florida bonsai - feb 05 - screen

8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - Feb 05 - Screen

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Florida BonsaiFebruary2 0 0 5

B O N S A I S O C I E T I E SO F F L O R I D A , I N C .

VOL XXXV NUMBER 1 ISSUE 141

S p r i n g

Welcome:

I sincerely hope you enjoy this issue of Florida Bonsai.

A few points to increase your enjoyment:

* To make usage easier, this “screen version” is specially formatted

for easy reading on your screen. Set the magnification on the topbar at 100% or, if you have a large screen, use “fit page”. If you

want to print a colored hard copy down load the “Print” version,

it is in book format and will print much better.

* You will note a different page numbering in this screen version to

fit the format of the Adobe Reader.

You are viewing 2 pages in one window. That makes the page

numbers at the bottom of the Adobe window disagree with the

book pages.

To make it easier to find things all pages have two numbers. The

magazine page number and the Adobe window number, such as

(28/18). This means the magazine page 28 is on screen window

page 18. It should get easier as you use it.

* NOTE: Wherever there is a page reference, including the

numbers on the “Contents” page, you can place the cursor on

that page number and go directly to the referenced page– and

use the button at the bottom of each page to go back to the

Contents page.

* Take particular note of the web page addresses, indicated as this

sample: . If you move your

cursor over the above sample, it will change and afford you the

ability to go directly to that web page by simply clicking the ad-dress. Be sure to try this with all the advertisers, I think you will

be pleasantly surprised–especially where there are club sites.

Enjoy. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. My Email

address is [email protected] (Sorry, I don’t know how to

make this link to Email.)

See you at the convention in July,

Di ck Mi ll er

http://www.bonsai-bsf.com

http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/


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Florida BonsaiFeb 2005

ALL THE USUAL EVENTS • VENDORS • EXHIBIT • AUCTIONS

• DEMONSTRATIONS • WORKSHOPS

FRIDAY CLUB NIGHT:July 1, 7:00 TO 10:00 PM

*** CLUB DEMO ***

All clubs & study groups are eligible.

*** INDIVIDUAL DE M O ***

All BSF members are eligibleTo enter - Email:

[email protected], or

[email protected] by the Bonsai Societies of Florida:

For additional information, contactBSF 2005 Conventionc/o Delilia Callahan

7185 Bridle PathSt. Cloud, FL 34771

407/892-9860

Email: [email protected]

Bonsai2 0 0 5

“Simplythe Best”

July 1st – 4th, 2005

Featuring:JERRY MEISLIK

BEN OKICHASE ROSADE

&MIKE CARTRETT

ERNIE FERNANDEZMARY MADISON

JIM SMITHED TROUT

JIM VANLANDINGHAM

At The RADISSON HOTELCape Canaveral, FL

A Y o u t

h

W o r k s

h o p

S a t u r d a

y M o r n

i n g

9 : 0 0 a m

t o N o o n

P L U S

Visit our web-site at: www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.hmtl

Bonsai Societies of Florida

2005 Annual Convention

PLUS

i/2 ii/2

http://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.html


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M E M B E R S H I P

OFFICERS:

President (See Page 1)

1st Vice President Open2nd Vice President Gene Callahan

Treasurer Ed Lippencott

Assistant Treasurer Dave Bechtold

Corres. Secretary Vladimir Foursa

Recording Secretary Carol McKinney

Past President Louise Leister

Trustees:Dist. 1 Lynn Fabian

Dist. 2 Steve Chapman

Dist. 3 Ray Malin

Dist. 4 Stan Orsolek

Dist. 5 Al HarnageDist. 6 Judy Gore

Committees:

Archives Open

Education Ray Malin

EPCOT/BSF Peter Wood

Membership Tammy Malin

Publications/Editor: Dick Miller

Speakers Stan Orsolek

Internet:

Web Master: Tom Zane

The Bonsai Societies of

Florida shall provide, for

the various bonsai societ-

ies, clubs, study groups, andbonsai related organizations

having various names, a state-

wide organization to deal with

common issues and needs, and

to support their programs.

Individuals acquire BSF mem-

bership as members of a local

Member Club.

Other memberships include:

Member-At-Large,

Member Organization At Large,

Donor Membership, or

Special Life Membership.

For membership information

contact your local club, the BSFweb site, or:

Tammy Malin

Membership Chair

PO Box 12124

Fort Pierce, FL 34979-2124

Email for information:

[email protected]

BONSAI SOCIETIES OF FLORIDA

PURPOSE OFFICERS/TRUSTEES &

COMMITTEES

M A G A Z I N E C O V E R

Like buttonwoods? Take a good

look at the front cover. This is typi-

cal of the coastal lands throughout

the keys, a very harsh and ravaged

land–where buttonwoods fight to

exist. This picture is from a slide

provided by Mary Miller.

As usual pictures donʼt give us the

full impact of the subject. There is more

information in the buttonwood article.

iii/3 iv/3

Miami Show Report ......................

Convention: Youth Program ..........The future of bonsai

American Hornbeam .....................A truly great bonsai species

Interview .........................................Mary Madison

Sincerely ........................................The Wigertʼs story

What Bonsai Means To Me ............

Lisa Batzʼ story

Buttonwood .....................................Florida’s great bonsai, a compilation

Morikami Museum .........................Lot of things going on

40 /24

39 /23

CLUB

ACTIVITIES

48 /28

37 /22

47 /27

47 /27

President’s Page .............................A word to our members

C

O N

T E

N T

S

BSF Goes To Prison For 20 Years ..A n amazing story

Bonsai Exhibit ...............................Everyone get in the act

Kawa’s Joy Of Bonsai Report ........

Azalea, Tallahassee, &

Tri-Cities Clubs Shows Info ...........

West Palm Beach Shows Info ........Treasure Coast’s Heathcote ..........

Southwest Florida Show Report ...

CONVENTION

INFORMATION

FEATURED

RTICLES

SPECIAL

FEATURES

47 /27

36 /22

8 /8

28 /18

24 /16

9 /8

1/4

50 /29

7 /7

3 /5


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for another great time.

Everyone enjoyed the

facilities last year so

much we elected to meet

there again this year. Our

committees are working

hard to make this conven-

tion as memorable as last

year–in fact they are committed to

have “Simply the Best” convention

ever. The Radisson hotel at Cape

Canaveral has wonderful facilities

with lots of rooms–all at reason-

able rates.

A black and white printed ver-

sion of the magazine is provided

to members of the Bonsai Societ-

ies of Florida.

It is also available to them in

full color by downloading fromthe BSF web site:

There is a version for printing a

booklet, and another one for read-

ing on the screen.

Be sure you have a current ver-

sion of Adobe Reader available free

on the first “Publications” page.

FLORIDA BONSAI

444 MUIRFIELD DR.

ATLANTIS, FL 33462-1206

Editor:

Richard M. Miller

[email protected]

President:

Gene Callahan

7185 Bridle Path

St. Cloud, FL 34771

[email protected]

FLORIDA BONSAI is the

official publication of the

Bonsai Societies Of Florida.

It is published quarterly, inFeb., May, Aug., and Nov., and

is provided to each member.

Be sure to visit our web site at:

Web Master:

Tom Zane

[email protected]

ALL ADVERTISING RATES

SAME AS LAST YEAR.

Contact the Editor, noted above,

for rates and conditions.

DEADLINES FOR MATERIAL

& ADVERTISEMENTS:Spring issue . . . . . . . Dec 10

Summer issue . . . . . . Mar 10

Autumn issue . . . . . . .Jun 10

Winter issue . . . . . . . Sep 10

FLORIDA BONSAI IN COLOR

A D V E R T I S I N G

C R E D I T S / T H A N K SThanks to everyone who wrote

buttonwood material in the past.

Also, the buttonwood pictures as

well, from many sources.

The photos of the Miami Fairchild

event by Larry Duke, Mary Miller

and myself, and all who worked so

hard.

Mary Madison, for your time and

indulgence, knowledge and sharing.

Lisa Batz for your sharing.

Joe Day for the info on Hornbeams.

The prison gang, too many to

name (See article).

People who send me information

about your club activities.

Thanks to all the contributors who

make this magazine interesting–to

create.

http://www.bonsai-bsf.com

http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/color_cy.htm

WORDS TO

BSF MEMBERS

by Gene Callahan

As second vice presi-

dent, I regretfully report

to you our president andfirst vice president have

resigned a couple months early

for personal reasons. You can be

assured there are no issues, and the

remainder of the board continues

in place doing their jobs.

According to the BSF By-Laws,

the presidential mantel in this situ-

ation falls on the second vice-pres-ident. I accept this responsibility

and will endeavor to fulfill the po-

sition as outlined in the By-Laws.

I ask for your support to keep

BSF moving toward the scheduled

elections this spring. At this time a

nominating committee is preparing

a ballot for consideration by the

Board of Trustees of BSF. By thetime you get this issue of Florida

Bonsai the board will have had

a routine annual winter meeting

scheduled for Jan 22, 2005 and

will have approved a ballot to be

submitted to your club by March.

As my other “hat” is Chairman

of the 2005 Convention, I want to

personally invite you to our gettogether on the July 4th weekend

Bonsai Societies of Florida2005 CONVENTION

Bonsai2005

“Simply

the Best”

Featuring

JERRY MEISLIK

BEN OKI

CHASE ROSADE

&

MIKE CARTRETT

ERNIE FERNANDEZ

MARY MADISON

JIM SMITH

ED TROUTJIM VANLANDINGHAM

July 1st – 4th, 2005At The RADISSON HOTEL

Cape Canaveral, FL

v/4 1/4

http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/color_cy.htmhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2005/2005.htmlhttp://www.bonsai-bsf.com/color_cy.htmhttp://www.bonsai-bsf.com/


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See MARY page 4/6 >

AN INTERVIEW:

Almost everyone

knows Mary . . .

“Queen of the

Buttonwoods”

Madison-or dothey? She always

seemed kind of

quiet and private

to me–who knew

little of her, and

met her about once

a year. I thoroughly enjoyed this

interview, the first time I really

talked to her–and about herself. I

have never seen her look better.

Ed: What made you get involved

with bonsai?

MM: As a child I grew a lot of

plants because there was nothing

else to do; there were no other kids

around our neighborhood when I

was young.

Ed: Where were you young?

MM: I was born in Homestead

in 1929, about 3 miles from myrecent house.

Ed: Most of us cannot even begin

to appreciate what most of Florida

looked like in 1929, much less

Homestead.

MM: It wasn’t much. My Father

was an auto mechanic and we lived

in the middle of nowhere.

Ed: School?

MM: In 1942 we moved to Miami,

where I attended

Miami Senior

High School.

Ed: Then?

MM: When I

graduated, in 1947,

I had a scholarship

to the U of M, as acheerleader.

Ed: And, did you

cheer?

MM: Well, before

entering the

University, in September, we had

a hurricane. My neighbors were

having a hurricane party and I

was home alone. Someone came

knocking at my window and finally

got me to come over to join them.

It turns out that hurricane

prevented me from being a

Hurricane – Cheerleader.

Ed: How was that?

MM: That man who was banging

on my window was none other

than the future father of our

children, and my soul mate for thenext 56 years, T.J. (Troy James)

Madison.

Ed: That sounds exciting.

MM: Only for the two of us. It

was a whirlwind, or should I say

hurricane romance because we got

married the next year. You might

say my parents were less than

happy about it.

Ed: What was T.J. doing?

Some words from the Editor:

It is rewarding to work with such

great people who give a lot to enhance

your hobby–bonsai. The credit block

lists some, but not all the people who

make this job interesting and enjoy-

able.

You may have heard before, Tom

Zane and Alan Gouldthorp are my two

constant consultants who keep my

stuff reasonably readable–month after

month.

Gene Callahan, is an example of a

dedicated member of BSF who steps

in where there is a need and takes the

assignment–no matter how tough.

What good is a magazine of an organi-

zation that doesnʼt care or canʼt func-

tion. When we had no convention,

no volunteers for 2005, Gene stepped

up and said he would do it–just as he

finished doing the 2004 convention.

With no exception, all past General

Chairmen have said it was fun, but

once was enough.

If that isnʼt enough, unavoidable

events unfold that cast Gene into the

presidency two plus years earlier than

he may have planned.

I can say thanks here, but you need

to make a special effort to thank him.

You cannot know the really big con-

tributors, unless you have this job, or

serve as Treasurer of BSF. The really

big ones are our advertisers!

If you value this magazine, if you

want it to continue, check out the adver-

tisers and let them know with a very big

thank you. Without them we would have

raise the dues about $8 per person per

year or chuck this magazine.If you really want them to keep the

magazine coming BUY SOMETHING

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS then your

“thank you” will mean something to

them.

If you donʼt believe me, we just lost

one advertiser because you didnʼt buy

from him. Believe it.

These are business people, and if they

donʼt increase sales, why would they

advertise. If you want to do anything

to help your editor, corner every retailer

you meet and tell them to get with it.

The ones who donʼt are getting a free

ride paid by the ones who do advertise.

Magazines with bonsai knowledge, in-

formation and things that give you ideas

increase their sales even if they donʼt

know it. If they know you will only buy

from advertisers they might get the hint.

Do yourself a favor. This year at the

convention take the above advice; first

thank our advertisers, and then let the

others know where you make your pur-

chases–and why.

Enjoy . . . .

Dick

MARY MADISON

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See MARY page 6/7 >

MM: T.J. was studying architecture

and working part time for an uncle

in the glass and mirror business.

He saw an opportunity and began

the famous Madison Glass and

Mirror company. Of course when

he quit the U of M for this, my

parents were, let’s just say a bit

anxious for us.

Ed: What did T.J. do before that?

MM: Navy. Lucky for me (and

him) the Japanese kamikaze that

hit the destroyer he served on–

missed him.

Ed: What did you do after High

School?

MM: I worked for Investor

Diversified Services for six years,

and then quit in 1953 to start our

family. From then on I kept house

and worked for T.J. in his business

until he sold the business and

retired around 1984.

Ed: Family?

MM: We have two daughters,

Terry and Melinda, three

grandchildren and one great grand

baby.

Ed: Do they live nearby?

MM: Jimmy and Terry (Lehman)

live with me; their child, my

grandchild lives in Homestead

with our great grand baby; Melinda

lives in Kenai, Alaska with two of

our grandchildren. Considering

the distance we see pretty much ofeach other.

Ed: All those years way down south

of Miami; what made you leave?

MM: T.J. and I decided to make the

change shortly before he got sick.

We decided to try a new area of

Florida.

Ed: But, Highland County?

MM: We looked first near LaBelle.

That fell through, and my son-in-

law found this place. He never even

looked inside. After I checked it

out we made a proposal. Then T.J.

got so sick, and

everything was

chaos. Shortly

after he died the

people bought our

house and closed,

so I had to get

out. The day we

closed, I got in the car and rushed to

Sebring and closed this house-what a

whirlwind.

Ed: What got you interested in

bonsai?

MM: I loved to draw and paint–still

do. I always loved art, and I was

planting things since I was a child.In 1972 I saw an ad in a newspaper

about a bonsai meeting at Ponce de

Leon High School. I went and never

missed a meeting for a long, long

time.

MM: At the Miami club I met

Myna Hutcheson, Barbara Poglish,

Bill Zigler, and Bob Roslen. Weremained friends for a long time.

Then I met Joe Samuels in 1974

at a California convention no less.

We worked together at the ‘75

convention on Miami Beach and

have been great friends since.

Ed: Sounds like one heck of a start.

What was your greatest inspiration?

MM: That would have been when

I met the Japanese delegation

and received my greatest thrill–in

bonsai. After Joe and I were

asked to join the Nippon Bonsai

Society I got to know John Naka,

and Mr. Masakuni. We were

great friends. John Naka and Itraveled all over Japan and China

together. I really miss him.

The thing that was such a thrill

was, in about 1976 the five elite

masters of the Mego Kai, in

California became interested in

my buttonwoods. They named

my buttonwood “Senryu” the“Mystical Dragon”. I was the first

Caucasian woman ever accepted

and so honored by them.

Ed: What are some of the offices

you have held in Florida bonsai?

MM: I have served as President,

Vice President, and on the Board

of the Miami club for many years;

Secretary of BSF when Joe was

President. I was on the Board of

> MARY from page 3/5

A new intersectionin Sebring.

A New Beginning; In Sebring

Everything Needs A Lot Of Work

More Stands Over There, ShelvesThere, And A Koi Pond Here . . .

4/6 5/6


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Directors of ABS for many years in

the 70s, and the Board of Directors

of BCI in 2002.

Ed: That was very impressive.

What’s next?

MM: I plan to keep doing what Ihave always done–lots of bonsai.

Now I have a new challenge. As

you can see with this house I have

to start from scratch with all my

stuff from Homestead. I will get

this yard fixed up, add a koi pond

and have a nice collection again. I

am having trouble getting used to

digging and not finding limestone

under the topsoil. All this sand is

too easy.

Ed: That should keep you busy.

Anything new?

MM: I have been invited to do

buttonwood demonstrations

around the country, the state, and

next March in Winnipeg, Canada.

Darned if I know how they willget buttonwoods there, into the

country, but if they can–I will.

The only bad news is the absence

of a bonsai club. I am about 100

miles from Sarasota, Brevard,

Tampa, Port Charlotte, Ft. Myers,

Ft. Pierce, and probably a couple

other clubs. Not too tough to visit,

but the dickens to go to every

month. I guess I will have to be a

BSF “Mary At Large” member.

by Lisa Batz

I have read this

article in every issue

of Florida Bonsai

with a great deal

of interest, telling

myself that I willwrite “my story”

one of these days.

Then Dick wrote a

little reminder note

saying he knew

someone out there had something

to write about. Well, Dick, you are

right. I do have a story to share.

My story starts in October of

2002 when I was diagnosed withbreast cancer during a routine

mammogram. My life went onto a

dramatic roller coaster ride, which

I knew would change me forever. I

always loved gardening and being

outdoors because it was

the time I felt so much

at peace and relaxed,

and close to God. After

my many surgeries,

bilateral breast removal

and reconstruction with

cancer metastasis, I knew

my gardening days would

have to change, just as I

had had to change.

Life was not easy to face, a long

road of chemotherapy, radiation,and waiting. I have a wonderful

supportive

family and

many caring

friends

all whom

surrounded

me with love,but I needed a

time with my

“garden life.”

“Garden

Life” to

me was reflective, spiritual, and

fulfilling; yet, I could do very little

with my physical body. Everybody

suggested read, write, rest, but I

found no solace in any of these.Then, I saw an advertisement for

bonsai classes at the Morikami

Museum. My husband Jim agreed

to drive me. Classes began in

February 2003. Vlad Foursa was

the instructor. For 6

weeks it was the best

therapy I had found. Godhad answered a prayer.

I knew I was meant to

be there after the first

class and reading the

book “Introduction to

Bonsai” by Thomas Zane.

The book explained

the philosophy of this

wonderful Oriental art.

“The scalene triangle, one in

What Bonsai Means To Me

God had answered a prayer. I knew I was meant to be there after the first

class and reading the book “Introduction to Bonsai” by Thomas Zane.

See WBMTM page 26/17 >

> MARY from page 7/6

DRAGON TREE BONSAI NURSERY

Pre-Bonsai: Collected or,

Nursery Grown Classes Club Tours

Workshops Demonstrations

The casual nursery. Stroll aroundat your pace-no pressure.

Enjoy! Happy to see you.

Robert Pinder 3663 S.W. Honey Terrace772/418-7079 Right Next to Turnpike Exit #133, in Palm City

“Garden

Life” to me was reflective,

spiritual, and

fulfilling; yet, I

could do very

little with my

physical body.

6/7 7/7


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kind of locality they grow in, and a

lot worse. These buttonwoods areexposed to tidal seawater, extreme

sun, and most of the hurricanes

that enter the Gulf of Mexico.

The species:

Buttonwood is

known to grow 50-60

feet high, absolutely straight up. It

didn’t get the name Conocarpus

erectus by growing the way we

know them from the keys. In theestuarine areas of the Florida Keys,

where they are found gnarled,

twisted,

and

dwarfed,

they are

only

two to

ten

feet

high, often much less. Consider

See BUTTONWOOD page 14/11 >

American HornbeamCarpinus caroliniana

by Joe Day

Here is a truly magnificent

tree, worthy of being a bonsai

in everyone’s collection. An

American hornbeam has a trunk

and nebari like no other tree. The branching and leaf structure is a

bonsai artist’s dream.

If you can’t find one in a nursery,

you’ll have to collect your own.

Collect your hornbeam shortly

after the last average frost date for

your area. When you find what you

want, cut the top off so the trunk is

two-thirds the final desired height.

Make a flat cut straight across witha sharp saw and seal

immediately. This is

very important. I use

an exterior white glue.

Dig the hornbeam

cutting the roots extra

long. As soon as the

hornbeam is out of the

ground use a sharp saw

to cut the roots back.

The final length of the

roots should be two

thirds the width of the

pot it would be placed in for show.

Make the root pad as shallow

as possible by removing any

downward growing roots. Seal the

roots immediately with the same

glue. Place the collected hornbeam

in a heavy plastic bag and seal the

bag with a tie. Preventing moistureloss is critical at this stage. Pot

the tree quickly.

Any lag in time

decreases the chance

of success. Treat the

hornbeam as a large

cutting. Use equal

parts of pine bark,

vermiculite, perlite

and sand. This

mixture drains welland the small pore

space allows the fine

emerging hair roots to stay moist

and grow.

Pot the hornbeam leaving

only the top one third of the root

exposed. After the hornbeam is

tied into the pot cover the roots

completely with sifted pine bark

1/8” to ¼” in size. Only the trunk

Buttonwood ,Conocar pus erectus

by Many Authors

We may not have California

junipers–or Japanese Pines for that

matter–but in Florida we have the

buttonwood, Conocarpus erectus.

It’s a semi-tropical tree that readilymatches the gnarly aged look of

many famous bonsai.

The following is a long article. It

is a compendium of many articles,

papers, and experience with

buttonwoods. (References at the

end of article.) All that material

was folded together and organized

to be used in the care and growing

of this species. I cannot giveanyone credit because I may have

messed it up. I cannot take credit

because little of it is

my material. Many

people ask about

the buttonwoods, and there doesn’t

seem to be a single paper with all

these parts included. Since very

few people have all the issues of

Florida Bonsai that are referenced,

it will now be retrievable from this

issue on the Internet. My reference

for this article is

South Florida.

I have found

through years

of experience,

everything included

here is valid. So here it

is, read with care and

use common sense. Notethe front cover, that is the

See HORNBEAM page 10/9 >8/8 9/8


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of the hornbeam should be seen

coming out of the container. This

will promote new root growth on

the existing roots. Hornbeam roots

are prone to drying and will die-

back if exposed. After the second

See HORNBEAM page 12/10 >

become a mature

bonsai specimen:

• collecting,

• structuring,

• developing,

• refining.

Collecting is

moving the tree

from nature to a

growing container.

Structuring is

making the first

severe cuts to obtain

a trunk line.

Developing is

selecting the apex and branches then

allowing them to thicken correctly

for their location on the trunk.

Refining is the last and life long

process of maintaining the selected

style. This same material undergoesat least two styling processes.

Conceptual styling

is the first session.

Your first cuts are

based on what you

think the material can

become. After enough

growth has emerged

and continues to growand stays healthy the

second styling session

is due.

Hard styling is the

session when you

remove any extra

branches, multiple

apex growth, selecting

the best branch and the best apex.

Wire the selected branches andapex into their correct position.

The ultimate refinement is a

process of growing and shaping

finer elements after the hard styling

session. Hornbeam can be styled

in many forms. The upright styles

conform to the way a hornbeam

wants to grow. Difficulty starts

with slanting styles and increases

down to cascades. They can beaccomplished but they will require

much more attention to all aspects

of care.

Hornbeam grow best in a soil

mix that drains well but stays

moist. Moisture is critical. You

must seal cuts with a good flexible

bonsai type sealer. I don’t use cut

paste as it can trap moisture under

the sealer causing wood rot. Large

growing season the top 1/3 of

the roots can be exposed by

slowly removing the pine bark.

Place the potted hornbeam in a

location that is out of the wind

but receives good sun. Turn

often to wake up the dormant

buds on all sides. Keep yourhornbeam moist and frost free.

When the growth emerges the

only caution is to not allow

the new branch growth near

the root line to lengthen. If

new growth near the root base

strengthens it will become

dominant causing the new

branches along the rest of the

trunk to weaken and die. Usea solid pure organic fertilizer

around the first of Mayor a controlled release

fertilizer when the first

growth becomes woody.

Careful collecting,

potting and aftercare

should give you an 80

percent success rate.

Material collected

from the wild goes

through four stages to

>HORNBEAM from page 8/8

10/9 11/9


10/31


Return to Contents

cuts heal very slowly, small cuts

heal in a season or two. Any dead

wood in contact with the ground

will rot quickly. Mature

growth on hornbeam is

brittle. Hornbeam will

usually abort damaged branches. If you wire

carefully during the

growing season a cracked

branch might repair and not abort.

Always wire with the correct size

wire and wire with some growth

space between the wire and the

wood. Always allow new growth

to mature to the woody stage

before you trim. This is critical for

back-budding in the spring. If you

prune when the wood is soft the

back budding will be spotty.

Insect problems are few, usually

limited to chewing insects that

can be eliminated with any mild

insecticide. Daconil fungicide

used at the correct rate during the

summer will prevent any fungus

Visit our web site:

On the web based color issue, you can click theweb site for direct access.

problems. Hornbeam (Carpinus

caroliniana) could be the best

deciduous material in America for

the creation of bonsai.

Collecting makes the cost

most attractive–free.

Joe has many

hornbeams to choose

from-with many opportunities

for styling. He has loads of other

species as well, but this one is

about hornbeams.

You can contact Joe Day atACBSBONSAI@ AOL.COM if

you have any questions about your

hornbeam bonsai.

> HORNBEAM from page 11/9

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11/31


Return to Contents

how many hurricanes, cloudless

skies of burning sun and salt

water baths a 50 to 500 year old

buttonwood experiences growing

in the keys. Large birds perch on

the branches ripping off the bark

with their claws.These trees often grow in two

to four inches of soil on a porous

lime rock surrounded by seawater.

This environment causes these

trees to have very shallow root

systems and the exposed wood

that make buttonwoods so highly

prized as bonsai subjects with

breathtaking movement and

weathered wood.

Styling:

Buttonwood

styles should

emphasize the

driftwood-like

exposed trunk

and branches.

These ancient

and gnarled

trees appear

to barely cling to life, and should

not simply exhibit a full crown of

foliage.

Carving the exposed dead wood

into more rugged or wind-blown

shapes will add interest to the

appearance of trunks and branches.

Rugged and wind-blown shapes

can be dramatic and natural at the

same time–this is the way this

species grows in the wild.

Lime-sulfur applied to the exposed

wood preserves and bleaches it. If

you don’t like it white, darken it

with stains or India ink.

Regardless, the uniqueness of

buttonwoods comes from the wood

and movement not the leaves. The

leaves, often three or so inches long,can be easily dwarfed with proper

rigorous pruning.

A variety of angles and spaces

must be provided in the design to

keep the eye interested in the shape

and give it perspective. Planes

and flat areas are

very important, but

equally important

are blank spaces

that reveal

portions of

the trunk and

branches.

Curves in

the line of

the tree add

character.

The green foliage

should not compete

with or obstruct the driftwood.

Before pruning or carving, let

your imagination look for shapes

of animals or birds, human

movement such as dancing, or lines

of calligraphy and abstraction.

Watch for the implied direction

of movement of the trunk and

branches. Keep the flow/movement

congruent, allow the eye to follow

the “direction” of the tree.

When carving driftwood,

follow the grain-line of the

wood. Carving should go slowly–

mistakes can happen quickly.

Pots should be unglazed

and earthen to emphasize and

compliment the above features.

Once you experience the way buttonwoods respond to bonsai

styling, you will want more. Good

skills and perseverance will reward

you with a magnificent bonsai that

is hard to match anywhere.

Pruning:

To develop more tightly packed

leaves cut them severely. Cutting

the petiole half way between the branch and the leaf is the most

effective method. This demands

a new leaf to replace it, causing

abscission of the remaining petiole

stump. Leaving

a portion of

the petiole on

is important

because it

protects the

itinerant leaf bud at the base

of the leaf. When the leaves are

replaced, the new foliage will be

smaller. As new leaves develop let

them grow out to about five pairs

of leaves, then cut off the three end

leaves including the apex.

Unless the tree is weak, never

leave a portion of the leaves on–

cutting off only a portion. It slows

down new leaf production, and looksterrible. These shortened leaves will

not abscise and fall off.

Never leave the apex on, unless

you want the branch to get longer

and fatter before developing

secondary branches. The apex

growth encourages longer internodes

and less leaves or secondary

branches.

It should be noted that with fewexceptions the leaves closest to the

preceding branch are smaller than at

the end of the branch. Saving these

small leaves while

encouraging new small

leaves will shorten

development time and

improve the product.

Another important

factor in the design of buttonwoods is the


> BUTTONWOOD from page 9/8

Cut herelike this . . .

NOT this . . .

To get this . . .

You wonʼt

find a juniper or pine

with better potential

14/11 15/11


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Return to Contents

length, intervals and thickness of

branches. Shorter stubby branches

denote a tree of great age.

Determine the purpose for the

pruning; to shape the tree, for

branch growth, leaf reduction or

foliage production. Rememberapical dominance will abscise the

lower leaves, and the heavy top

foliage growth will shade lower

leaves and they will die.

Choose the proper leaf to locate

the branch cut. For a downward

directed branch cut to a downward

growing leaf. The same for upward

or side growth. The next branch

comes out of the branch at the leafyou left on–and in that direction.

To prune for leaf size reduction,

constantly cut back to a single

leaf or two after allowing a twig

to grow to five sets or so. Always

prune all branches. Any branches

left uncut will divert energy

from the rest of the tree, thereby

growing faster at the expense of

the pruned branches.To prune for thicker and more

tapered branches, cut all the leaves

off and leave the apex on.

Pruning must be done

continuously. Don’t let the tree go

for more than a few days between

these sessions. Not only must it

be done often, but it must also be

done over a few years! You will

see the marked results in a fewshort months. In two to three years

it will have reached a density of

branches that is quite impressive.

All of the above must be

performed within the framework

of your artistic goal with the tree.

Sketches are essential in this. This

is not to say that a change may not

occur in your original conception, but sticking to a goal will minimize

wasted energy on your part as well

as your trees.

Wiring:

Frequent wiring will be required.

Wire with care using raffia and

many wraps of wire on large

branches. The branches are brittle

and breakage is common–but not

always catastrophic. Cracks or

splits can be repaired with glue

or wired together until “healed.”

Buttonwoods grow very rapidly and

wire may scar the branches in a few

weeks. Never unwind the wire. You

risk breaking a branch if you do.

Always cut the wire off.

Copper wire has possible toxic

effects on buttonwoods, especially

if it cuts into the bark when left ontoo long. (An old cracker trick for

killing trees was using copper nails

driven into the trunk.)

Soil Types

Many people use organic soils

with perlite. However, soil-less

mixes are becoming more popular.

A soil-less mix has inorganic

components with some pine bark. Common soils have mostly

organic materials plus materials

that hold water such as perlite.

The choice of one or the other

should be made according to your

watering capabilities. The better

draining soils are best–providing

you are vigilant and keep the tree

well watered. Soil-less mixes dry

out faster. The addition of water

holding materials, such as perlite

or volcanic rock, can improve this

shortcoming. Be sure the fine roots

never completely dry out.

In their natural environment,

at low tide, buttonwoods are

thoroughly drained due to the

porous structure of the soil, (lime

rock and sand). Thus the soil-

less mixture is ideal forButtonwood.

The use of lime bearing

materials like coquina

shell provides a soil

similar to the natural

environment.

Substitute materials

are commercial

oyster shell,

lime rock chips,dolomite or any mild form of

calcium carbonate, such as used for

commercial chicken grit.

Like all soil materials, you must

remove the fine materials and dust.

These fine particles in the soil create

a sticky slimy mud that destroys the

ability of the soil to drain. Good

drainage is critical to the health of

any bonsai.

Once established, buttonwood

care and maintenance are generally

easy. They must have full sun.

Potting & Repotting:

Keep in mind, buttonwood

collectors learned that retrieving

substantial portions of the root

system wasn’t necessary. Large

trunks and branches will sprout

roots by placing them in a bucket

of water in full sun. Somewhere

between a few weeks and many

months new roots will emerge.

Even branches broken or cut off

and dying trees can

be revived this

way. Eventually,

there will beenough roots

to plant in

soil. A word

of caution:

the roots are

extremely fragile.

Repotting time

is decision time for

buttonwood since severe

top pruning and root pruningshould be done together, but

not simultaneously. Begin with

fertilizing one to two weeks prior

to repotting in order to fortify the

tree for the rigors of the repotting.

At the same time prune and wire

the tree. Reduced foliage will

demand less from the pruned

reduced root mass. To prepare your

buttonwood for repotting do all the

carving, wiring, painting, and



16/12 17/12


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scrubbing while the tree is firmly

in place in its old soil. Never do

all this when it is vulnerable in the

new pot with new soil and roots

that have not recovered. Let the

tree recover. John Naka often

commented, “One insult at a time.”Then pot or repot before there

is significant development of the

new leaves. This is a good practice

for all bonsai of any species.

Buttonwoods are tough and

you can get away with breaking

this rule. But think about the

interdependence of the roots on the

leaves–especially the apex, and the

leaves on the roots. You can break

these rules if you feel lucky and

the tree isn’t worth much.

Repotting must be performed if

the tree is extremely root bound, or

the drainage is inhibited.

Only pot buttonwoods during

the warmest months. The night

temperature must be at least 70

degrees F.

Remove the tree from its potand trim the roots. If the roots

are robust, reduce the root-ball

by 1/2, removing large roots plus

some root mass immediately

under the trunk. Feather cut the

root-ball mass so that the terminal

edges of the roots extend outward

horizontally in a graduated plane

going from shorter surface roots

to longer bottom roots. Cut out

three wedges of root mass on

old or pot-bound trees, leaving

empty growing space for future

roots inside the perimeter of the

container. Remove the old soil from

root tips so that new fresh soil will

be available to them. If bare-rooting

should be necessary a forceful spray

from a garden hose can be efficient

if applied carefully so as to not

damage the tender roots. When the

root ball is massive or dense, create

several holes in the root mass near

the trunk to funnel and “chop-stick”

the soil into the area directly under

the trunk. This is a good way to

get soil into a hard to get at critical

area of roots. Likewise, if you

can, turn the tree upside down and

gently massage wet soil into theroot system before placing it on the

mounded soil in the pot.

The root ball often is a solid

mass of fine roots and repotting

could leave you with very little root

system left on the tree. Separating

old soil from the roots will cost you

a large part of the roots system due

to the extreme brittleness of the

roots.The tree must be tied into the

container with four or more tie-

down wires. Make sure that there

is no movement of the trunk and

roots. Tie-down wires should not

be secured by tying to the root-ball

mass. Instead, the wires should

be attached to the trunk and to the

container in at least four places. The

trunk can be protected from wire

damage by having padding under

the wire at the trunk. A heavy wire

“girdle” with a loop for each tie-

down wire seems to work best.

Gently use your hand to tuck soil

under the roots to assure filling

voids under the trunk before and

after placing the tie downs. “Chop-

stick” the soil into the root mass.Feel for soft spots with your fingers.

Prepare a repotting solution of

1/4 teaspoon Superthrive and one

tablespoon of liquid seaweed (North

American Kelp) to one gallon of

water. Make enough solution to

immerse the potted tree into the

solution to the lip of the pot after

completing the potting. Provide for

spraying to keep the foliage and

exposed roots damp.

Many experts suggest the entire

rooting/potting process be done

using Superthrive to soak the roots,

enhance the potting activities, and

to spray the tree as it emerges from

intensive care. I have never known

of a case of injuring a tree doingthis. I have seen many articles by

equally knowledgeable people

stating that tests prove Superthrive

has no redeeming value. I am not

familiar with the use of seaweed.

When I have the chance I use some

of these potions–what can it hurt.

Besides it stinks, so it must do

something good.

Similar arguments come up



18/13 19/13


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about using root hormones.

Some of the misunderstanding

comes from expecting the root

hormones to enhance the fine

roots, which it does not. Root

hormones encourage adventitious

cells to convert to root cells and

start new roots on the

main roots or trunk.

Don’t expect it to

grow roots on the

proverbial billiard

ball.

Upon repotting

the new root growth

stimulated will create

a corresponding flush of newleaf growth and these leaves will

be much larger in size than the

previous ones.

Do not disturb the roots until the

new buds appear. Use abundant

caution, a full crown of foliage

does not always mean there is an

extensive root system.

Set the tree in a bright shaded

location and water several timesa day. Nothing works better than

placing the tree in a mist watering

system. Five to ten seconds every

half hour or so works miracles on

root development. In late spring it

is not uncommon to see new roots

grow an inch long in less than 14

days. When new leaves begin to

appear, gradually move the tree

into morning sunlight and finally

into full sun.

When the tree has recovered a

general liquid or granular fertilizer

should be applied.

Cold Weather:

In the winter buttonwoods go

dormant so discontinue fertilizing

and protect them if the temperature

drops below

45 degrees F.

If a

buttonwood

gets too

cold, bring

it indoors

and water

it with very

warm water. Discontinue watering

when the water coming out from thedrainage hole of the container feels

warm to the touch instead of cold.

Some people are able to harden off

buttonwoods to accept 40 degrees as

a cut off point. It is found that leaves

maintain a nicer color if 50 degrees

is observed as a limit.

Most buttonwoods look terrible in

South Florida when the nights are

short and the temperature drops into

the 40s, and they do not recover until

the nights stay above 60 degrees in

late February or early March.

Watering:

Heavy watering in the early

morning works best because the

tree can consume the water during

the day. This method accomplishes

four things; one, provides water allday to the leaves to make food; two,



keeps the fine root tips moist to

keep them alive; three, flushes out

gases and materials that starve the

roots and kill the good bacteria;

and four, sucks in oxygen for those

good bacteria in

the soil. On windy

sunny days when the

humidity gets low

a buttonwood can

require watering two

to three times a day.

Fertilizer

During the

growing season

fertilize with liquid

fertilizer at least

monthly. Using halfstrength fertilizer

every two weeks

is more effective

because the tree gets

a more uniform application and it

does not go from “feast to famine.”

Use a high nitrogen fertilizer for

fast leaf growth (i.e., Rapid Grow

23-19-17).

Likewise it is good to have agood slow release fertilizer with

the minor elements available at

the same time (i.e., Dynamite or

Osmacote.)

Insects:

Very few pests attack

buttonwoods, but occasionally a

beetle or worm attacks the leaves.

Sevin is the answer to treating

insects on buttonwood. If you have

scale, it depends on what kind it is.

SAFER makes insecticidal soaps

that control most scale. Try one of

these first so you don’t have to resort

to the heavy-duty stuff. Do it once

a week for about

two months to

make sure that

you get them all.

Some insects

can be treated

with alcohol on a

cotton swab.

Various

forms of mold

often cover the

branches and

trunk, a result of

so much watering.This is a subtle

but significant

detriment

to healthy

buttonwoods. A good practice is

brushing with a stiff brush followed

by a hose jet to blast these materials

off. Periodic mild soap spraying will

deter mold from forming.

Finally, NEVER use Malathionor Diazinon. The leaves will fall

off within 7 days. On this I am an

expert! If you make such a mistake

flush the buttonwood with water for

an extremely long time. Then flush it

a couple times a day for the next two

weeks. Take the word of one who

did just that. You most likely will

still lose the leaves, but be patient

and keep flushing. I got lucky.

Buttonwoods grow in

some TOUGH real estate!

4 0 0

Yrs Old

20/14 21/14


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Propagation:

There are two basic means of

propagation used to reproduce

buttonwood: classic air layers and

cuttings.

Air layering is always the best

way to propagate a buttonwood,and is no different than any other

species.

Cuttings may be rooted in water

or soil. A liter soda bottle makes a

perfect mini greenhouse for them.

Remove the black bottom of the

soda bottle, cut the rounded bottom

from the bottle, place a rooting

medium in the black part, place

the cuttings, replace the top of the

bottle and set in a dish of water for

a few minutes. The plastic bottle

maintains high humidity and the

cuttings should root in a few weeks.

All of these actions should be taken

during the hot months of the year.

Remember, when you want to cut

off that awesome beloved branch–

you can always air-layer it and grow

another buttonwood.

DO NOT DESPAIR; should your

buttonwood die, use the beautiful

dead trunk and branches for part of

the next bonsai, as a phoenix graft.

(Good article here “Phoenix

Graph” for some creative person.)

Sources of this material:

Conocarpus erectus, Buttonwood,

Mary Madison and

Jean Waldberg, Vol. V; 2:4

(Reprinted XXII; 1)

Buttonwood Notes,

Harmon E. Wynne, XVII; 3:7

Buttonwood,

Maggie Beyer, XX; 4:6

Buttonwood,

Maggie Beyer, XXI; 1:2

Repotting Buttonwoods,


Design Control of Buttonwood,


Buttonwoods beyond belief!,

Kevin Jeffers, XXIV; 4:22

Buttonwood with scale,

Tom Zane XXVI;3:54

Leaf Reduction,

Luis Fontanills, XXX;2:20

Buttonwood Banzai,

Dr Reggie Perdue, XXX; 4:11

A Collection of Articles About

Buttonwood from Florida Bonsai,

Thomas L. Zane, BSF webpage,

www.bonsai-bsf.com

Photos stolen from prior

articles, including but not limited

to Ed Trout, Mary Madison, the

Morikami Museum & new slides

from Mary Miller.

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16/31


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Look what taking a simple

bonsai class at the Museum can

do – See What Bonsai Means

To Me,” in this issue.

Finally, we got approval for

the introductory

wall (FB Aug

2004) at the

entrance of the

exhibit.

Hopefully,

we can have it

well on the way

by “Fair” time. This is where

we will put the Jim Moody

honorary bonsai to which so

many donated.

To those who haven’t heard,

our mentor and supporter from

the beginning (1978), Larry

Rosensweig, left the Museum.

More news when it comes up.

extra numbers are forthe cruise officers who asked

for the left overs–they too were

taken by our Florida bonsai.

They had fun, I had fun. It

was a great cruise.

We need to keep our eyes and

ears open, anywhere we can

educate and promote bonsai–

BSF members should be there.

F r o m T h e M o r i k a m i

You will

have to wait

until next

issue to see

what Ben Oki does with thisficus. This is a Ben O special.

It is over six feet wide, about

four feet high, and goodness

only knows

what is in that

pile of Green

Island Ficus.

The program is

scheduled for Jan

9, 2005. Check the next issue

for the results.

Be sure to attend the Hatsume

Fair, Feb 27 & 28. The

museum is really opening up

to our programs. They are

providing a large tent for us to

have demonstrations, displays

and a clinic. So many call the

museum for help with their

dying bonsai. Maybe we can

help them. Likewise for thosewho sell materials. It is getting

harder and harder to find a place

to send them to get soil, wire,

pots, and even trees.

The Morikami sponsored

a bonsai cruise in November.

Twenty-four green island

ficus were taken aboard the

Crystal Serenity cruise ship.

After a 45 minute presentation,

passengers drew

names for 23

passengers to take a bonsai

course given by your editor/

Morikami bonsai curator.

As you can see from the

smiles on the faces of some of

these passengers, we have about

30 new bonsai converts. The

24/16 25/16


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which no two sides or angles are

equal, is prominent in much of the

Oriental art and philosophy and

is often equated to Heaven, and

Man and Earth.” Bonsai, I learned,

is an unbalanced, asymmetrical

design. Isn’t that just about how I

felt! I could work with my plants,

trees, and flowers, with help, but

in a new light. I scheduled my

chemo appointments and doctor

visits around

my classes. For

my birthday I

asked for a set

of bonsai tools.

I invested

in pots, pre-bonsai plants,

soil and wire.

Wiring was a

challenge as

was the ability

to use some of the tools. There

were many limitations with my

arms, as I had bilateral surgeries,

lymph node dissections which

resulted in pain and swelling in the

arms and chest.

During those classes I learned

enough to be very inquisitive and

attempted to save many a pre-

bonsai planting. A friend gave me

an “Albertson’s special”; a little

juniper that was destined for sure

death. I remember Vlad helping me

re-pot the little guy. He told me it

would probably not survive, it was

nearly dead and the wrong time of

year to be re-potting junipers. I put

that little tree in the “intensive care

ward” at home. It was my first, and

only evergreen bonsai. Just as I was

struggling I knew I could keep that

little tree alive. I am happy to say;

today it is well–alive and growing.

Bonsai gave me a focus other than

my cancer and pain. A whole new

world opened up to me. Now, I look

at every tree and plant in a whole

new light.

One of

my fondest

memories

was the day

I stopped by

Jupiter Bonsai.Carolyn and

Allen always

made me

feel welcome

and special,

regardless of how busy they

were. Much to my surprise there

was a workshop in progress with

many great bonsai masters. I was

searching for some lime-sulfur and adish to do some raft planting.

I still need that lime sulphur by

the way! Ben Oki was there and

he offered to style my tree. I was

almost speechless, and then he

even made a pencil drawing of it!

It is one of my most prized bonsai

possessions. The tree is still living,

I am happy to report, but it has

outgrown it’s wiring and I had toremove it. Just this last month I

took that tree to our bonsai club

for help. Thank you club members

for always opening your hearts

and making time to nurture each

new bonsai enthusiast, regardless

of their numerous and inartistic

questions.

Last July, Jim and I had a bonsaienthusiast’s–

maybe just a

horticulturists

dream come

true, we

traveled to

Costa Rica for

two weeks.

This trip offered by the Mounts

Botanical Gardens was advertised

in a brochure on the back tableat bonsai club meeting. (Bonsai

clubs are full of information.) The

planned tour was cancelled, so Jim

and I made our own adventure.

It was two weeks of botanical

paradise. One of my greatest

pleasures was seeing some of my

little bonsai trees, growing to full

height, 60 ft., with families of

howler monkeys swinging from thebranches.

Each month Jim and I attend

the Bonsai Society of the Palm

Beaches meetings together. It

is such a joy to be among such

genuine people. I have been able

to accumulate some good bonsai

material as well. There are many

events; and each event I am able

to attend has been a gift. I attend a

monthly breast support meeting at

Jupiter Medical Center and I have

shared my secret cancer therapy,

“bonsai”. Did you know that

Jupiter Bonsai generously donated

a beautiful fukien tea bonsai for

the fund-raising tea we had last

year for our support group? My

mother purchased the tree, only to

make me

the proud

owner.

The event

raised over

$17,000

for breast

cancer to

be used right here in Jupiter at the

Cancer Center.

I do not know that I will everbe a great bonsai master, but I

continue to nurture my little trees.

I still believe that working on my

little trees and sometimes just

talking to them is the best therapy

on this Earth. I am sure Heaven is

full of many beautiful bonsai trees

and many great masters.

Heaven

Man

Earth

I look forward to whatever I can

learn, for only God knows the

form my life’s “scalene triangle” will

take.

> WBMTM from page 7/7

Lisa Batz

November 2004

26/17 27/17


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See BARS page 30/19 >

BY T HE

BO NSAI SOCIE TIES

OF F LOR I D A

In January 1984 some folks,

unaware of what others were

thinking of, met and were

to produce one of the most

meaningful meetings that has been

a part of bonsai in Florida. The

meeting was covered in FLORIDA

BONSAI , XIV-1, by Edna

Hindson, a founding member of

Taki Bonsai Society of Lake City.

The members of Taki

had made a visit in 1983 to

the Horticulture Division

of the Union CorrectionalInstitution in Raiford,

Florida. In touring the

Greenhouses (12) they

discovered there was one

that was devoted entirely to

the training of Bonsai. The

other eleven greenhouses grow all

of the ornamental plants that are

shipped to all of the offices of the

State of Florida.Some of the inmates under the

guidance of their Supervisor, Mr.

M.B. Jordan had been working on

the bonsai for years. Mr. Jordan

had encouraged the bonsai effortsof the men. He felt that he could

help them to better their knowledge

of God’s creation and they would

be better able to return to society

and be a better person. Statistics

show that prisons that have

Horticultural Divisions have ZERO

RECIDIVISM in prisoners paroled

from that section. What does that

say for horticulture and BONSAI?!

Taki Bonsai Society began to

think of a way to make a link with

the prison and the local bonsai

group. As luck would have it, the

Speaker’s Bureau of BSF, which

Jean Smith chaired, had an open

day in the vicinity of the prison

during the Ben Oki tour. Jean called

Ben and asked him, “How would

you like to go to prison?”

After an explanation he was veryenthusiastic! The BSF

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28/18 29/18

http://jimsmithbonsai.com/http://jimsmithbonsai.com/


19/31


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Board agreed, and Edna got the

prison permission. We might add

everything has fallen into place for

Ben Oki and the U.C.I. BONSAI

CLUB for 20 years!! The prisoners

say it is their very BEST DAY!

The first year Ben accepted a

check for his workshop fee, but

for the next 19 years he has not

accepted ANY money!! Any Bonsai

Master would be delighted with

the rapt attention that the men

at U.C.I. display when a teacher

comes. Ben’s prison workshop is

usually 9 to 5 with 30 minutes out

for lunch. Every visit usually starts

with a demonstration or slidesfollowed by a long workshop with

every man a hands-on participant

(about 20). The Speaker’s Bureau

was never charged for Ben’s

transportation to the prison. Clubs

along his route, usually the Florida

Panhandle, moved him along in

their automobiles from Ft. Walton

to Tallahassee. Harold Harvey and

others meet him at the prison, works

all day and at the end of the day

takes him south to Orlando and to

his next club date. Duane Clayburn,

the founder of the Tallahassee club

was another great helper until he

moved to North Carolina.

In the beginning they had no real

bonsai pots, or wire or tools

and only a small amount ofliterature.

They went to the “tin shop”

to make the containers. Many

bonsai people have since

donated these materials. As you

can imagine the prisoners really

do appreciate it!

In 1991 the men in the UCI

Bonsai Club were given the task

of digging up a large hedge of podocarpus that had been in the

hedgerow for 45+ years. We knew

that the World Bonsai Convention

would be coming to Orlando in

1993 and BSF would be hosting

it. Harold Harvey was the General

Chairman and Jean Smith was

Chairman of Workshops and

Demonstrations, so she asked if

we could have trees for a Ben Okiworkshop and a demonstration.

The answer was yes. And they were

GREAT!

The prisoners have made a very

attractive bonsai garden right

outside the greenhouses--a carpet

of nice grass, flowering bushes,

benches and pedestals for the

bonsai. A good place to judge which bonsai should go outside to appear

in the annual May Flower Show.

Two prisoners are selected to go

outside during the

Flower Show to

greet the guests

and answer their

questions. One year

the entire May show

was BONSAI!

JUST

REMEMBER

ZERO RECIDIVISM !!!!!

Excerpts from a letter by Mr.

M.B. Jordan:

Let me express first my personal

thanks, then the thanks of all our

prison officials. Our thanks for

someone making it possible.

Now, more details about the classBen conducted! I have 53 years

experience teaching in the field of

agriculture and never have I enjoyed

a class of some eight full hours of

illustration, demonstrations and the

factual presentation of information

about any subject. I sat under some

pretty good teachers at various

times at the University of Florida

and the Louisiana State Universitywhile pursuing my college training

and then in many seminars, short

courses and special subject classes.

Never have I experienced listening

to such an excellent master teacher.

There were some 15 prison

inmates listening and watching

Ben Oki and I’m sure that he and

the three fine lady officers of theLake City Bonsai Club will agree

that these men, of many walks of

life, many degrees of education

levels, and

of several

nationalities,

with only

one thing in

common—they

had all been

convictedof a felony

and all were

incarcerated for a variety of

numbers of years from three to a

lifetime, enjoyed the presentation.

Another thing they had in

common—they were all attempting

to better their knowledge about

God’s great creation, thereby being

better able to go back into society a better person than when they came

to prison.

Only a few inmates have a

sincere desire to accomplish

these kinds of goals and it’s our

responsibility to seek out every

opportunity we can to accomplish

such. This day was indeed a day

we all appreciated and a day that

will long be remembered.


> BARS from page 28/18

30/19 31/19


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To most

inmates,

the days in

prison are

long and

dreary, but

all the men

who were

listening to

Ben Oki said the time went too

fast. As one expressed it, “This was

my best day in prison.”

So, since I do not know how to

get a “Thank You” to Ben Oki, I’m

hoping that he will be given a copy

of our “Thank You.”

Gratefully Yours,M.B. Jordan, Supervisor

Ornamental Horticulture Union

Correctional Institution. Raiford,

Florida 32083

The following was published in

FLORIDA BONSAI Vol XIV, No.

1, Winter 1984, by Edna Hindson

So it was that, on January 10,

1984, Ben Oki was given a tourof the numerous greenhouses at

U.C.I., one of which was devoted

entirely to Bonsai. Here he saw

the great variety of plant material,

the numerous styles employed,

and the inmate-made containers

being used. Ben selected a number

of Bonsai to take to the education

building, where he critiqued

and then made refinements on

them. This was followed by a

slide presentation

of his own Bonsai

collection, which

was punctuated by

appreciative “oohs”

and “aahs” from the

audience. The final

part of the program

was his creation of a

three-tree Bonsai.

No audience was ever more

attentive, and none more

appreciative, and Ben seemed to

sense that this was a very special

occasion for everyone in the room,

inside these walls. He rose to

the occasion magnificently, and

produced a presentation which

lasted over eight hours, and which

was truly memorable.

We believe this event could be

a historic and important “first.”

Perhaps other groups will see the

need to give support to prisons,

monasteries, senior citizens’

homes, or such which share our

interest in Bonsai.

Our thanks are due to Jean Smith

and the Trustees for their support,

and to the authorities of U.C.I., and

certain of the inmates, for making

the project possible. Special thanks

are due to Ada Blodgett, our local

president, for her diligence. Above

all, we are grateful to Ben Oki

himself for his outstanding work

before an audience which, perhaps,

has a deeper understanding of the bonsai philosophy than any of us.

And . . .

After

meeting the

Superintendent

and the

Programs

Director, we,

along with a

reporter and photographer from the

Saint Petersburg (FL) Times, were

escorted through security and into

the heart of the institution by the

correctional officer who oversees

the bonsai activities. He is also

responsible for the institution’s

entire horticulture program and

is not trained in bonsai. At thehorticulture shade and green

houses we were met by 11 inmates

whose job in the institution is to

work in horticulture. We’d brought

several bags of bonsai soil, several

plants, some donated pots and

bonsai training wire. We also

had our bonsai tools which were

counted when we went in, when

we secured them for lunch, and

when we went out.

After introductions and tentative

responses from the inmates, Ben

conducted a demonstration on

refinement pruning of junipers.

Some 35 or 40 juniper bonsai

candidates were viewed and Ben

discarded those without bonsai

potential. We then started the

hands on activities. As the inmates

gained more confidence in working

with the plants,

conversations began

and before the end of

the day we were being

given the highest

accolade an inmate

gives a supervisor,“Boss”. Just before

the noon head count

and lunch break, Ben did another

demonstration.

After lunch we demonstrated

repotting procedures and the

hands on learning began, again

tentatively. And again, as self

confidence built, the pace of work

increased, basic instruction was

replaced with advice and consent,

and some 25 junipers were

repotted.

There were a couple of Ooops,

but all without exclamation points;

no real lasting damage was done.

Two instances come to mind. An

inmate was refinement pruning

and wiring a tall slanting juniper

bonsai. I gently bent two upper

branches downward and askedhim if he thought it looked more

tree-like that way. He agree. I said,

“OK, I’ll get some wire”. When I

came back he’d cut off one of the

branches and was poised to lop off

the second one. Ooops. We worked

around it, but he learned what it

meant to wire rather than cut.

In a second instance two inmates

were working on repotting a


> BARS from page 31/19

32/20 33/20


21/31


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A Youth Workshop

By Gene Callahan

We are adding a youth workshop

to the Convention line up. It will

be a free workshop for youngsters

between the ages of eight and

fourteen. Of course, if there isa mature seven year old who is

capable of using the tools they

will be accepted with the parent’s

permission.

Jim Smith, Jim VanLandingham

and Ernie Fernandez will lead

the workshop, and will show the

entrants how to create a bonsai

and how to maintain it. They will

then be able to take their creationhome and use their newly gained

knowledge to keep their bonsai

healthy and start or enlarge their

collection.

Jim Smith will provide the trees

and twelve applicants will be

accepted for the class. Tools are

not mandatory, but if the entrants

have some they are encouraged to

bring them. Only basic tool are

required, i.e. clippers or scissors,

etc. Convention registrants will be

allowed to watch the workshop the

same as all scheduled workshops.

The workshop will take place

Saturday morning (2nd July) from

9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. The first

twelve applicants will be accepted

for the workshop. This should be agreat opportunity for our youth to

get started in bonsai or to increase

their existing knowledge.

We should all thank Jim

Smith for his interest in getting

the youth involved in bonsai

and for donating the trees for

the workshop. Also, thanks to

Jim VanLandingham and Ernie

Fernandez for assisting him.

Watch for information regarding

a bonsai scholarship coming soon.

To enter your child send an

Email to [email protected] or

[email protected].

Bonsai Exhibitby Judy Gore

Convention 2005 Exhibit.

The BSF Convention 2005 is a

cooperative effort of many clubs,

so we would like all of the clubs

to have at least two bonsai trees in

the Exhibit.

Each club can choose the best

it has to offer. This could be a

fun program for a meeting and

you could have your members

vote for their choices. You could

select at your clubs annual show

or you may wish to have some of

your club “experts” visit various

collections to make their choices.

We will need at least two trees

Meco Bonsai

Mechanical Coordinatorsis now

Meco Bonsai

To relate to bonsai better,

Mechanical Coordinators is now Meco Bonsai. The great products and customer service you’ve

come to expect is staying the same, just our name is changing.

We’re also introducing our brand new website! View all our products and

see what’s new. Check out the “About the Creator” page and see where Roger

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Vi si t us at mechanicalcoordinators.com

then click on Meco Bonsai to see what’s new

Because quality tools mean quality

bonsai.

That’s what we’re about: better bonsai.

from each club but please select

at least 3 or 4 so that we can

choose for a variety for the exhibit.

Depending on the size of the trees

we may be able to use more from

your club.

Let’s make this year’s exhibit

more representative of bonsaithroughout Florida, not just a few

people.

The Bonsai Society of SW FL

is chairing the Exhibit Committee

this year and we will be contacting

the Club presidents as well. If you

have any questions or suggestions

about the Exhibit.

Please contact Judy Gore at: [email protected] Societies of Florida

2005 CONVENTION

Bonsai2005

“Simply

the Best”

FeaturingJERRY MEISLIK

BEN OKICHASE ROSADE

&

MIKE CARTRETT

ERNIE FERNANDEZ

MARY MADISONJIM SMITH

ED TROUTJIM VANLANDINGHAM

July 1st – 4th, 2005At The RADISSON HOTEL

Cape Canaveral, FL

36/22 37/22

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