the basics on how to collect trees and ensure their survival. The first link below gives a short summary of what to do in the field and after you get home. If you have time, the second link leads you to a three-part article written by Walter Pall on collecting wild trees, originally published in Bonsai today. The last link contains a great video from Mirai on post collecting techniques for tree survivability. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/bring-bonsai-wild- 70412.html http://bonsai4me.com/advtech/atcollectring%20tre es%20from%20the%20wild%20w%20pall.htm https://live.bonsaimirai.com/archive/video/postcollection-potting Beginner s Bulletin Board There are no dumb questions when you are a beginner at any new endeavor. However sometimes beginners are reluctant to ask a question in a monthly meeting. Got a question? Send it to Haiying at haiying_huang@yahoo.com for an individual response. Your question may also appear anonymously here in a future issue so that others can learn. Question: I collected an Ashe juniper several years ago and it has always had juvenile foliage. I notice that the needles are dying on the interior portion of the branches. The tips are still green but the needles continue to brown toward the interior. I'm worried that the tree is dying. Any advice? Answer by Diane: It is difficult to tell just by a picture, but it doesn't look like anything is wrong with it. As the tree grows, it naturally loses the needles from the interior (from the trunk outward) as they swell and become the branches of the tree. New needles grow from the tips. If only a few needles at the tips are turning brown, I wouldn't worry about it. If the tips are all turning brown, then you have a problem. If in doubt, bring it to this month's Study Group for a consultation.
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 8 Whitesboro Dig Sunday, February 18 th at 8:00 a.m. Farms/Homes of Les Roberts and George Straw The dig will be at George s neighbor, Mr. Les Roberts farm. But George will kindly open his doors for anyone who would like to dig on his land or would simply like a short tour of the small safari on his land. We will meet at George's place first at 8:00 am. We can then use the restroom, get a brief tour, and George can direct us to his neighbor s land. The weather in February could be unpredictable. Please monitor your email closely in case the dig has to be cancelled due to bad weather. Address: 2488 Grayson Survey Road, Whitesboro, TX 76273
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 9 Place Your Ad Here! Business card size is $5.00 per month Half page size is $20.00 per month Full page size is $35.00 per month For more details contact: Bill Muto bmuto@aol.com
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 10 www.bonsaismiths.net www.timeless-trees.com www.benttreebonsai.blogspot.com
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 11 Bonsai Society of Dallas www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com Membership Form Please mail to: Bonsai Society of Dallas P.O. Box 836922 Richardson, TX 75083-6922 Or bring to any club meeting Bonsai Society of Dallas meets on the first (1 st ) Saturday of each month. Time: 9:00 AM Place: North Haven Garden Center 7700 Northaven Road Dallas, TX Name(s): Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: E-mail: Date: New Membership Individual Membership: $25.00 Renewal Membership Joint Membership: $30.00 For the convenience of our membership a roster is published for members only in March of each year. Please check the appropriate box if you do not wish to be included Include me in the membership roster Exclude me from the membership roster Do Not Cut: For Treasurer Use Member Receipt Name: Membership Year Amount Paid: Date: Received By: