The Bonsai News of H ouston A Monthly Newsletter of the Houston Bonsai Society Inc.
Blooming cherry trees symbolize human life, transience and nobleness.
The next meeting of the Houston Bonsai Society will be at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion in Hermann Park, off of Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030. Refreshments at 7 PM, meeting starts at 7:30 PM.
Wednesday, April 6th, HBS Annual Club Auction: This is our annual fundraiser, so please bring your donations and your checkbook. What a great way to economically pick up a new project or two! No credit cards accepted. REMEMBER – YOU MUST BE CURRENT ON YOUR DUES FOR 2016 TO PARTICIPATE. There are two kinds of auctions: 1. A Live Auction of trees, pots, books, tools, etc. that are donated. (HBS receives all of these proceeds). 2. A Silent Auction of better trees, pots, etc. The Silent Auction has a minimum starting bid of $100. (The proceeds will be split 20% to the HBS and 80% to the owner).
Upcoming Events April 2, Shohin Society of Texas - Saikei by Stephen Hendricks. See ad for details.
April 9, Saturday Study Group at Timeless Tress, Rosenberg, TX. 9 AM – 12 Noon. Free, refreshments provided.
April 8-9, 17th Annual Southwest Louisiana Garden Conference & Expo 2016 at Burton Coliseum from 9-5. Set-up will be on Thursday, April 7 starting about noon. April 15-18 Kathy Shaner Seminar in Buda, near Austin. See ad for details.
Friday, April 22, LSBF Texas Tour Speaker/Artist Rodney Clemons, 6PM – 9PM, at The Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042.
Saturday, April 23, Rodney Clemons BYOT workshops, Morning session 8AM- 11AM; Afternoon session 12 Noon – 3 PM, ($30 per session or $50 for both) at the Judson Robinson Community Center - 2020 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004. See Pete Parker or Terry Dubois to sign up.
Volume 45 Number 4 April 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
Upcoming Events HBS Annual
Auction
Showcase of the Month
Flowering Bonsai
April Bonsai Care
John Miller
President’s Letter
LSBF Texas Tour 2016 Artist
Rodney Clemons
Kathy Shaner Seminar
Spring bonsai colors
April Bonsai Care
Do the math! Bonsai is a study in mathematics. You start with triangles in the design of individual trees and forest plantings. You use the golden rectangle or Fibonacci series to proportion the tree and pot. Powers of two show you the multiplication of twigs with proper trimming. Fortunately, you do not need to be a math whiz to do good bonsai, just follow the rules and it will look good, without you having to know why.
Most trees will do well in the full sun at this time of year. However, if you have had them in partial shade, be mindful when moving them directly to full sun. They need to be acclimated gradually. Too much wind will cause the leaves to burn. Some damages may not show up until hot weather.
Repotting for most hardy bonsai has ended. Very late budding species like oaks may still be repotted, depending on your local climate. I would also repot dwarf yaupon and olive now. It’s still too early for the tropicals. They should usually be held until the night temps are in no danger of going below 60. Now is time for trimming, feeding, trimming, checking for insects, trimming, shows, trimming… You get the idea. Trimming (which is pinching, plucking or whatever of new growth) is the process that both develops refinement on your tree but is also vital to keeping their desired shape. Pruning is not cutting branches, which should not be done when there is a strong sap flow that starts when the tree breaks dormancy. That flow continues until after the leaves harden or even later. A good organic program takes care of both the feeding and the insect problems. I recommend a mixture of 1 tablespoon each of fish emulsion, molasses, liquid kelp and apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water. (A commercial product called Garret Juice, which is to be used the same way, uses compost tea, dried seaweed, water, molasses and vinegar. As a fertilizer, this should work the same but I don’t know about the dried seaweed versus liquid kelp as an insecticide.) I use the mixture both as a foliar spray and as a soil drench fertilizer. As a weekly foliar spray, it keeps aphids and mites under control as well as any other insect I’ve had. The prime requirement is to cover the entire plant, top and bottom of the leaves with a fine mist sprayer (no hose end stuff). I try to drench soil twice a month partly because I don’t think the plants can absorb all the minor elements they need through their foliage. Fungal diseases can show up with damp weather. Leaf spot can be serious on Catlin and Chinese elms, and on hollies. Mildew will show up later with warmer weather. Check out commercially available organic fungicides, potassium bicarbonate or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) at organic nurseries or in bonsai publications ads. A 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide (dilute the standard 3% store bought stuff with 2 parts water to each part of peroxide) is also recommended but it may injure new foliage. Be sure to check your soil each day for proper water content. It is easy to assume that the soil has plenty of water when the days are cool or there has been some rain. It’s also too easy for a tree with full leaves to shed water outside of the pot or a good sun and low humidity after a front to dry the soil. I suggest that you remove most of the moss, so that you can see and feel the soil in order to determine how dry it is. Caution: Moss growing on the trunk or roots will cause the bark to rot. An automatic watering system will be an aid but you should not
rely on it to replace hand watering which allows you to adjust the watering for each tree individually. Also most automatic systems use a drip system which only waters a small spot in shallow containers. If you have early blooming azaleas, remove some of the buds. Most azaleas have way too many buds to look good, or for each flower to have space to open fully. Varieties that bloom on newly growing tips (like crepe myrtle) can grow out of shape quickly. You may have to prune a bit hard during dormancy and then let them grow out when blooming. Normally the best fertilizer to use is cakes made of organic material. They should be spread around the soil surface so the plants get a bit of food each time you water. April weather can vary from freezes to a hot sun that may heat up your pots. Be observant and take necessary measures. And last but surely as important as the rest if you want to learn bonsai, get to the LSBF 2016 Convention - Bonsai: Living Art, hosted by the Corpus Christi Bonsai Society at the Emerald Beach Hotel, 1102 S. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401 from October 13 to16. For more information, go to www.corpuschristibonsaiclub.org. John Miller John Miller, who writes a monthly column for the Bonsai Society of Dallas and Fort Worth Bonsai Society, has agreed to share his column with us. We need to make adjustments for our warmer and damper climate, with earlier springs, longer summers, late fall and erratic winters.
600 variations of Cherry blossoms frame Mount Fuji in the Spring.
A few shades of the signature Sakura blossoms of Japan
President’s Letter
Spring is arriving tooooo quick! Our brief warm winter and early spring are great for many things. However, there is never enough time to get everything repotted. Everything is leafing out earlier than normal. I wanted to get so much more accomplished.
The April meeting will be a big change from the past. We will hold our Annual Club Auction at the April Meeting on April 6th. This is our annual fundraiser that helps pay for the activities, speakers, supplies, website, that we provide.
We generally have two types of auctions: 1. The main live auction is for donated
trees, plants, pots, books, tools, and anything else you want to donate. All the proceeds go to the Houston Bonsai Society.
2. A separate Silent Auction: The material should be worth $100 or more. These should be much nicer trees and pots. Minimum bid will be $100. The highest bid will take the item. The proceeds will be split 20% to the Houston Bonsai Society, and 80% to the individual club member.
You must be a paid up member to bid on items, or to place a tree in the silent auction.
The club will provide the bidding paddles.
We just had another great class with Pedro Morales. He has taught many people in our area how to think outside the pot and make slabs and Kuramas for bonsai. His classes on deadwood, phoenix grafts and prosthesis are the only ones I know of in the U.S. Many more people have learned his great new techniques. I can’t wait to see their new creations.
Rodney Clemons will be coming in April as the LSBF Texas Tour speaker. He will have a lecture/demo on Friday evening, April 22nd from 6 PM -9M, at the Tracy Gee Community Center - 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, Texas 77042.
Rodney will have two bring-your-own-tree workshops on Saturday, April 23rd, 8 AM – 11 AM, and 12 Noon – 3 PM, at the Judson Robinson Community Center, 2020 Herman Drive, Houston, TX 77004. Cost is $30 per session or $50 for both. See Pete Parker or Terry Dubois to reserve a space.
Don’t forget it is time to collect those annual dues, $25 for an individual or $30 for a family. You can bring them to the next meeting or send a check to our Treasurer. (Forms are on the website).
Thanks for your support,
Hurley
SHOHIN SOCIETY of TEXAS April meeting on Saturday the 2nd
10:30 AM at Persimmon Hill SAIKEI PLANTING
A saikei is a landscape planting. Its focus is on the overall planting, not just on individual tree or trees. A finely crafted tree would no doubt improve the planting. Your saikei can be quiet and pastoral with a tree or trees in a meadow, on rocky landscape or amongst rocks. It’s best to keep plants and details in shohin proportion. The width of the pot must be no more than 8 inches wide and 8 inches high from the top of the pot. If planting on a stone or rock, remember that the tree and rock cannot rise higher than 8 inches. To complete your planting, a covering of moss is recommended. If moss is unavailable, small gravel can be used. WHAT TO BRING Bring everything that you need for repotting including tools, pots, rocks, and soil. If you can’t find a shallow pot that is no more than 8 inches wide, you can use a larger pot with the intention of moving it to an appropriately sized pot when one is found. You will also need 1-3 shohin-sized trees. As at every meeting, you are welcome to bring back anything to work on or to get some advice. ODDS and ENDS Meetings are at Persimmon Hill Bonsai, 12001 Red Hawk Cove in Austin, from 10:30AM to 2:30PM.
Bring a brown bag lunch or enjoy hot dogs and all the trimmings provided by S.S.O.T. Kitty. Vegetarian alternatives are available by prior request. New folks – from beginners to bonsai veterans - are always welcome. Bring a friend to learn and enjoy the camaraderie with Shohin bonsai enthusiasts from all over the state. Questions? Contact Steven Hendricks at [email protected] or 817-239-7210.
Calendar of Events
2016 APR 2 Shohin Society of Texas - Saikei by Steven Hendricks at Persimmon Hill, near Austin. See ad for details. APR 6 HBS Annual Club Auction at Hermann Park. APR 9 Saturday Study Group at Timeless Trees in Rosenberg, TX. 9AM – 12 Noon. Free, refreshments provided. APR 8-9 17th Annual Southwest Louisiana Garden Conference & Expo 2016 at Burton Coliseum from 9-5. Set-up will be on Thursday, April 7 starting about noon. APR 15-18 Kathy Shaner Seminar in Buda, near Austin. See ad below for details. APR 21 LCBS April meeting featuring Rodney Clemons and a BYOT workshop at 6:30pm, in Lake Charles APR 22 LSBF Texas Tour Speaker, Artist Rodney Clemons, 6PM – 9 PM, Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042. APR 23 LSBF Texas Tour Speaker, Rodney Clemons BYOT workshops: Morning 8AM - 11AM; Afternoon 12 Noon – 3PM, ($30 per session or $50 for both) - at the Judson Robinson Community Center - 2020 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004. See Pete Parker or Terry Dubois to sign up. MAY12-15 Bonsai in the Garden Learning Seminars: The American Bonsai Society & The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park - including the Michigan All State Bonsai Show at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan http://www.absbonsai.org/2016-abs-bonsai-in-the-garden-learning-seminars MAY 26-29 Brussel’s Bonsai Rendez-vous 2016 in Olive Branch, MS - featuring Marc Noelanders, Matt Ouiwinga, Kathy Shaner, Peter Warren, Rodney Clemons, and Matt Reel. Registration: $200 before May 1st, $250 after April 30. Details at http://shop.brusselsbonsai.com/images/Rendezvous2016_Registration.pdf MAY 26-30 BSF 43rs Annual Convention at Orlando, FL featuring Juan Andrade and Bjorn Bjorholm at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center at the Florida Mall, 1500 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL 32904. Registration prior to March 15 is $100 for those staying at the hotel and $180 for others; After March 15, $150 and $210. Details at http://bonsai-bsf.com/ JUN 2–5: Pedro Morales Tropical School Year 1. JUN 9 –12: Pedro Morales Tropical School Year 2
Check out timeless-trees.com for weekly classes with very knowledgeable artists and masters. Stop by the nursery on Friday and Saturday to browse the largest pre-bonsai and bonsai selection, pots, tools, supplies, soils and books. Make sure you get on TT’s mailing list to receive the latest news from Houston Bonsai club.
Quality Feed & Garden and Ken stand ready to help you with bonsai selection, bonsai care, pots and supplies. He will also personally have free classes for HBS every 3-month to help you start with your first bonsai. Check the Calendar of Events for dates. Ask for 10% HBS discount.
Come stock up on bonsai soils, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers and other supplies. The plant doctor is always on duty, so bring your unhappy bonsai for a free thorough check up. Don’t forget to ask for a 10% HBS discount.
Spring is in full bloom at JRN II. Come enjoy the most spectacular colors and fragrances. Don’t forget to check out the large collections of rare tropical plants, orchids and exotic bonsai.
Visit artist Andrew Sankowski at the Mossrock Studio & Fine Art Gallery for the finest gifts and most uniquely beautiful bonsai pots in every shape, form and color. Personalized pots or gifts can be commissioned year round.
Andrew Sankowski 26002 Oak Ridge Drive Direct (281) 684-4411 The Woodlands, TX 77380 Fax (281) 363-9032 [email protected]
Greetings from Philip Drilling of Cabrera Bonsai Nursery, Sugar Land!
All HBS members and family are invited to visit Cabrera Bonsai booth every Saturday morning from 8AM - Noon, at the Urban Harvest Eastside Market, 3000 Richmond Avenue. That’s between Buffalo Speedway and Kirby Drive. Since parking may be hard to find later in the day, try to come early, close to 8 AM. We have quite a few of the seasonal flowering plants (currently Bougainvillea and Crepe Myrtle), orchids and tropical bonsai to purchase and work on while you are there. On good days, you will meet Buddy Allen, one of the elders in Houston Bonsai Society. He holds informal classes for both the budding young enthusiasts and experienced bonsai veterans, so bring your family and your trees for fun learning. There is enough seating for half a dozen people and plenty of bonsai and pre-bonsai to experiment your skills on. For a good bonsai time, call Philip at 281-684-4466.
Houston Bonsai Society, Inc. P. O. Box 540727, Houston, Texas 77254-0727
www.houstonbonsai.com
HBS Board Members President Hurley Johnson [email protected] 1st Vice President Scott Barboza [email protected] in charge of Education 2nd Vice President Dean Laumen [email protected] Secretary Barbara Adams [email protected] in charge of Membership Publicity Ken Cousino Treasurer Wayne Malone [email protected]
Webmaster Quyen Tong [email protected] Member at Large - O Nandita D’ Souza [email protected] Member at Large - O Vern Maddox [email protected] Member at Large - O Clyde Holt [email protected] Member at Large – E Sharon Barker [email protected] Member at Large - E Ray Gonzales [email protected] Member at Large – E Brian Gurrola [email protected]
Delegates Past President Alan Raymond [email protected] LSBF Delegate Peter Parker [email protected] LSBF Alternate Terry Dubois [email protected] BCI Ambassador TTSBE Representative Alan Raymond [email protected] Refreshments C.J. Everson [email protected] Website/email Gary Teeter [email protected] Newsletter editor Shawn Nguyen [email protected]
The Bonsai News of Houston is a monthly publication of the Houston Bonsai Society, Inc. Copyright © 2011. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the editor or a member of the Board of Directors. Exceptions exist, however, for certain not-for-profit and non-profit bonsai organizations or associated bonsai and bonsai nursery newsletters, including without limitation the American Bonsai Society. HBS participates fully with reciprocation of contents and material between other LSBF member organizations and others. Authors who submit articles for this newsletter thereby give permission to such organizations to reprint, unless they expressly state otherwise. Space for advertising in The Bonsai News of Houston can be requested by contacting the newsletter editor or a member of the HBS Board. The rates for a business-card-size ad (approximately 3 1/2" x 2") are $6 per month, $30 for 6 months and $50 per year (12 issues). A full-page ad is $25 per month. Rates are subject to change without notice. 3½" x 2" classified ads are run free of charge for one month once per 12-month period for non-commercial members. For special requests or questions related to The Bonsai News of Houston, contact the newsletter editor or a member of the HB
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Friday, April 22 - 6-9 PM Lecture/Demonstration Free Admission Demo tree to be raffled Tracy Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042
Saturday, April 23 BYO Tree Workshops Morning session: 8-11 AM Afternoon session: 12-3 PM $30 for one or $50 for both Judson Robinson Community Center 2020 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004
Kathy Shaner Seminar April 15 -18, 2016
Please join us at a seminar with one of the most exciting, knowledgeable and personable bonsai masters - Kathy Shaner. Kathy completed a full five-year apprenticeship in Japan under bonsai master Yasuo Mitsuya and is the first non-Japanese and first woman ever certified by the Nippon Bonsai Association. She is currently the curator of the GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt in California and advisor to The Texas State Bonsai Collection. Kathy is a fantastic teacher with the ability to make you part of everything, not just a note taker. Her seminars increase bonsai knowledge, raise skill levels and make the wonderful world of bonsai even more enjoyable. Kathy’s seminars are ideal for beginners and veteran bonsai-ists alike, and are informal from beginning to end. This year’s Friday workshop will be all about carving. The carving workshop is available on a first come basis and is limited to six participants. The carving workshop will be hands-on and you will be working on whatever material you bring. More details and a recommended carving tool list will be provided in the registration acknowledgement. Observation of the carving workshop is not available. New this year: All day bring-your-own-tree workshop!(Details below)
Kathy’s theme for this year’s seminar is Refinement
On Saturday, Kathy will focus on springtime maintenance. The focus on Sunday will be on grooming for a show. Participants are encouraged to bring up to two bonsai suitable for either or both topics. The more refined the material you bring in, the more beneficial Kathy’s advice will be. As in previous years, Kathy will select at least one tree from each person and discuss the tree, and possibly style or wire the tree, depending on the material. Kathy’s optional Sunday afternoon workshop is limited to six participants on a first come basis. This year we will have an additional all day bring-your-own-tree workshop on the Monday following the seminar. This optional all day workshop is limited to six participants on a first come basis. Work on any size material you like...styled or rough. Kathy asks participants in a prior workshop to bring a tree she has worked on to continue its development. Silent observation of both workshops is included in registration. This year we will also have an informal Pot Swap during the seminar. Registrants can bring pots to sell or exchange. There is no additional fee or commission charged for this and it is optional. In order to not disturb the seminar, please limit this activity to times when Kathy is not speaking. Location This year the seminar and Sunday workshop will be at the conference center at Cabela’s, the outfitter emporium, 15570 S. I-35 in Buda, Texas, just south of Austin’s City limits. The Friday carving workshop and Monday bring-your-own- tree workshop will be at Persimmon Hill Bonsai. Directions will be in your registration.
Schedule Friday: The optional carving workshop begins at 9 AM at Persimmon Hill Bonsai. The workshop lasts until 4 PM and lunch is on your own. More details will be provided to registrants. Persimmon Hill then opens at 5 PM for refreshments and nibbles for registrants and guests. About 6:30 PM, we’ll leave for a no-host dinner in the private dining room of a Japanese restaurant. Check the appropriate box on the Registration Form if you plan to join the Friday dinner group. Saturday: The seminar begins promptly at 9:30 AM in Cabela’s Conference Center and goes to 5 PM. Saturday’s casual supper, included in the registration fee, is at Persimmon Hill. We’ll begin at 6:30 PM and have some visiting time. If you would like to bring a non-registrant guest to the supper, please sign them up on the Registration Form. A vegetarian supper will be available only if requested in advance. Please check the appropriate Registration Form box. Sunday: Kathy will get underway promptly at 9:30 AM. We’ll wrap up about noon. Kathy’s optional Sunday afternoon workshop, from 1:30 - 4:30 PM at Cabela’s. Any size or kind of tree may be worked on. Seminar registration includes observing Kathy’s workshop. Monday: The optional bring-your-own-tree workshop begins at 9AM at Persimmon Hill Bonsai. The workshop lasts until 4 PM and lunch is on your own. Any size or kind of tree may be worked on. Seminar registration includes observing Kathy’s workshop. Workshop & Cancellation Policies: Registration for both workshops is on a first come basis. Participants can attend neither or any combination of workshops. There is a maximum of two trees per person for the Friday, Sunday afternoon and Monday workshop. Workshop status will be in the registration acknowledgment. There will be a stand-by list. In recent years, both workshops have filled up quickly and have had waiting lists. Early paid registration will guarantee a seat for the workshops. Cancellations received on or before Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 will receive a complete refund. No refund on cancellations received after March 15th except for the workshop fee(s) if on the stand-by list. Important General Information: Registration includes seminar, Friday social, Saturday supper (limited to first 28 registrants), and observing the Sunday and Monday workshops. Seminar and workshop registrations are entered only on receipt of the Registration form and payment. Working with bonsai tools is a hazardous activity. To participate or observe the seminar or workshop, a release from liability agreement must be signed. Complete seminar details, driving directions, local hotel accommodations and what to bring will be in your registration acknowledgment. Please register early. Space is limited. Questions? Contact Collin Murphy at [email protected] or at (512) 905-9364. I hope you will be a part of the 21st annual seminar. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have a fantastic bonsai weekend. Sincerely, Collin Murphy
SEMINAR REGISTRATION FORM
Name(s): ............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
Address: ............................................................................................................................
City: ................................................................... State ............... Zip ...............................
Telephone: .................................... Email: .......................................................................
Carving Workshop: .......... each at $110.00 per person ................................................Total $ __________
(Bring your own wire, tools and at most two bonsai in need of carving)
Seminar: ............ each at $145.00 per person ................................................................Total $ __________
(Includes seminar, Friday social, Saturday supper & observing Sunday’s and Monday’s workshop)
Sunday bring your own tree Workshop: .......... each at $75.00 per person ...................Total $ __________
(Bring your own tree, maximum of two, tools, wire and turntable.)
Monday bring your own tree Workshop: .......... each at $110.00 per person ................Total $ __________
(Bring your own tree, maximum of two, tools, wire and turntable.)
I will bring ___ guest(s) to the Saturday supper at an additional $10 per person........ Total $ __________
I/We will attend the Friday no-host Japanese dinner. (No. of people ..........)
I/We prefer a vegetarian Saturday supper. (No. of people ..........)
Grand total enclosed $ __________
Payment may be made through PayPal to my email address: [email protected] (Please email me the above registration information if paying by PayPal) Please make your check payable to Collin Murphy and mail to:
Collin Murphy 2214 S Morningside Heights Dr Greenacres, WA 99016
