WIRRABARA  July  2013  

Canberra  Bonsai  Society  Incorporated  PO  Box  800,  Woden,  ACT  2606  ABN  19  826  976  490  ISSN  1035-­‐3291  www.cbs.org.au  The  Canberra  Bonsai  Society  meets  on  the  FIRST  Saturday  of  each  month  (except  in  October  &  January)    Meeting  time  9.00am  to  1.00pm  Location:    Hughes  Community  Centre,  Wisdom  Street,  Hughes.  

 Inside  Wirrabara   Editor’s  Message.    

I  have  a  serious  observation  to  make  this  month.    This  one  comes  directly  from  the  AABC  Convention  we  hosted  in  May.    Specifically,  from   Ryan   Neil.     Most   of   you   will   be   aware   that   Ryan   was   the  international   presenter   –   and  he  was   a   truly   excellent  presenter.    Ryan   is   not   only   a   skilled   and   knowledgeable   bonsai   artist,   he   is  also  very  thoughtful.      

He   undertook   a   six-­‐year   apprenticeship   under   the   Japanese  master   Mr.   Masahiko   Kimura   and   now   runs   a   successful   bonsai  nursery   called   International  Bonsai  Mirai   in   Portland,  Oregon   on  the  beautiful  west  coast  of  the  United  States.    If  you  look  at  Ryan’s  website   (http://www.bonsaimirai.com/index.html)   you   will   see  his  story  of  ‘Mirai’.    It  is  best  to  read  Ryan’s  own  account,  but  I  will  summarise  by  mentioning  that  ‘Mirai’  means  ‘future’.    Not  just  ‘the  future’   but   an   unobtainable   future,   a   distant   thought,   a   romantic  dream.    One  that  is  continually  evolving.      

Ryan’s  bonsai  journey  remains  fully  focussed  on  that  unobtainable  future,  pursuing  as  he  says  ‘an  ever-­‐advancing,  always  improving,  and   limitless,  but  highly  prized   level  of  bonsai   artistry’.    As   such,  Ryan’s   is   a   journey   that   never   ends   in   the   sense   that   it   is  undertaken  in  full  knowledge  that  perfection  is  unattainable.      

For   thousands   of   years,   philosophers   have   spoken   of   such  journeys:   journeys   in   which   it   is   the   striving   for   perfection   that  gives   a   great  deal  of  meaning   to   the   journey   itself.    As  Ryan   said  several  times  during  his  presentations,  no  matter  what  he  is  doing  with  a  bonsai  he  always  aims  make   it   the  best   it  can  possibly  be.    No  wonder  he  gets  so  much  from  his  bonsai.  

The  Convention  was  worth  attending  for  that  message  alone.  

Phil  R  

CBS  Communications  Editor’s  Message  President’s  Report    

July  meeting  Problem  trees  Sequoias    

From  the  Workbench  Jobs  for  July  Bonsai  soil  mixes    

Club  Notices  Show  committee  Bus  trip  Diatomite  orders  Workshop  opportunities  (3)    

June  meeting  notes    

Club  administration  Items  for  sale,  club  badges  Executive  Committee  Event  Calendar  2013    

   

 

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President’s  report  Kenn’s  talk  on  pruning  deciduous  trees  contained  a  lot  of  very  useful  information,  both  practical  and  theoretical,   and   was   much   appreciated   by  everyone.   Thank   you,   Kenn.   Phil   has   included   a  summary   in   the   newsletter   and   there   are   also  some  useful  links  to  more  information  on  pruning  deciduous  trees.  

We  are  a  big  group  at  meetings  now  and  Jim  C  has  given  me  some  ideas  on  some  things  we  can  do  to  make   it   easier   for   everyone   to   see   and   hear  demonstrations.    We  will   work   on   implementing  Jim’s   suggestions.   Jim   will   give   a   brief  demonstration   about   how   to   use   a   microphone  effectively  at  the  July  meeting.  

Mike   W   has   put   together   some   excellent  orientation   notes   to   help   new   members   know  what   to   expect   at   meetings   and   throughout   the  year.  These  are  available  online  and  there  will  be  some  copies  at  the  July  meeting  if  you  do  not  have  internet  access.    

Neville   has   updated   the   convention   page   of   the  website   to   provide   a   report   of   the   weekend’s  events  and  it   is  well  worth  looking  at,  even  if  you  were   there.   Under   the   Demonstrators   tab,   there  are  PDF  versions  of  Roger  Hnatiuk’s  presentations  

at   the   beginning   and   end   of   the   convention   –   I  have   now   read   these   twice   and   get   more   out   of  them  each  time.  

Masa  Hirao,  a  cultural  envoy  from  Japan,  will  give  two   workshops   on   24   August.   See   details   in   the  newsletter.  

I   missed   thanking   some   people   in   the   last  newsletter.    Thank  you  to:  

• Thor   for   giving   an   excellent   talk   at   the  convention   dinner   and   for   looking   after  Ryan  and  Chelsea  so  well.    

• Dale  B,  Ali  S  and  Jan  G-­‐W  for  volunteering  over  the  weekend.  

• Neville’s   son,   Josh,   who   composed   the  beautiful   music   that   accompanies   the  exhibition  photos  on  the  DVD.  

Phil   Rabl   will   run   the   July   meeting   as   I   will   be  visiting  family  in  Melbourne.  I  know  Phil  will  do  a  great  job,  as  he  has  previously.  See  you  in  August.  

 

 

Ruth    

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July  meeting  The   July   meeting   will   be   run   as   a   somewhat  extended  Show  and  Tell.    The  theme  of  the  meeting  is   ‘Problem  trees’;   the   theme   for  Show  and  Tell   is  Problem  trees  and  Sequoia  groups.      

Problem  trees  

If  you  have  an  issue  with  a  tree,  why  not  bring  it  in  and   get   some   help   with   addressing   whatever   is  bugging   you   about   it.     The   problem   could   be  anything.    It  could  be:  

• a   structural   problem   –   can’t   decide   how  best  to  design  the  tree;  

• a   design   problem   –   uncertainty   about  what  to  do  next  with  the  tree;  

• a   health   problem   –   the   tree   may   not   be  growing   strongly   and   you   can’t   work   out  why;  

• an  appearance  problem  –  you  can’t  decide  what  kind  of  pot  would  work  best;  

• or   any   other   kind   of   problem   that   you  would  like  help  with.  

Please   don’t   be   shy.     If   you   have   a   problem,   it   is  certain   that   others   will   have   the   same   problem  and  the  help  you  get  will  help  them  too.      

Sequoias    

In   2012,   CBS   secured   around   70   Californian  Redwoods   (Sequoia   sempervirens)   through   the  Yarralumla   Nursery.     They   were   surplus   to  requirements   for   the   National   Arboretum  Canberra.     If   you   purchased   one   or   more   of   the  Sequoias,   please   bring   it   in   and   let   others   know  how  it  is  progressing.      

Sequoia  sempervirens  is  known  in  the  USA  as  the  Coast   Redwood.     I   well   remember   driving   in   a  Greyhound  bus  along   the  Californian   coast,  north  from  San  Francisco,  through  forests  of  these  huge  trees.    The  biggest  of  them  are  literally  as  wide  at  their  base  as   the  bus  we  were   in.    Size   is  a  major  challenge   for   the   bonsai   artist.     Here   are   some  facts   about   the   Coast   Redwood,   drawn   from   the  Humboldt   County   website,   that   hint   at   other  challenges  too:  

• Located   on   the   Pacific   Coast   from   central  California  to  southern  Oregon;  

• Live  up  to  2,000  years;  • Weigh   up   to   1.6  million   pounds   (730,000  

kilograms);  • Grow  up  to  367  feet  (111.2  meters)  tall;  • Diameter  up  to  22  feet  (6.7  meters);  

• Bark   thickness   up   to   12   inches   (30  centimeters).  

Ryan  Neil  gave  some  timely  advice  about  Sequoias  at  the  National  Convention  in  May.    He  said  that  if  you   cut   the   branches   they   will   bud   back   at   the  trunk.     If   you  want   to   generate   back-­‐buds,   pinch  the  tip  growth.      

 

Jobs  for  July  Here  we   are   in  mid-­‐winter   already,   half   the   year  has  passed,  and  we  are  getting  ready  for  spring  –  where  did  the  time  go?  

Following  on  from  last  month,  how  much  progress  have   you   made   on   designing   and   wiring   your  trees?     Have   you   given   your   trees   and   pots   a  general   tidy   up?     Cleaned   your   tools?     Re-­‐potted  your   winter   flowerers?     Taken   care   of   the   bugs  and   pests?     It   is   not   too   late   to   start   if   you   have  been   putting   this   off,   I’m   sure   a   few   of   us   have.    For   those   that   have   finished   your   June  maintenance,   good   job,   I’m  sure  your   trees   thank  you  for  your  effort.      

There   is   minimal   maintenance   to   do   this   month,  making   this   an   ideal   time   to   start   planning   and  preparing   yourself   for   ‘potting   season’,   which  typically  begins  in  late  August/early  September  at  bud  swell.      

Planning   and   preparing   now   will   save   you   time  next  month  when   you   are   ready   to   start   potting,  especially   if   items  you  need  are  not  on  the  stores  shelves,  and  need   to  be  ordered.    The  more   lead-­‐time   the   better,   there’s   nothing   more   frustrating  than   waiting   for   items   to   arrive   when   you   are  ready  to  get  going.      

When   you   think   about   potting,   you   should   turn  your  mind   to   soil   composition   (a   separate   article  is   below),   choice   of   pots,   fertilisers   and   tonics   (a  separate   article   will   appear   in   the   August  newsletter),   root   pruning   (a   separate   article   will  appear   in   the  August   newsletter)   etc.     Except   for  root  pruning  there  is  often  no  right  or  wrong  way  of  going  about  these  tasks:   it   is  mostly  your  trees  and   your   own   personal   preferences   on   what  works  best.                  

That’s  not  to  say  that  other  members  cannot  offer  you   advice   if   you   are   uncertain   about   what   you  want   to   do.     If   you   have   any   questions,   you   can  always   ask   members   at   the   monthly   meetings.    You  will  find  people  are  more  than  happy  to  share  

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their   knowledge   with   you   to   help   you   care   for  your  trees  –  don’t  be  shy.  

There   isn’t   really  much  more   to   say   job  wise   for  this  month  that  hasn’t  already  been  mentioned  in  Jobs  for  June.    Enjoy  your  break  from  your  soon  to  be   demanding   bonsai   schedules,   be   good   to   your  waistlines,   it   is   very   easy   to   over   indulge   during  the   cold   season,   and   I’ll   see   you   next  month…..Michelle  St.  C  

 

Bonsai  soil  mixes  Decisions   about   soil   mixes   for   your   bonsai   are  very   important   ones.    Without   the   right   soil  mix,  your   bonsai  will   fail   to   thrive   and   eventually   die.    Soil  mixes   are   one   of   the  most   debated   topics   in  bonsai  because  there  is  no  right  or  wrong  soil  mix,  and   can   involve   a   fair   amount   of   experimenting  until  you  find  the  right  mix.    As  long  as  you  keep  in  mind  the  purpose  of  soil  mixes  and  what  you  need  to  achieve  for  the  growth  and  health  of  your  trees,  you   should  be   able   to   find   the   right  mix   for   your  trees.          

The  key  things  to  consider  for  a  good  soil  mix  are  to:   allow   the   tree   to   grow   small   fine   roots   (like  hair);  allow  the  tree  to  anchor  and  balance  itself  in  the  pot;  store  water  and  nutrients  to  feed  the  tree;  hold   air   for   the   roots   to   breath;   and   most  importantly  allows  the  soil  to  drain  correctly.      

A   good   soil   mix   should   be   composed   of   organic  and  inorganic  material.    What  you  use  for  organic  and   inorganic   material   is   a   personal   choice   and  often   determined   by  what   is   available   from   your  local   garden   centres   and/or   bonsai   clubs.    Whatever   materials   are   available   to   you,   it   is  important  to  remember  that  you  will  need  to  mix  both   organic   and   inorganic   material   together   as  they  both  serve  important  purposes.    

Organic  material  

Organic  material  is  derived  from  living  organisms.    Adding   organic   material   to   soil   mixes   provides  nutrients  and  acts  as  a  storage  place  for  moisture.    As   it   decays,   the   nutrients   stored   in   the   organic  material   feed   your   trees.     While   using   organic  material   to   feed  your   trees  has  a  positive   impact,  there  is  a  negative  impact  to  this  decay  as  well.      

As   the   decay   occurs   the   particles   of   organic  material   continue   to   decrease   in   size   until   they  eventually   become   a   powder.     This   reduction   in  particle  size  and  subsequent  powder  causes  issues  with   the  gaseous  exchange  around   the   roots,   and  

the   tree   begins   to   retain   water   rather   than  draining  away.          

Soil  mixes  that  retain  too  much  water  create  soggy  layers  in  the  soil  mix  that  starves  the  roots  sitting  in   those   soggy   layers   which   eventually   damages  and/or   kills   them.     If   this   occurs,   the   dead   roots  rot  and  cause  what  we  call  ‘root  rot’.    Root  rot  is  a  fungal   infection   that   destroys   the   root   tissue  stopping  the  roots  from  repairing  and  growing.      

It   is   important   to   mention   here   that   you   should  never  solely  rely  on  the  soil  mix  to  feed  your  trees.    You   will   need   a   good   feeding/fertilising   regime  throughout   the   year   to   support   your   tree’s  growth.     Feeding   and   fertilising   trees   will   be  discussed  in  a  separate  article.          

Inorganic  material        

Inorganic  material   is   comprised   of  materials   that  have  never  been  alive,  and  are  usually  mineral   in  composition.    We  primarily  add  inorganic  material  to  soil  mixes  to  counter  the  water  retention  effect  of   the   decaying   organic   material.     The   irregular  size   and   shape   of   inorganic   material   creates   air  pockets   in   the   organic   material   for   gaseous  exchange  to  occur  and  aids  with  drainage.      

Using  larger  irregular  shaped  material  also  serves  a  second  purpose.    It  provides  a  rough  surface  that  aggravates  the  tree’s  root  system  forcing  the  roots  to   divide   and   subdivide   into   tiny   roots   as   they  pass   across   the   material’s   surface,   giving   us   the  fine  hair-­‐like  root  systems  we  need  to  sustain  our  trees.      

The  particle   size   of   the   inorganic  material   is   also  very   important.     The   particles   should   be   as  efficient  as  possible  (not  too  big  not  too  small)  to  assist   with   dispersing   water   evenly   throughout  the  pot,  retaining  the  right  amount  of  water  in  the  organic  material,  while  draining   the  excess  water  out  of  the  bottom  of  the  pot.        

Another  really  important  point  to  remember  with  particle  size  is  that  the  tree  needs  enough  soil  mix  in  the  pot  to  anchor  itself  correctly.    If  the  particles  are   too  big   they  will  not  pack   together  as  well  as  smaller  particles  and  the  tree  will  remain  loose  in  the  pot.        

The   inorganic   material   used   is   up   to   the  individual;   however   most   of   our   members   use  zeolite   and/or   diatomite.     Throughout   the   year  group  orders   for  zeolite  and  diatomite  are  placed  so  you  will  always  have  access  to  this  material.      

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A   separate   article   on   zeolite   can   be   found   at   the  end  of  this  article.      

Other   inorganic   materials   that   can   be   used  includes,   but   not   limited   to:   Perlite;   Tribble   and  Trix   kitty   litter;   coarse   sand   or   Akadama  depending  on  your  needs.    Again,  the  use  of  these  is  entirely  up  to  you.  

Making  your  own  soil  mix  

While   the   above   sounds   daunting,   many  experienced   bonsai   owners   have   already  researched   and   successfully   tested   many   soil  mixes.     A   number   of   these   soil   mixes   can   found  through  an   Internet   search  on   the  various  bonsai  clubs’  websites.      

Some  of  our  experienced  Canberra  Bonsai  Society  members  have  tested  a  soil  mix  consisting  of  50%  premium   quality   potting   mix   (or   native   mix   for  native   trees),   25%   zeolite   and   25%   diatomite.     I  have  also  seen  another  soil  mix  comprised  of  40%  diatomite,   20%   zeolite,   20%   gravel   or   crushed  brick   and   20%   soil   or   compressed   coconut   fibre.    Whichever  soil  mix  you  choose,  whether  it  is  from  a  member  or   the   Internet,   you  are  always   free   to  adapt  these  mixes  to  suit  your  trees.      

When   developing   soil   mixes   there   are   a   few   key  points  to  remember:  

• the  more   inorganic  material  you  use,  you  will  need  to  increase  the  number  of  times  per  day  you  water  your  trees  (particularly  in  summer)  as   the   inorganic   material   increases   the  drainage  rate  of  the  soil  mix.    On  the  flip  side,  the   more   organic   material   you   use,   the   less  you   will   need   to   water   your   trees   as   the  increase   in   organic   material   retains   more  water;  

• depending   on   the   species   of   tree   you   are  potting  you  may  require  a  specific  soil  mix.    It  is  important  to  always  provide  your  trees  with  the   soil   mix   needed   to   promote   growth   and  sustain  the  health  of  the  tree.    This  may  mean  a  greater  or   lesser  acidic  potting  mix,   such  as  azalea  or  native  potting  mixes  as  opposed  to  a  general  potting  mix;  and  

• when  preparing  your  soil  mix,  you  will  need  to  sieve   your   organic   and   inorganic   material   to  remove   the   fine   particles   and   dust   in   the  materials.     The   fine  particles   are   of   no  use   to  mix  and  will  wash  away  when  you  water  your  trees.    You  want  a  clean,  coarse  mix  with  large  particles,  rather  than  fine  muddy  silt.              

Commercial  soil  mixes  

If  you  are  not  able  to  make  your  own  soil  mix,  you  can   purchase   commercial   soil   mixes.     You   will  need   to   research   these   soil   mixes   to   ensure   you  are  buying  an  adequate  soil  mix.          

There   are   two   ‘out   of   the   bag’   soil   mixes   I   have  used  and  recommend:  

• Debco   Bonsai   Mix   contains   composted   pine  bark,  coarse  sand  and  zeolite.     It   is  sold   in  10  litre  bags  and  is  available  from  the  Yarralumla  Nursery;  and  

• Bonsai   Environment   Bonsai   Potting   Mix  contains   premium   potting   mix,   bark,   coarse  sand  and  zeolite.    It  is  sold  in  6  litre  bags  and  is  available   from   Bunnings   and   online   from   the  supplier  at  http://www.bonsainet.com.au  

If  you  have  a  small  number  of  bonsai,  this  may  be  a   simple  cost  effective  option   for  you  rather   than  mixing  higher  volumes  of  soil  mix.      

Zeolite:  what  is  it?  

The  zeolite  we  sell  through  the  Club  is  gravel  that  we  add  to  our  bonsai  potting  media.    Being  a  little  more   scientific,   zeolite   is   a   Silica   based   rock.     It  was  formed  from  the  glass  component  of  volcanic  ash   millions   of   years   ago.     Manufacturers   tell   us  that   zeolite   has:   ‘an   extraordinary   ability   to  absorb,   hold,   release,   and   exchange   different  chemicals,  nutrients,   toxins  and   ions  according   to  need’;  and  ‘special  features  [which]  enable  zeolite  the  ability  to  attract  and  absorb  cationic  materials  such   as   plant   nutrients   for   slow   release’   (see   the  Zeolite  Australia  and  Aussie  Zeolite  websites).      

Bonsai   blogs   carry   large   volumes   of   information  on   zeolite,   some   of   it   contradictory,   including  discussions  on  what  its  purpose  is  and  how  much  to  use  in  your  potting  mix.    Here  is  an  overview  of  what  I  have  browsed.      

There   are   two  main   reasons   for   including   zeolite  in  your  potting  mix:    

• first,   it   helps   maintain   the   appropriate  level  of  moisture  in  the  pot:  (a)  by  helping  drainage;   and   (b)  because   it   is  porous,  by  helping  to  retain  moisture.      

• second,   as   the   manufacturers   say   (see  above)   it  helps   to  hold  and  slowly  release  fertilisers  in  your  pot.  

On  the  question  of  how  much  zeolite  to  include  in  your  potting  mix,  opinions  vary  quite  a  lot.    But  be  

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warned,   there   is   no   consensus   in   the   world   of  bonsai   on   what   constitutes   the   optimal   growing  medium.    Which   leads  me   to   a   final   observation:  because  so  many  plants  thrive  in  such  a  variety  of  potting  media,   there  must   be  many  ways   to   give  your   plants   the   water   and   nutrients   they   need.    Perhaps  the  best  advice  is  to  choose  a  convenient  one   that   someone  has  proven   to   be   effective   and  stick  to  it.  

Akadama   is   a   granular   clay-­‐like   mineral   that   is  found  mainly  in  Japan  where  it  was  largely  formed  as  a  result  of   the  eruptions  of  Mt.  Fuji  on  Honshu  Island.     Akadama   is   widely   used   as   a   planting  medium   for   bonsai.     If   you   are   interested   in  obtaining   some   Akadama,   you   could   contact  Scott  R.    It  sells  for  $25  for  a  25  ltr  bag.  

 

The   above   article   is   intended   to   provide   a   basic  introduction   to   soil   mixes,   which   we   hope,   gives  you   a   start   point   in   considering   your   soil   mix  options.     During   the   August   meeting,   Ziggy   will  demonstrate  preparing  a  soil  mix,  and  is  happy  to  answer  any  questions  you  may  have  on  soil.          

Phil  R  and  Michelle  St.C  

 

Canberra  Nara  Festival  The   Canberra   Nara   Festival   will   be   held  26  October   2013   from   5.00   pm   to   7.00   pm   at  Lennox  Garden  in  Yarralumla.      

The  Canberra  Nara  Festival  is  an  annual  event  that  celebrates  Canberra’s  sister  city  relationship  with  Nara  Japan.    There  is  free  entertainment,  Japanese  food,   Japanese   handicrafts,   and   cultural   activities  to   support   the   evening   display   of   2000   candles  that  will  be  lit  in  the  Japanese  Garden  at  sunset.      

Each   year   we   provide   a   bonsai   display,  demonstrations   and   talk   with   the   community  about  bonsai  and  the  Canberra  Bonsai  Society.      

We   will   post   a   participation   list   on   the   website  shortly   seeking   volunteers   to   help   out   on   the  night.     New   members   and   those   with   limited  bonsai  experience  are  most  welcome  to  volunteer  as  well  as  bringing  along  a  tree  to  work  on.            

 

 

 

 

Club  notices  Show  Committee  

The   CBS   show   will   be   held   on   the   weekend   of  12  to  13  October  at  Daramalan  College  in  Dickson.    The  club  has  a  proud  tradition  of  putting  on  a  first  rate   show   and  we   need   an   organising   committee  to  make  this  year’s  show  another  big  success.      

The  show  committee  for  2013  consists  of  Jennifer  Mottlee   (manager),   Ernie   Power   (assistant  manager)  plus  Peter  Hobbs,  Ziggy  Zangl  and  Ruth  McLucas.  If  you  would  like  to  help  out  as  well,  we  will   be   very   grateful   and   spread   the   workload  accordingly.      

Bus  trip  –  25  August  

This   year’s   annual   bus   trip   is   scheduled   for  Sunday   25   August.     We   will   be   visiting   Bonsai  Environment   and   Ray   Nesci   (see   above   for  advertisements  by  both  of  these  nurseries).    

If  you  would  like  to  join  the  bus  trip  –  and  it  is  an  excellent   day   –   please   add   your   name   to   the  participation   list   on   the  website   or   the   form   that  will   be   at   the   July   and   August   meetings.     At   this  stage,   details   such   as   the   number   of   seats  available,   the   cost   and   the   departure   and   return  times  are  not  settled.    We  will  let  you  know  more  as  soon  as  possible.  

For   new   members,   the   bus   trip   is   a   wonderful  opportunity  to  visit  two  first  rate  bonsai  nurseries  and  buy  pots,  wire,   tools,   plants   (either   beginner  or   more   advanced   plant   stock)   and   a   range   of  accessories.    We  will  provide  some  advice  on  what  to   look   for   in   pots   and   plants   in   the   August  Wirrabara  and  at  the  August  meeting.  

 

Diatomite  order  now  open  

Orders  for  diatomite  are  now  open.    You  can  place  an  order  through  the  participation  list  on  the  CBS  website,   or   at   the   July   meeting.     The   cost   is   $20  per  bag  –  the  same  low  price  as  last  year.  

 

Pot  making  workshop  20  July  

There   has   been   a   strong   response   to   the   pottery  workshop,   but   there   is   still   room   for   one   or   two  more  participants.    The  three-­‐hour  workshop  will  be  held  at  the  Canberra  Pottery  Society  in  Watson  for   CBS   members.    The   workshop   will   include  theory   and   practical   demonstrations   on   two   pot  making   techniques,   coil   and   mould,   with  

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participants  free  to  make  as  many  pots  using  these  two   techniques   for   the   remainder   of   the  workshop.   Please   note   this   workshop   does   not  include  glazing  of  pots.    The  details  are:  

• Date:  Saturday  20  July  2013  • Time:  09.30  –  12.30  • Location:   Canberra   Potters   Society  

1  Aspinall  Street  Watson  • Cost:   $75   per   person,   includes   firing   of  

pots    • Registration:  Please  include  your  name  on  

the   list   by  Wednesday   8   July,   there   are   a  maximum  of  15  places  available.  

Workshops  with  Mr  Masashi  Hirao  24  August  

CBS  has   arranged   for  Mr  Masashi  Hirao   to   travel  to   Canberra   following   his   commitments  with   the  Bonsai   Society   of   Sydney   (see   separate   notice   on  the   BSS   show).     He   will   be   conducting   two  workshops   at   the   Hughes   Community   Centre   on  Saturday   24  August.   Masa   is   coming   to   Australia  as   a   cultural   envoy   sponsored   by   the  Commissioner   for   Cultural   Affairs   Japan. He will be demonstrating at the WBFF convention in China this September – see http://www.bonsai-­‐jt.com/List.asp?C-­‐1-­‐156.html.   Workshops   are  limited   to   eight   participants   and   ten   observers.  Masa  works  with  any  material  except  azaleas  and  Australian  natives  due   to   lack   of   experience  with  them.   Go   to   participation   lists   to   register   as  participant  or  observer.    

Can  you  help  with  billets?  

Megumi   Bennett   will   accompany   Masa   to  Canberra  for  these  workshops,  and  we  are  looking  for   billets   for   them.     If   you   are   able   to   help   out,  could  you  let  Ruth  know?    Masa  would  like  to  have  access  to  wi-­‐fi.  

 

Bill  Valavanis  workshops  23-­‐24  October  

Bill  Valavanis  is  a  very  well-­‐known  and  respected  bonsai  artist  and  educator  from  the  USA.    We  have  been  able  to  arrange  for  Bill  to  do  two  workshops  and   a   presentation   on   23-­‐24   October.     Not   all  arrangements  are  settled,  but  there  will  be:  

• a   workshop   in   the   afternoon   of  Wednesday  23  October;  

• a   workshop   on   the   morning   of   Thursday  24  October;  and  

• a   presentation   on   forest   planting   on   the  evening  of  Wednesday  23  October.  

All   events   will   be   at   the   Hughes   Community  Centre.  

Workshop  payments  

And  please  remember  the  new  policy  with  regard  to   payments   for   workshops   as   explained   in   the  June   Wirrabara   (i.e.   if   you   miss   the   payment  deadline,  your  place  may  be  offered  to  a  reserve).  

And,  as  always,  it  would  be  good  if  you  could  make  your  payments  for  these  workshops  electronically,  although  we  fully  understand  that  some  members  cannot  do  so.    For  those  who  can,  the  Club’s  bank  account  details  are  as  follows:  

Acc.   Name:   Canberra   Bonsai   Society  Incorporated  

BSB:  032  724  

Acc.  Number:  176358  

Please   identify  yourself   adequately  and  email   the  treasurer   (treasurer@cbs.org.au)   with   a  description  of  the  payment.      

Please  don’t  use  the  AABC  Convention  bank  account  

When   you  make   a   payment   electronically,   please  be   sure   to   use   the   CBS   bank   account,   not   the  account  set  up  for  the  AABC  convention.      

 

Members’  part  of  the  website  

Could  new  club  members  note  that  as  part  of  your  inauguration   you   will   be   given   a   user   name   and  password  that  will  provide  access  to  the  members’  part   of   the   CBS   website.     This   is   where   you   will  find   the   participation   lists   and   other   items   not  open  to  the  wider  public.    If  you  have  not  received  your   login   details,   please   see   Neville   H,   our  webmaster.  

 

Raffia  

Good   quality   raffia   can   be   purchased   from  Auswrap   Accessories.   About   $15   for   600g  delivered.     See   link   under   ‘Members   info’   in  members  section  of  the  website  

.    

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June  meeting  Thanks  to  Brad  W  and  Daniel  S  for  their  help  with  Show  and  Tell  this  month.      

Here  is  Brad  W  with  the  Olive  he  brought  in.  

 

From   left   to   right,   here   is   Chris   S,   Daniel   S,  Margaret   H.     All   were   attending   their   first   CBS  meeting.     A   big  welcome   to   you   all   –   and   to   any  other  new  members  I  didn’t  get  to  meet.  

 

Show  and  Tell  provided  its  usual  snippets  of  useful  information.     Ruth   called   her   little   Azalea   ‘urban  yamadori’.     I   am   planning   a   short   article   on  yamadori   for   the  August   newsletter   because   that  is  the  theme  for  Show  and  Tell  in  August.    For  now,  I   will   repeat   what   Ruth   said.     Yamadori   is   a  Japanese  word  that  literally  means  ‘taken  from  the  mountain’.     There   are   legal   restrictions   in  Australia   with   collecting   plants   from   the   wild  (more   about   this   in   August)   but   there   is   ample  bonsai   material   growing   in   our   urban  environment,  such  as  our  gardens,  so  why  not  call  that  material  ‘yamadori’?      

There  were   several   references   to   thread  grafting.    A  thread  graft  involves  drilling  a  hole  through  the  trunk   or   larger   branch   of   a   tree   and   passing   a  small  branch  through  the  hole.    If  all  goes  well,  the  branch   will   bind   itself   to   the   trunk/branch   and  you  will  have  a  new  branch   just  where  you  want  it.     There   is   a   little   more   information   on   thread  grafting  in  the  May  2013  newsletter.  

Finally  a  couple  of  great  tips  given  in  a  jocular  way  by  Jim  and  Gavin:  if  your  tree  won’t  bud  back,  try  fertilising   it   (assuming   is   a   species   that   will   bud  back   on   old   wood);   and   if   you   have   looked   at   a  tree   for   20   years   and   never   come   to   like   it,   try  bending   it   over   –   sometimes   just   changing   the  aspect  of  a  tree  makes  a  huge  difference.  

 

Kenn  B   conducted   a  most   informative  workshop  on   tending   deciduous   trees   in   winter.     Here   is   a  short   summary   of   some   important   things   Ken  said.  

First  of  all,   it   is   important  to  know  your  tree,  and  to   be   conscious   of   the   tree’s   age   and   state   of  development.     Different   species   have   different  requirements;   young   trees   need   to   develop   their  overall   branch   structure,   which   can   involve  allowing  branches  to  grow  quite  long  over  several  growing   seasons   before   cutting   them   back;  more  mature   trees   require   pruning   to   develop  refinement   in   the   secondary   and   tertiary  branches.     On   a   field   grown   tree   it   can   take   10  years  to  develop  a  really  nice  branch  structure.  

As   Kenn   snipped   away   on   the   secondary   and  tertiary   branches   on   the   Trident   maples   he   was  working  on  he  mentioned  that  it  is  also  important  to   prune   Trident   maples   and   Japanese   maples  during   the   growing   season   (both   have   a   major  flush   of   growth   in   Spring   and   a   secondary   flush  later   in   Summer).     Spring   and   Summer   pruning  builds   the   ramification   (the   branch   structure).    Both   Trident   and   Japanese   maples   have   paired  leaves.    At  this  time  of  the  year  you  will  see  pairs  of  buds  but  in  spring  they  will  become  leaves  and  a  tiny  branch  will  emerge  from  between  them  and  it  will   quickly   lengthen   and  develop   another  pair  of   leaves.   With   Japanese   maples,   this   new   tiny  branch   should   be   removed   as   soon   as   possible   –  unless   you   want   to   grow   a   long   branch.     With  Trident   maples   it   is   best   to   allow   the   branch   to  grow  on  until  it  has  2-­‐3  sets  of  leaves  and  then  cut  it   back   to   the   first   set   of   leaves.     This   Spring   and  Summer  pruning  helps  to  keep  the  leaves  smaller  

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and   the   distance   between   the   sets   of   leaves   (the  internodes)  shorter.      

The  final  thing  I  will  report  from  Kenn’s  talk  is   in  relation   to   the   paste   and   putty   he   showed  us   for  sealing  the  cuts  made  by  pruning.    Ken  was  unable  to   tell   us   what   the   paste   and   putty   are   called  because  the  writing  on  his  paste  tube  and  putty  jar  was   all   in   Japanese.     If   you   are   looking   for  more  information   on   these   products,   you   could   type  ‘bonsai  cut  paste’  into  your  search  engine.      

It  is  important  to  seal  the  cuts  because  Maples  can  bleed   (they   can   ooze   a   watery   fluid   that   can   be  hard   to  stop).    Kenn’s  advice  with   large  cuts   is   to  apply   a   paste   to   the   wound   immediately   and   to  put  putty  on  it  the  next  day.      

Thanks  Kenn,  we  all  got  a  lot  from  what  you  said.  

Some  links  to  further  information:  

Maintenance  pruning  part  two:  Pinching  out  deciduous  trees  

http://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Pruning2.html  

Developing  deciduous  bonsai  branch  structures  

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATDeciduousBonsaiAutumnPruning.html  

Pruning  deciduous  bonsai:  Beech  

http://bonsaibark.com/2009/10/28/pruning-­‐deciduous-­‐bonsai-­‐beech/  

 

Some  other  useful  links  for  new  members  

Bonsai  basics  http://www.bonsai4me.com/bonsai_basics.html  Glossary  of  terms  http://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_BonsaiTerms.html  

 

 

Pot  sale  A   long-­‐standing   club   member   is   downsizing   and  has   asked   us   to   sell   excess   pots   on   their   behalf.  These  pots  are  in  all  shapes,  sizes  and  colours  and  will  be  sold  over   the   July  and  August  meetings.  A  small  number  of  bonsai  stock  will  also  be  for  sale.  

 

 

Bonsai  Society  of  Sydney:  Exhibition  17-­‐18  August  The   Bonsai   Society   of   Sydney   Inc.   is   holding   its  annual  bonsai  exhibition  on  the  weekend  of  17  to  18   August   2013   from   10.00   am   to   4.00   pm   each  day.     It   is   being   held   at   the   Checkers   Resort   and  Conference   Centre,   331   Mona   Vale   Road,   Terry  Hills.    Admission  is  $5.00.  

There  will  be  demonstrations  at  2.00  pm  on  both  days  featuring  Mr  Masashi  Hirao  from  Japan  and  BSS  members.    If  you  would  like  more  information,  you  can  contact  Megumi  Bennett  on  02  9450  2802.      

 

 

 

 

Items  for  sale  through  the  club  As  mentioned   last  month,   the  club  has  a   range  of  other   products   for   sale.     Check   the   participation  lists   on   the   club’s   website,   or   ask   the   Executive  about:  

• Tools  (demand-­‐driven  participation  list);  • Turntables  (demand-­‐driven  participation  list);  • Potting  mix  (participation  list  usually  in  

March/April);  • Zeolite  (participation  list  usually  in  May/June)  • Diatomite  (participation  list  usually  in  

June/July);  • Wire  (always  available);  • Bottle  top  watering  attachment    • Kamaki  cutters  

 

CBS  Badges  Do  you  have  a  Canberra  Bonsai  Society   badge?   (They   look   like  the  picture  to  the  right)  and  are  available   from   the   treasurer   at  all   meetings   for   $7.50.   For  members   who   have   not   yet  purchased   a   badge   we  encourage   you   to   pick   one   up,  and  wear   it   at   appropriate   functions   to   advertise  our  society.  

 

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Event  Calendar  2013  CBS  Events  

6  July  

CBS  monthly  meeting  Meeting  theme:  Problem  trees    General  workshop:  Working  with  problem  trees  Show  and  Tell:  Problem  trees;  Sequoia  group  

20  July   Potting  workshop  

3  August  

CBS  monthly  meeting  Meeting  theme:  Preparing  for  spring  Show  and  Tell:  Urban  yamadori  Beginner’s  table:    Potting  demonstration  

August   Bus  trip  

7  September  

CBS  monthly  meeting  Meeting  theme:  Trimming  of  spring  growth  General  workshop:  Creating  a  bonsai  raft  Show  and  Tell:  Spring  growth  

14  September   Carving  workshop  12,13  October   CBS  show  23,  24  October   Bill  Valavanis  workshops  and  demonstration/critique  

2  November  

CBS  monthly  meeting  Meeting  theme:  Pines  –  candle  snapping  and  plucking;  Defoliation  and  leaf  reduction  Mini  workshop:  Azaleas  and  Fig  defoliation  Show  and  Tell:  Figs  and  Azaleas  

7  December  CBS  monthly  meeting  Meeting  theme:  Christmas  Show  and  Tell:  Christmas  trees  

 

Executive  Committee  

Executive   President   Ruth   Phone:  (02)  6255  2058  

Secretary   Peter  H   Phone:  (02)  6259  3505  secretary@cbs.org.au  Treasurer   Allan  R   Phone:  (02)  6258  2281  treasurer@cbs.org.au  Newsletter  Editor   Phil  R   Phone:  (02)  6241  6160  wirrabara@cbs.org.au  

Committee  

mem

bers  

Project  Officer   Ziggy  Z   Phone:  0411  315  762  Librarian   Lorraine  V   Phone:  (02)  6281  2956  Publicity  Officer   Jennifer  M   Phone:  (02)  6287  5567  Webmaster   Neville  H   Phone:  0414  354  957  webmaster@cbs.org.au  Membership  Officer   Peter  G   Phone:  (02)  6288  0828  Workshop  manager     Michelle  S   Phone:  0418  612  112  Newsletter  Mailing   John  L   Phone:  (02)  6255  3120  

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