ClippingsBonsai Volume IV No 12

- President’s Message -

Mother Lode Bonsai Club Monthly Newsletter December 2018

Next Meeting: Saturday, January 5, 2019 - 9 AM to 12:30 PMPlace: San Andreas Public Library, 1299 Gold Hunter Road, San Andreas, CA 95249

Visitors Welcome - For more information call: Richard McKinstry at 209 288 2330

The December club meeting/potluck was most enjoyable and tasty. Members started arriving about 10 AM to set up the tables and arrange the food items. A period of socializing lasted about an hour with season's greetings and reviewing of the past year. We began our feasting about noon and savored the contributions of our great cooks. The shrimp appetizer was c o n s u m e d w i t h g u s t o .  P a u l ' s h u g e roasted turkey and ham was much appreciated as was  Joan's wonderful baked chicken dish.  The salads, side dishes, and desserts were terrific. The addition of several wines helped create the warm ambience all enjoyed.Al though no formal meet ing was scheduled the announcement of the changes to the club bylaws followed the dinner. The major change was the membership's approval of the two-year term for the club officers.

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The club officers for 2019 will be: Club President: Richard McKinstry, .. Vice President: Sonny Cozzo, .. Treasurer: Paul Van Atta, .. R e c o r d i n g Secretary: Barbara O l i v i e r , . . Communica t ing S e c r e t a r y /Membership Secretary: Nikie Hobba, Newsletter Editor/Club

Sensei: Joan Scroggs, .. Website Manager: Carol Fairchild, .. Past President (ex-officio): Bob Dean, .. Members-at-large: Pattie & Dave Thoeny, Barbara Grogan, and  Frank Garcia. Club Publicist: Doug Lau, assisted by Nikie Hobba.

Our Board of Directors will meet on January 5th at 8am in the O a k S h a d o w s meeting room. Please remember t o s e n d o u r newsletter editor, J o a n S c r o g g s ,  articles about your a t t e n d a n c e a t o t h e r B o n s a i events along with p i c t u res . A l so , send your questions and comments about your Bonsai plants, including photos. These are needed inclusions to help make our excellent newsletter a voice of our club. We enjoyed a show and tell by Frank and Nikie. Frank brought his gorgeous Japanese Maple with it's fall adorned leaves and Nikie showed her Strawberry Tree which is native to Mediterranean  countries and is found in many gardens of Sonora.A silent auction of Joan's offerings and a diverse display of items, (many from Joan), was raffled off to happy winners........The focus of the club is on the creation and care of Bonsai along with education of members and the community. Your President, Richard McKinstry

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Raffle Table

To streamline the club meetings for next year, the business part of the meeting will be abbreviated to allow more time for the hands-on workshop assisted by mentors  at each meeting. Members are to bring their plants to each meeting along with questions regarding the i r work . Demons t ra t ions , w i l l be occasionally scheduled. Show and tell segments will be followed by a monthly raffle. Two persons per month wi l l provide refreshments. 

The schedule of the Board of Directors, meeting at Oak Shadows at 8am, is as follows: January 5, April 6, July 6, and October 5.

Field trips and community demonstrations are to be planned. 

The meetings for the mentors will be arranged for times following club meetings about three times per year depending on availability of instructors.

The club meetings will become more aligned to take less time for the business segment and more time for the hands on workshops to be at each meeting. Mentors will be at the monthly workshops to ass is t members when needed.  Some demonstrations will be scheduled  throughout the year. We will continue to hold show and tell and raffle segments.

On the agenda for our January 5th’s meeting, we will be Vince Owyoung presenting a demo on styling, followed by a hands-on free sensei guided membership workshop. Bring a tree or trees to work on or ask question about, and don’t forget to bring a table covering for your work area, your tools and potting accessories.

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- January 2019 Meeting -- Coming Soon -Vince Owyoung will present a demonstration using a Green Mound Procumbens Juniper, as pictured below before re-styling. The tree was donated by Joan Scroggs to the Christmas Party raffle and subsequently won by Kathy Owyoung. The demonstration tree will be included in the later raffle. A free sensei guided membership workshop will follow Vince’s demonstration.......

At the Feb. 2nd MLBC meeting, members can present their bonsai trees in their winter aspects to have a Silhouette Exhibit. The silhouette of a tree, without foliage, shows its ramifications and strength often hidden by their foliage through much of the year. During the meeting a free sensei guided member workshop will be offered.

- February Meeting -

At our January Club meeting a hospitality schedule will be filled in and circulated though-out the meeting.

- Root Pruning -What is it that makes an ordinary plant a “Bonsai”?? Well yes, the styling of the above ground portion of a tree does render itself somewhat conducive to resembling a tree in miniature, however this styling is most likely the least important of procedures you will do in the creation of a miniature bonsai tree. It is however, absolutely necessary in order to create a healthy bonsai to not only style the above ground portion of the tree, but to more importantly maintain a proper root structure for your bonsai. This means that your bonsai must be root pruned, then repotted with new soil every three to five years, depending on the species.

In our area of the Sierra Foothills, root pruning is best accomplished after our first frost from late December through early March, or the very first signs of warming tempters. Tropical plants can be root pruned during their slow growth cycle. All bonsai will benefit from root pruning.  Some species are slow growing, and will not require frequent repotting, while others may need to be repotted and root pruned annually... In very small bonsai containers, many plants species can colonize the pot in a single growing season.Root pruning a bonsai tree is a somewhat delicate process. Remove your plant from its container and proceed to comb out the roots in a radial pattern with a root hook or chopsticks to ensure minimal damage. You will want to sacrifice larger thick roots at the expense of the smaller fine hair roots. These smaller roots are much more efficient at absorbing water and nutrients. When severe root pruning is required to get a nursery plant into a bonsai pot, do not remove more than one half the root mass. Again, serious root pruning should only be done during complete dormancy.The roots should be trimmed so that the root ball will fit into its new container without having to fold or tuck long roots into the pot. Place the root ball on a shallow layer of fresh soil in the pot and proceed to add additional soil into the spaces between the roots with a chopstick.  Lightly press the soil surface and water thoroughly. If root pruning is something that is new to you, I would strongly suggest you have your club sensei help with your first root pruning undertaking.

Bonsai Master and Curator of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, Kathy Shaner plans to lead re-potting workshops at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt in Oakland CA on the dates noted below.  She would appreciate help from volunteers and local California bonsai clubs to prepare soil and do re-potting of the Garden’s trees under her guidance.

Workshop dates are: December 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30th.For 2019:January 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.  

Heavy rains may cancel; call the garden to check on rainy days. 510-763-8409

- MLBC Dues for 2019 -

It’s that time again! 2019 Membership Dues are payable at your earliest convenience. Annual club membership dues for ALL persons so desiring to become members of the Mother Lode Bonsai Club serving in whatever capacity for the calendar year beginning in January of 2019 will be as follows: .. $30 for Single Individual, .. $35 fo r Fami ly Household, and .. $5 for a Single Individual under the age of 18. To remain on the club r o s t e r , p l e a s e make payment no later than March 31. Checks may be made out to the Mother Lode Bonsai Club and mailed directly to the MLBC Treasure, Paul Van Natta, Mother Lode Bonsai Club, 10843 Knoll Dr, Valley Springs CA, 95252, or simply hand your check to Paul or Richard at our next regular meeting.

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- Volunteers Needed For Repotting Project -

1 - Watering - Adjust your watering to a wintertime schedule. Close attention to the watering of your bonsai is very important, however do not over-water; be very careful of root-rot. Be reminded also that even in the wettest of heavy downpours, protected areas under building eves and alike may necessitate additional watering. Now is the time to take the time to prepare your garden for winter. Be very careful to remove all fallen leaf litter from in and around your bonsai trees.2 - Fertilizing -.Your Spring, Summer and Fall fertilizing schedule should have by now been completed, and if winter fertilizing is your thing, then a low to zero nitrogen fertilizer is generally recommend. Do not use Epson Salts as a fertilizer during winter, & do not apply fertilizers to recently repotted trees until at least one month after repotting.3 - Repotting - Now is the time to start with your repotting and root pruning projects into early March, or the very first signs of warming Spring weather.

4 - Pruning/Styling - As with most all trees, avoid very drastic pruning until mid January, however, you may lightly prune excessive growth as necessary. If you have not already pruned, wired and styled your delicate maple trees then be very careful, as excessive bleeding may occur when removing any of their limbs. It is not recommend that you venture into this area after total leaf drop and the overnight temperatures fall to near freezing. If you decide to prune your maples after total leaf drop, then be very sure to have plenty of cut paste on hand, even for the smallest of jobs.In-that there is less circulating sap in most plants during our winter months, now is the time to begin new creative styling for spring, as in these winter months limbs have a tendency to be a bit more pliable. Be very sure to remove all old wire that may be starting to cut into tender bark and limbs.

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This Month’s Bonsai Calendar...

7 - Propagating - Now is the time to root some of your favorite cuttings for new spring growth.

Watch for and treat insect and scale

infestations.

Cage all fruit bearing trees to protect them from night raiding raccoons, deer, opossums & alike.

5 - Insect, disease and critter control - Maintain defensive treatments for fungus....

6 - The Sun - Rotate all trees at least once a month to insure even growth from all viewable angles of the tree, and too, so that they do not grow in just one direction, that is toward the sun’s rays only.

Serving you with your special bonsai needs and supplies............

. . In Angels Camp, Ace Hardware has everything for the bonsai enthusiast. Select from a very fine array of bonsai pots, tools, soils and starter plants.

Rather than getting the short version answer to your questions at meetings, here’s a place where you can get a more concise and comprehensive informational solution that might just help not only yourself, but also others that may have the same question or problem. Perhaps too, you will hopefully have an interesting photo or two of what’s been growing in your garden that you’d like to share. And if, as a member of the MLBC, you are no longer interested in this Q & A portion of your newsletter, then please let it be known, and this “Bonsai Chat” feature will be discontinued.... A silent vote will be counted as a “NOT Interested”, or no vote.

- Meeting Refreshments Calendar -

- Schedule of Meeting Events -Meeting Program Jan 5 - Styling, Vince Owyoung - Membership Workshop Feb 2 - Club Silhouette Exhibit - Membership Workshop

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Jan 5 - Frank Garcia & Richard McKinstry

Solomon's Gardens Nursery  offers over four acres of plants that thrive in the Sierra

Foothills. We have a wide selection of both rare and c o m m o n p l a n t s p l u s thousands of trees to select from that could meet the needs of most any bonsai enthusiast, as well as pots and custom potting soil mixes. Call us at 209 533 9 4 2 5 o r d r o p i n m o s t anytime between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM Monday through Saturday, 18180

Blue Bell E, Sonora, CA. We are closed for most holidays & rainy days.

MLBC - Bonsai Chat -

All members of the MLBC are invited to participate in this very informal Q & A “Bonsai Chat”. Send your correspondence and photo images to Joan Scroggs at: jscroggsktvu@aol.com

Your article or question placed

Here!(Additional space available if so desired)

This space below is yours....

What’s going on in your garden?

Events By Others.....

GSBF’s Bonsai and Suiseki Garden Museum - Lakeside Park, Oakland California - Open: Wed., Thurs., Fri. 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m., Sun. 12:00 noon– 4:00 p.m. Enter at garden gate across from the Boat House. www.gsbf-lakemerritt.org/

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January 19 - 20, 2019 Arcadia, CABaikoen Bonsai Kenkyukai: "Winter Silhouette" the 55th Annual Exhibition, founded by Frank Fusaji Nagata, at Ayres Hall of Environmental Education, Arboretum of Los Angeles County. 301 North Baldwin Avenue. Show hours are from 10 AM to 4:30 PM with a demonstration at 1 PM, both days. The reception is open to friends of Baikoen Bonsai Kenkyukai, Saturday night (6:30-9pm), when the Nagata-Komai Award will be presented to Ted Matson, followed by a giant raffle/auction. Sales area: club and vendor plants, pots, tools and more. For more information contact Lindsay Shiba: shibalindsay@gmail.com or Ken Teh: kenwteh6@gmail.com or visit our website: www.baikoenbonsai.com

February 16 – 17, 2019 Oakland, CAGSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt: The Annual Mammoth Auction and Sale Fundraiser will be held at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Lake Merritt . Saturday: Auction preview at Noon with Auction starting at 1 p.m.. Sunday: Vendor Sales start at 9 a.m.; Plant Sales start at 10 a.m.; Demonstration start at 1 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to submit their bonsai and bonsai related items for consideration

to be included in the Mammoth Auction at the earliest date possible. “Private collections to be featured.” The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt will be open that weekend 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Please find time to visit the Bonsai Garden and observe the many installments under the Garden Revitalization Opportunity (GRO) Project. For more information or to sell bonsai, email bonsailakemerritt@gmail.com and visit http://BonsaiLakeMerritt.com.

Feb. 23 – 24, 2019 San Marino, CABonsai-A-Thon XXIII at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road. This is the annual fundraiser for the GSBF Collection at The Huntington. Event admission is free with Bonsai-A-Thon “early bird” registration between 8 AM - 9 AM. Event hours are 8 AM - 4:30 PM both days. Pancake breakfast, demonstrations, lunch, bonsai exhibits, large sales area, raffle and auction. For more information visit The GSBF Collection at The Huntington.

March 23 – 24, 2019 Oakland, CABay Area Bonsai Associates: 38th Annual Bonsai Exhibition at the Lakeside Park Garden Center , 666 Bellevue Avenue . Show hours are 5 – 9 PM Saturday and 10 AM – 4 PM Sunday. Light dinner at 5 :30 PM Saturday fo l lowed by a bonsa i demonstration by club members from 6:30 to 9 PM. Benefit drawing of demo tree(s). Winning ticket must be present to win. Sales of plants, bonsai, and other bonsai related items both days. Admission is free. Parking fee to the Lakeside Park entrance is required during the park hours. For more information, please contact Janice Dilbeck janicedilbeck@comcast.net

April 6 – April 7, 2019 Sacramento, CABonsai Sekiyu Kai: 42nd Annual show will be held at the Sacramento Buddhist Church, 2401 Riverside Blvd. Hours are 10 AM – 4 PM with a demonstration at 2 PM each day by Yuzo Maruyama. Free Admission. Amenities include refreshments, light snacks, door prizes, raffles and a silent auction. Member and vendor sales of plants and bonsai-related items, as well as a food vendor will also be available. For more information contact Bonsai Sekiyu Kai at bonsaisekiyukai@gmail.com

Mother Lode

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April 27 – 28, 2019 Palo Alto, CAKusamura Bonsai Club: 59th Annual Show, Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road. Show hours are Saturday Noon – 5 PM and Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM with a demonstration at 1:30 PM each day (Saturday's demonstration provided by Sam Adina and Sunday demonstration provided by club members). Free admission. Bonsai trees, pots, and other bonsai-related items will be for sale. For more information contact Charlene Fischer at charlenerae@mac.com or visit www.kusamurabonsai.org.

April 28, 2019 Watsonville, CAWatsonville Bonsai Club: 46th Annual Bonsai Exhibit will be held at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge St. Show hours are 11 AM - 4 PM, with a demonstration by award winning Bonsai Master Katsumi Kinoshita at 1:30 PM. Over 50 outstanding large, small, young and old bonsai will be on display. A raffle of bonsai items, plants and the demo tree will follow. Tea & cookies will be served. Plenty of parking for vehicles of all sizes; even for group outings. Member / Vendor Sales area. For more information contact Michael A n d e r s o n a t ( 8 3 1 ) 2 4 7 - 9 0 2 8 o r margiesmemories@aol.com.

May 4 - 5, 2019 Sacramento, CASacramento Bonsai Club: Annual Spring Show at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Rd. Show hours are 10 AM – 4 PM, with a Sam Adina demonstration at 1:30 PM, both days. Large member sales and vendor areas, free admission and plenty of parking. The benefit drawings both days will include the demonstration tree and many bonsai and bonsai related items. For additional information visit our website: http://www.sacramentobonsaiclub.com or contact Lucy Sakaishi-Judd at (916) 300-8103 or e-mail juddbonsai@att.net

May 18 – 19, 2019 Sacramento, CASatsuki Aikokai Association of Sacramento: 41st Annual showing of beautiful blooming Satsuki azalea bonsai at Shepard Art and Garden Center, 3330 McKinley Blvd. Show hours are Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM and Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM with demonstrations at 1:30 PM both days. “Create your own azalea bonsai” workshop both days at 11 AM (Fee: $20). Raffle, vendors, Satsuki information booth, free parking and entrance.

June 1- 2, 2019 San Mateo, CASei Boku Bonsai Kai: 36th Annual Show at the San Mateo Garden Center, 605 Parkside Way (next to Beresford Park). Show hours are 10 AM - 4 PM both days with demonstration from 1 – 3 PM. Demo tree will be raffled. Large club member plant sale, vendors, door prizes and our always popular raffles. Admission is free. Dr. Bonsai will be available to offer styling and care tips. For more information c o n t a c t M a r s h a M e k i s i c h a t eclectic.gardener@yahoo.com.

Mother Lode Bonsai Club Officers:President -Richard McKinstryrichardwandr@aol.com 209 288 2330Vice President - Sonny Cozzo sonnycozzo@yahoo.comSecretary - Hana McKinstry monkeymommy2@hotmail.comMembership Secretary - Shirley Ulm sulmsafari@gmail.comTreasurer - Paul Van Natta njvannatta@gmail.com

The Mother Lode Bonsai Club newsletter is a monthly publication intended for the enjoyment and educational use for all those persons interested in the art of bonsai.

Editor/Publisher - Joan Scroggs jscroggsktvu@aol.comMLBC Newsletter Contributors: Hana McKinstry Kathy Owyoung Richard McKinstryCopyright © 2018

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And a Very ...

- From the Staff and Management of your MLBC Newsletter. -

Joan Scroggs

Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas ...

MLBC Newsletter Dec 2018 Made on a Mac www.MotherLodeBonsai.org