GEELONG BONSAI CLUB INCORPORATED MONTHLY NEWSLETTER JULY NEWS 2016 JULY MEETING QUENTIN VALENTINE DEMONSTRATON An important reminder our July meeting will NOT be at our clubrooms. It will be at the Vines Road Community Centre.61 Vines RoadHamlyn Heights. Parking via Waymouth Street During the month of July with Maxine at the helm we are displaying trees in the Curiosity Cabinet at the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Each week there will be four different trees on display. More volunteers displaying trees would be appreciated. The display is using a Japanese theme.
31 July Nursery Crawl. Please let Maxine know if you wish to attend. This year we will be going to Tim Vivoda's property where he has hundreds of trees in the ground to choose from priced at $50, $100 and $150. He has spent the last two years preparing them for sale. The workshop run by Quentin was fully booked and all benefitted greatly having participated. The Joe Morgan Payler October workshop has only one 130 session vacancy available. The date is being resheduled from the fifteenth to the eighth. June Show Bench
JULYSHOW BENCH Tree of the month Deciduous species Style of the Month Formal upright Your Choice, --anything that looks especially good to you at this time of the year. HOW THE SHOW BENCH WORKS Each month there will be a Tree of the Month and this can be any style. There will also be a Style of the Month this can be any species. The section Your Choice can be any species and style.there will be three sections. Novice, Intermediate, and Open. Judged as follows: 1 point will be awarded for every tree shown. 3 points for the best-judged tree in that section. 2 points for the second tree. 1 point for the third. The Your Choice of tree is open to all sections. All trees presented must be in show condition, i.e. clean pots, trimmed etc. Then at the A.G.M. in March, there will be a prize for the Winners of each section.please be aware to display trees at the show bench they need to be in bonsai pots. Others to be placed elsewhere. Check with Jason who does the monthly judging for more information. Bonsai Happenings for the Diary Bonsai Federation of Australia Southern Inc. with Bendigo Bonsai Club present BONSAI LAKESIDE 2016 to be held 23-24 July Rowing Club House on Lake Weeroona. 31st July - NURSERY CRAWL. Meeting place is at the second BP station on the Geelong ring road near Lara (second one heading to Melb from Geelong) at 830am. Prices starting at $50. The trees are in the ground and obviously need digging out. Address is 565 Little Yarra Road, Gladysdale. Where to on way home to be discussed before leaving Gladysale. 9th August WORKSHOP PRESENENTATION - GAVIN DELGROSSO Drawing Bonsai as a 'design aid' Workshop and drawing basics. JOE MORGAN-PAYLER WORKSHOP Saturday 13 August 9.30am and 1.30pm at our clubrooms. There are only two afternoon vacancies left. The South Australian Bonsai Society Inc Bonsai Exhibition 15 th -16 th October 2016 Our October 2016 Annual Show open 10.00am to 4.00 pm both days Admission: $3.00 for Adults-Children under supervision Free. Goodwood Community Centre, 32 Rosa Street Goodwood, behind the Goodwood Library JOE MORGAN-PAYLER WORKSHOP Saturday 15 October 9.30am and 1.30pm at our clubrooms. There are only two afternoon vacancies left.
GBC Annual Show 12 th -13th November 2016 9 th -10 th November 2013 at the Masonic Hall, Regent Street, Belmont. A magnificent display of Bonsai and a well stocked trading table that offers Bonsai requisites for sale, including pots, tools, wire, books including trained and semi-trained Bonsai and nursery stock. Continuous demonstrations of shaping and repotting of bonsai each day. Meet and talk with Geelong s top Bonsai exponents. Light refreshments available. BONSAI ACTION FOR JULY Winter Courtesy of ausbonsai.com.au - AusbonsaiSteven - Please just acknowledge the author and site as you mentioned Winter is the time we sit back and enjoy the intricate tracery of deciduous trees, contemplate and plan the changes we need to make to improve all our trees During the winter months, cut back on the watering of all your trees to ensure they do not stay wet all the time. Ensure that tropical trees and plants that need protection from the Frost or ice are under cover or inside. ( Ficus, Bougainvillea, etc) Winter is the time for Heavy Pruning, Wiring and Needle plucking of Pines. Repotting of deciduous trees late winter as buds begin to swell in preparation of the new spring growth. buds look for dormant ones to use for better shape moss look for mosses to collect; keep in trays or dry on paper in pizza boxes other list spring repotting tasks; prioritise to do vital first; sharpen tools potting unblock drainage holes with hose or toothbrush pots order pots for spring planting prune deciduous severely if shape is poor. Heavy pruning best done now rocks check garden supply place if doing root over rock shape deciduous trees. Look for dormant buds to prune back to; be severe if shape is poor sun conifers, evergreens, deciduous - leave out in open elements for sturdy growth water perhaps twice a week if no heavy wind - check your trees' needs wire deciduous trees; branches pliable and view clear; dry for 2 days before. Group wired trees together for easy checking Winter is the slow-down time of year in the cold temperate zones; too cold outside. Warm temperate where the winters are more kind to some, there is a lot that can be achieved. The usual advice is to clean & tidy the Bonsai, especially remove the fallen foliage. Sharpen tools & weed and clean etc. But it is also the time to assess your progress & plan your direction. It's pleasant to bring into a sheltered, warm spot a bonsai at night after work, and 'fiddle' with it. Having removed excess foliage one can more unhurriedly easily assess its next step I think it's also a good idea to go over the winter tips, the details were mentioned previously. Japanese Maples are better pruned & trimmed before the middle of July. Pines & Conifers should have the foliage & twigs removed back towards the trunk. Deciduous trees painted or sprayed with lime sulphur. 10 water to 1 L.S. Remove from the surface slime & liverwort if not repotting perhaps wash away the surface & replace with you fresh mix. Wire at the start of winter rather than later. If you have many Deciduous trees, you can start Repotting and root prune now with the trees that experience early dormancy. Just ensure the Roots and soil do not stay wet thru the winter causing root rot. Wire your trees ( all species) at this time so that it can be left on as long as possible. While the trees are not actively growing the wire will not cut in and scar the tree. Start planning your Spring Repotting Schedule. ensure you have sufficient potting mix and pots on hand for Spring. Now that winter has arrived, the time for autumn potting has finished. The reason for this is that new feeder roots need warmth to develop and so with the onset of cold weather the possibility
of root-rot occurs. What then CAN be done in these cooler months? Most of us, I think, have many bonsai jobs that we have put aside due to the pressures in the busier seasons Now is the time to catch up on these. Firstly, autumn to winter is an excellent time to shape your trees. Deciduous trees, in particular, are best shaped at this time as we can observe their structure and form without any leaves to obscure it. It is a very good timefor wiring also. Again, for deciduous trees, access is easier. In the books, you may read that winter makes the wood more brittle and thus easier to break. This is true - if you live in a very cold area. If winters are mild, the problem is not so great, but to be on the safe side' let your trees be in a dryish condition at the time of wiring. The cells of the tree are thus so swollen and breakages are not so easy. In the cooler months, because of the absence of more pressing jobs, one can go rock collecting( for use in rock-settings saikei or as viewing stones),spend moretime in making the outdoor display more attractive and perhaps in rearranging trees. From thehorticultural point of view, it is advisable to place tender trees in a more sunny position. However, most trees would benefit by having more sun during the winter months (this promotes better bud development and healthier growth in spring). Frequently, problems associated with watering arise in the winter months. Often people get into a habit of watering at a particular time during the summer months and do not vary this even when the cooler period begins. The result is that trees are being re-watered while still damp - thus giving the chance for root-rot to set in. JULY PLANT PROFILE Wisteria floribunda, Japanese Wisteria, Wisteriasinensis, Chinese Wisteria Originating from Japan, Wisteria floribunda is a deciduous climbing plant is widely cultivated for its long racemes of scented bluish-purple flowers in late spring. This plant produces an abundant number of flowers in late spring, on bare branches which later produce bright green pinnate leaves. Originating from China, Wisteria sinensis is a very vigorous deciduous climber similar to W. floribunda but with shorter flowering racemes and more strongly scented flowers. Many cultivars are available in flower shades of white, pink, blue and purple and some have double florets. Most varieties are grafted to retain the cultivar form. Position:- Full sun throughout the year but will need protection from severe cold, frosts and snow. Full sun is needed to encourage flowering. Feeding:- Do not fertilize repotted plants for at least two months, then once every 15 days from early spring to flowering, then every 7 to 10 days, with a gap during the hottest part of the summer. After flowering use a low nitrogen fertilizer. In autumn use a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium. These plants need feeding to encourage flowers. Bone meal in autumn is recommended. Watering:- Daily throughout the growing season, and stand in shallow water in hot weather. Water sparingly in winter but do not allow the soil to dry out. Repotting:-Every one to three years in autumn or spring after flowering with 50% good quality potting mix and 30% peat and 20% coarse sand or equivalent material. The soil should be moisture retentive. Pot into a deep pot. Flowering improves if the roots are pot-bound. Pruning and Wiring:- Position the roots during repotting but always leave a good root mass. Wisteria s flower on old short shoots, so prune back to 2 to 3 leaves immediately after flowering but retain some long sacrificial shoots which can be shortened back or removed in late winter or early spring before flowering. Position the trunk and branches with wire after flowering. Wire the current years shoots carefully because they are prone to snap or break off at the base. Wire a little loosely using thick wire, (which may be covered with 5mm plastic tubing) but remove it before winter chill sets in. Propagation:- From seed, hardwood cuttings in late winter, semi-hardwood cuttings in summer and root cuttings in winter. Layering may be done in summer. Grafting is often used to propagate named cultivars.
BONSAI TIP OF THE MONTH To prevent insects fromgetting a foothold amongyour trees. Simply wipe a cloth soaked insolution of Baygon (Insect &Ant) on the base and sides ofpots. This works for eitherglazed or unglazed pots. Repeatafter six months. THOUGHT OF THE MONTH If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 1968) American civil rights leader Nobel Peace Prize winner WEBSITE OF THE MONTH The Bonsai Guide www.thebonsaiguide.com contains 198 photographs of bonsai taken at various exhibitions and back gardens of enthusiasts all over the world. See if you can find the photograph s of one of Bob s wonders. They can be viewed by scientific name, English name, people guide and bonsai features guide. BONSAI NURSERY OF THE MONTH Baloc Bonsai in Ardeer (178 Forrest St, Ardeer, Vic, 3022 (03) 8390 0942). Tran Baloc is a very knowledgeable and skilful bonsai artist. His specialty is Pines and Cedars. As soon as you walk through the gates of his property (a residential block) there are trees everywhere. You will even find project trees on the roof!! It is well the travel and suggest you give Baloc Bonsaia visit. (www.balocbonsai.com.au) BONSAI TRIVIA OF THE MONTH Don t get frustrated; don t feel you have to be held tosteadfast rules. Just grow your tree, spend time craftingyour masterpiece, and enjoy the results. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION What is suiseki? Nature and time weather stones into shapes that sometimes suggest miniature landscapes, human forms, animals, or even flowers. These stones are collected by enthusiasts and are known as viewing stones. In China, they are sometimes called scholar stones. In Japan, viewing stones are called suiseki. The value of a given stone is related to its beauty, color, form, and rarity. Sometimes stones are cut to create a flat surface on the bottom, but this decreases the value of the stone. Suiseki are not usually polished or sealed; they are displayed as nature has created them. Suiseki are often displayed in a tray, or suiban, on a thin layer of sand or stone chips, or on a wooden base known as a daiza that has been carved to fit the stone. THIS N THAT SALES ORDER FORM In 2016 there will be no commission to pay the club for workshop night sales One needs to be financial to do so. SUGGESTION BOX
Please take the time to consider your ideas of how to improve the way we do things to make our club even more than what it is today. Ideas also about topics during the year you would like discussed, speakers to invite, number or workshops versus speakers etc. GBC Website Nathan Rhook has taken over managing our website and all things social Media from Daniel Novakovic. A sincere thanks to Daniel for all he has done gettingour club's profile into the Content will always be the challenge and please submit relevant information to Nathan, Go to www.bonsai.org.au THE National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia (NBPCA) about 85 trees on display many of which can be seen on its website (www.nbpca.com.au) HOUSEKEEPING Meeting setup/tidy-up The hall will be open from about 7pm to set up tables and chairs. As is the case for each of our meetings, extra hands to help set up are always welcome, as is help appreciated at the end of each meeting to pack away afterwards. Those who regularly assist would very much be pleased if more of us lent a hand. GENERAL BUSINESS GBC Library A extensive library of bonsai books, magazines/journals, DVDs are available (as part of membership benefits) for use by members. Borrowed items must be returned in the month following their removal for loan. Non-financial members aren t eligible to borrow from the library and borrowing privileges may be revoked for members who do not respect the borrowing process. See John and StephanieDearnly our Librarians Memberships Due annually at our December Annual General Meeting Please renew asap - membership form is attached Individual $20.00 Family $30.00 Students & Pensioners $15.00 Meeting/Events Calendar & Agenda A copy is available at the meetings and is enclosed in this newsletter. Calendar &How the Show Bench Works? Each month there will be a Tree of the Month, Style of the Month and Your Choice and this can be any style. Detailed notes sheet is available from the Club, and copies will be provided at the meetings Wearing of Badges Reminder to please wear your badge at our meetings. It is a requirement to be able to claim the door prize if you are the winner. Mentors:- If any club member would like to volunteer their time as a mentor to other club members, please put your name down on the mentors list at the next meeting. Likewise if any club member would like to like to have the help of another person outside of club meetings.
NEXT MEETINGS Monday 11 July Demonstration Quentin Valentine -Vines Road Venue Monday 8 August Demonstration Gavin Delgrosso
GBCI CLUB DETAILS Established 1980 Registered 1984 (#A2342S) Please address all correspondence to: The Secretary Geelong Bonsai Club Inc. P.O. Box 1175, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 President Paul Buttigieg 0412 604 211 geelong@bonsai.org.au Vice President: John Dearnly - dearnley1@bigpond.com/0407 342 928 Secretary: Acting Lyndsey Smith Treasurer: Acting Graeme Kelleher Show Managers: Jeff O Toole jmsj@iinet.net.au/0408 376 006 Michael Tukavkinmack_187@hotmail.com/0488 757 879 Librarian: Newsletter Editor: Sales Table: John & Steph Dearnly Paul Buttigieg 0412 604 211 geelong@bonsai.org.au Acting John Dearnly Committee: Nathan Rhook Website - nmrhook@gmail.com/0428 976 060 Committee: Zoe Shieds Member liaison - z-shields@hotmail.com/0401 615 065 Committee: Graeme Keller Publicity- gramare@optusnet.com.au/0425 791 139 Meetings are held at Grovedale United Services Memorial Hall, Reserve Road Grovedale at 8pm on 2 nd Monday of the month. No meeting in January. Meetings in 2012 on the second Monday of the month except November which is the first Monday because of the show. PO Box 1175 Geelong VIC 3220 President: Paul Buttigieg Vice President: John Dearnly Secretary: Acting Lyndsey Smith Membership Secretary: acting Paul Buttigieg Treasurer: acting Graeme Kelleher Registration No: A0001342S
Geelong Bonsai Club Inc 2016 EVENTS CALENDER THIS PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE COMMITTEE IF NECESSARY DAY DATE PROGRAM Monday 8 February General Meeting workshop/committee Monday 14 March (Labour Day) General Meeting Demonstration - Matthew Robison Saturday 19 March Workshop Joe Morgan-Payler Monday 11 April General Meeting Workshop Saturday 16 April Workshop - Quentin Valentine Monday 9 May General Meeting Demonstration Trevor Wicks Sunday 14 May Dig Monday 13 June (Queens Birthday) General Meeting Workshop Saturday 18 June Workshop - Quentin Valentine Monday 11 July General Meeting Demonstration Quentin Valentine Sunday 31 July Nursery Crawl Monday 8 August General Meeting Demonstration/Workshop Tuesday 9 August Workshop Presenter - Gavin Dalgrosso Saturday 13 August Workshop - Joe Morgan-Payler Saturday 20 August Creswick Dig with Ballarat Club Monday 12 September General Meeting Demonstration Trevor Wicks Wednesday 21 September Show Committee meeting Monday 10 October General Meeting Workshop Saturday 8 October Workshop - Joe Morgan-Payler Monday 7 November General Meeting - Show Workshop Sat Sun 12 13 November BONSAI CLUB ANNUAL SHOW Wednesday 30 November Committee meeting Monday 12 December ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (Critique/Christmas BBQ Party) ANNUAL SHOW BENCH ACTIVITY DATE TREE OF THE MONTH STYLE OF THE MONTH April Cedars and Minis Informal Upright May Autumn Foliage Twin or Multi-trunk June Pines and Junipers Full or semi cascade or Minis July Deciduous Species Formal Upright August Any Evergreen Windswept or slanting September Olives Root over rock/rock planting October Flowering or Fruiting Literati or Broom November Maples and Liquid Amber Shari s Jin s and Driftwood December Composite Leaves (Ash, Wisteria) Your Choice (Anything)