Bonsai Society of Sydney -www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au Newsletter 101-Page 6
Diary Dates for 2018 January 27 th Fig talk and workshop with Megumi February 24 th Natives with Doug Harris - Bring a tree to receive a critique from Doug Honorary Patron President Vice-President List of Committee Members Megumi (B) Jackie Gracey Barry Reeve 0423 763 506 bonsaiart@ megumibennettbonsai.com 0408 440 643 ljgracey@bigpond.net.au bmreeve@optunet.com.au March 24 th Workshop on problem trees with Alex April 28 th Junipers Treasurer Secretary Glenda Wong Alex Bennett 0408 025 380 gwfreshcanvas@hotmail.com 0401 275 313 alexbe.415@gmail.com May 26 th Barry Grafting with Library Please check if you have any library books from the club and return them at the next meeting. Newsletter editor Committeee Committeee Committeee Ross Chater Valerie Bray Di Cox Keith Gallie 0438 767 866 rostom_chater@optusnet.com.au Our next meeting will be January 27 th Fig workshop 1.PM *** All the photos have been contributed by Keith Gallie A big thank you to Keith. Bonsai Society of Sydney -www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au Newsletter 101-Page 7
Seasonal notes December 2017-January 2018 By: Alex Bennett What unseasonal weather we have been having. Watering. Watering is still the most important job that you have to do. Depending where you live and where you place, we still need to water the trees every day. Even if, it has been raining; it still pays to check on the plants. I have noted, with some of my trees, that the soil underneath the surface was still dry; despite the heavy down pour. There is no such thing as overwatering in summer. You can water the tree every day and on hot windy days twice a day. Keep all deciduous, flowering plants, other cool climate plants and sensitive natives in a shaded place. If you are only watering in the evenings, there are ways to preserve water loss. The best is to move the trees into a shaded place. Another wayuse a humidity tray that can trap water. If you have a lot of small trees, you could place these trees into a large tray filled with sand, so the bonsai is surrounded by the sand. The sand can act as a water absorber and protect from any accelerated drying out. Megumi does this a lot during summer with her small bonsai. Water the entire foliage, as well as, the root soil area. Foliage watering upsets any insects that may infest your bonsai from time to time. It also cleans the leaves, so it can improve photosynthesis. If you are going away on holidays, place the bonsai into the care of someone who is dependable, and preferably, shares your passion for the art. If the person does not know, show them how you would like it done. That way it will clear up any confusion and assumptions. You can bring the trees to our nursery if you are short of someone. Remember, it is impossible to overwater your trees in summer. Any signs of wilting or death; usually is related to drying out or insect damage. Pruning If your trees have received good watering and you have a consistent fertilizing regime. You may need to continue to prune the trees during the summer. The idea is to trim any leaves that have overextended the outline of the tree. If you re not sure, count the internodes on the branch. If it has more than five or six, it is too long. Cut back to the second internode. Leave longer the weaker branches. If you are still uncertain trim back the length by 30% to 50%. If you are working on a conifer, pluck about the top one third of the foliage mass. Envisage the shape of a fan. Then pluck the foliage into a fan shape. Wire Remove all your wire in December, to give the plants a rest. You are able to lightly wire figs, conifers and olives still but most other trees wait until the weather is cooler. Pests and disease Some problems to watch for over the summer months. A) Azalea lace bugs- apply soil with Bug killaz or apply Confidor tablet or spray with Confidor. B) Powdery mildew- eco fungus (formally known as eco rose) use with eco oil together. C) Aphids- Pyrethrum, Confidor D) Scale- pest oil or eco oil. Avoid using during summer. Use Confidor tablet as it is less invasive. E) Mites- Eco neem F) Black sooty mould or fungus- indicative of scale or mealy bug Pest oil or Eco oil G) Mealy bug-1. ( on the foliage) Confidor spray. Eco neem works but may require a follow up spray after two to three weeks. H) Caterpillar- usually pluck them off with finger 2. ( sometimes found in the roots). I have found washing out with water on a jet spray and or place a confidor tablet. Bonsai Society of Sydney -www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au Newsletter 101-Page 8
Bonsai Society of Sydney -www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au Newsletter 100-Page 9
Survey of BSS Members 1-What would you like to see or do at our Saturday afternoon meetings? Demonstrations? workshops?. Please suggest 2-If you are unable to come on Saturdays, what time would suit you... 3-Are you willing to participate in the management of our club? We are interested in your opinion - please return your survey by email or at the Christmas Party ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Any one is interested in making their own Fertilizer cakes but I wrote this one down last year..it comes from Brenda Parker..it may be a bit vague. 1 small bag Dynamic Lifter 1 small bag cow manure 1 part Blood and Bone 1 part Sulphate of Potash 5oz. Charlie Carp 1tablespoon each of Epson Salts, Chelated Iron, Trace Elements 1 scoop wood ash Add enough water till it resembles thick custard...put lid on and allow to mature..it becomes quite thick. Put on rubber gloves and roll into walnut sized balls Evan says he uses a melon baller. Place on trays and dry in the sun. When dry pack into large jars. Can use 4 per large pots...cover with cages and put out before rain for maximum efficiency. Bonsai Society of Sydney -www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au Newsletter 101-Page 10
Bonsai Society of Sydney -www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au Newsletter 101-Page 11