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2008
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Preparations for the 2008 Flower Show will begin on January 19th at our Flower Show Workshop. We need trees for the PBS exhibit, so if you feel that you would like to participate in the Exhibit, bring a suitable tree. If you just want to observe or help, be sure to come, too. All members are welcome.
Bring a tree to be worked on and prepared for the Flower Show. Also bring whatever tools, wire, etc. that you think you'll need. If you simply have a tree that needs some "help", bring it along and get some advice on styling or refinement, possibly for future exhibits.
Our location for the workshop will be new this year. We'll be at the Greater Plymouth Community Center, which will afford us a lot more elbow room and more tables to work from, as well as more parking spaces. We'll have carts available for transporting trees.
Please join us for a fun and informative workshop.
Date: Saturday, January 19
Exhibit Workshop -
Location: Greater Plymouth Community Center
Time: 10am -1:00 pm
February 15 - Lecture/Demo - Howard McNeal
March 2-9 - PBS Exhibit - Philadelphia Flower Show
April 18 - Lecture/Demo -Graham Potter
December Meeting
Lots of holiday goodies, good friendship, some lively raffles , and a Powerpoint program on winter storage of bonsai, highlighted our December Holiday Celebration. Rosade Bonsai Studio gets our thanks for furnishing (and wrapping) all the great raffle gifts - there were some very beautiful scrolls among the raffle gifts- thanks Chase & Soli!. The wintering program generated lots of questions as well as a good discussion. Congratulations to Alan Slye, who won the full registration to MidAtlantic.
Your registration forms for the 2008 MABS Festival should have arrived. If your form hasn't shown up please let Jim Brant know. If you have any questions about the form, or about MidAtlantic, please contact Jim Brant or Jim Gillespie.
The 2008 MidAtlantic Spring Festival has a new site - The Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, in the Catskills at Kerhonkson, NY. This facility is a full family resort offering pools, golf, spa facilities, restaurants, and other amenities. Hotel rates remain the same as in past years, as does festival registration. The new facility also will allow a larger vendor area with wider aisles and less crowding.
Be sure to mark your calendar now for the 2008 MidAtlantic Spring Festival, April 11-13!! This year marks the 25th anniversary of MABS, and the guest artists are as special as the event - Min Hsuan Lo (Taiwan), Graham Potter, (UK), Michael Hagedorn (USA), and George LeBolt (USA). Each of these talented artists will be conducting lecture/demonstrations, critiques, and workshops during the weekend.
If you are interested in exhibiting a tree at MABS (PBS should exhibit three trees), or donating an item for the Auction, please contact Jim Brant or Jim Gillespie. The Festival is a bit further away than before, but the facility, the friendship, the raffles, the vendors, and the knowledge gained make it worth the trip. We'll have route suggestions in future newsletters - it's a pleasant, very scenic drive.
Happy New Year!
I hope this finds both you and your family (and your trees) in good health.
I welcome the New Year in with yet another year of above normal temperatures (60 deg.). We need to make sure our trees don't dry out. But I love this weather as long as it lasts.
I'm sitting here not watching the Eagles pre-game show and thinking of what could have been of a season which ended too soon. But in only 60 days the Phillies catchers and pitchers report for yet another season.
For our next meeting we will try something New, it will not be at Howard McNeal's, it will be at our normal meeting location in Plymouth Meeting. This meeting will be to work on your tree for the Phila. Flower Show. Look at your trees as you prepare them for winter storage. See Randy Naftal our flower show coordinator about the trees which are needed for the show. Also contact Linda Brant about sitting with our display at the flower show.
Happy Holidays
Mike Marinelli
This is our annual appeal for help with the Flower Show. Linda Brant is always looking for new volunteers to help act as docents for the exhibit. A brief three hour period is all that is needed. Tickets to the Show are provided for you and a guest. We have to cover the exhibit for the entire show, over 90 hours total, so lots of help is needed. Contact Linda by phone (610-948-6380) or e-mail (lbrant@comcast.net) to volunteer, or sign up at the January or February meetings..
As always, trees are needed for our Flower Show Exhibit. Contact Randy Naftal, our Exhibit Chairman, for details.
Over the years, we have had very few cancellations due to the weather, but sometimes we get caught in a storm. If we are faced with a cancellation, the following procedures will take place.
A. If you are on the email list for newsletters - you will receive cancellation notice by email.
B. If you are not on the email list, then check the web site. Cancellation notice will be posted prominently on the home page.
C. If you do not have computer access, a board member will contact you by phone.
D. We will also try to place a notice on KYW radio.
If you are in doubt about a meeting taking place, be sure to check before leaving home.
From Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276)
Take Exit 333 (Norristown old exit 25). At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Plymouth Road. At the light, turn right onto Germantown Pike West. Continue approximately one (1) mile, through five (5) traffic lights. At the sixth light, turn right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Blue Route (I-476)
Take exit for Germantown Pike West (Exit 20). Continue on Germantown Pike west for approximately one (1) mile, through six (6) traffic lights. At the seventh light ti right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Route 202
Follow Route 202 to Germantown Pike. Travel EAST on Germantown Pike, through five (5) traffic lights. At the next traffic light, approximately half a mile, turn left on Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
February Meeting
Our February program presented by Howard McNeal, will delve into the why and how of setting up a good display. This theme fits right in with our upcoming display at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Howard has requested that members bring trees or objects appropriate for display to the meeting as part of his roundtable discussion. Viewing stones, stands, figures, mudmen, accent plants, scrolls, or whatever can be used in the evening's program, so bring what you'd like. This program is a bit of a group effort, so your participation is important. We should have a lot of fun and gain some good information as well as a special raffle of a full MABS registration (no double tickets)- hope to see you there!
Speaker: Howard McNeal -Display
Date: Friday, February 15
Location: Greater Plymouth Community Center
Time: 7:00 pm
March 2-9 - PBS Exhibit - Philadelphia Flower Show
April 18 - Lecture/Demo -Graham Potter
May 16 - Lecture/Demo - Jim Barrett
January Workshop
Our new location for the January Workshop worked out very well. While we'll miss meeting at the Old Mill Bonsai Studio, we had a lot more elbow room for working on the trees, and for our veteran members to assist in working on the bonsai. It's our hope that the more central location will bring out even more members and trees next year
President's Notes
Happy New Year!
(Bring on the Phillies!)
As always our January meeting was a very special meeting to work on the trees for our display at the flower show. All the trees were worked on under the guiding eye of Howard and our board members; it was a very special time. If you missed it we all had a great time, but will see you at the Flower Show.
If you haven't yet contact Linda Brant about sitting with our display at the show (and get some free show tickets.).
If you haven't yet made plans to attend the MABS meeting in New York state this April you should do so. This is the best location to not only learn but to socialize with others who are in love with the art of Bonsai.
See you at the Flower Show
Mike Marinelli
MidAtlantic Festival
This year marks the 25th anniversary of MABS, and the guest artists are as special as the event - Min Hsuan Lo (Taiwan), Graham Potter, (UK), Michael Hagedorn (USA), and George LeBolt (USA).
This month we'll spotlight our two artists from overseas.
Min Hsuan Lo was awarded the grand prize at the JAL World Bonsai Contest in 1999 and has received many honors since. Mr. Lo is known for his "Lo's Style" of Bonsai which combines the essence of old trees, the flowing lines of Chinese calligraphy, and ancient Chinese philosophies.
Graham Potter, founded The Kaizen School of Bonsai which is devoted to Bonsai cultivation techniques and products, based upon the Japanese "Kaizen" concept which is concerned with the gradual improvement in processes to attain a particular goal or result.
Be sure to mark your calendar now for the 2008 MidAtlantic Spring Festival, April 11-13!! This year's Festival has a new site - The Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, in the Catskills near Kerhonkson, NY. This facility is a full family resort offering pools, golf, spa facilities, restaurants, and other amenities. Hotel rates remain the same as in past years, as does festival registration. The new facility also will allow a larger vendor area with wider aisles and less crowding. The Festival is a bit further away than before, but the facility, the friendship, the raffles, the vendors, and the knowledge gained make it worth the trip. We'll have route suggestions in future newsletters - it's a pleasant, very scenic drive.
We are looking for members interested in exhibiting at the Festival. We need three trees as our PBS commitment. This is a very nice exhibit with trees from all member clubs, as can be seen on the MABS website; www.midatlanticbonsai.freeservers.com/.
We hope to see you there - your participation directly benefits PBS.
The Philadelphia Flower Show is fast approaching!
We are still in need of good exhibit trees for the Flower Show. With the improvements in the display which began several years ago, the health of the trees has really benefitted. Lighting is much cooler, and the exhibit in general has a much better air flow, so the trees are subjected to far less heat stress.
Be sure to contact Randy Naftal for more information about exhibiting in this year's Flower Show.
Linda Brant is always looking for new (and experienced) volunteers to help act as docents for the exhibit. A brief three hour period is all that is needed. Tickets to the Show are provided for you and a guest. We have to cover the exhibit for the entire show, over 90 hours total, so lots of help is needed. Contact Linda by phone (610-948-6380) or e-mail (lbrant@comcast.net) to volunteer, or sign up at the February meeting.
Are you getting the bonsai "itch" yet? In a few short months, our trees will be out of storage an into the fresh air and light.
Meanwhile, we need to occupy ourselves with making sure our trees are in the peak of health and ready for the growth spurt coming this spring.
February and March are great times for that late winter pruning and repotting. The only real concern for the tree is the need for freshly repotted trees to be protected from freezing.
Now is also a good time for wiring. Keep in mind that once a deciduous tree leafs out, wire may be difficult to find. Tag the tree to remind you that there is wire on the branches. Also, when wiring, remember that branches can thicken very quickly with the spring flush of growth. Don't wire too tightly, and check for cutting-in frequently.
Tree in indoor storage may begin to respond to increasing warmth and light and begin to push. Moves from the garage or shed to benches during the day and back at night may be necessary to avoid huge internodes. Be careful with soil moisture during this time period, as big swings are possible.
MidAtlantic Bonsai Societies is conducting a very special raffle. Tickets will be sold in advance at the February PBS meeting. The tools being raffled are in a seventeen (17) piece stainless steel Masakuni set with a retail value of $1500-2000.
This is a fantastic opportunity for some lucky person in the MidAtlantic region!! For the price of a few raffle tickets, a phenomenal set of tools could be yours! Ticket prices are: $5 each, five for $20, and thirty for $100. If you can't attend the Feb. meeting, you can contact Jim Brant to obtain tickets. The drawing will be held April 12, at the Festival - winner need not be present.
Over the years, we have had very few cancellations due to the weather, but sometimes we get caught in a storm. If we are faced with a cancellation, the following procedures will take place.
A. If you are on the email list for newsletters - you will receive cancellation notice by email.
B. If you are not on the email list, then check the web site. Cancellation notice will be posted prominently on the home page.
C. If you do not have computer access, a board member will contact you by phone.
D. We will also try to place a notice on KYW radio.
If you are in doubt about a meeting taking place, be sure to check before leaving home.
From Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276)
Take Exit 333 (Norristown old exit 25). At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Plymouth Road. At the light, turn right onto Germantown Pike West. Continue approximately one (1) mile, through five (5) traffic lights. At the sixth light, turn right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Blue Route (I-476)
Take exit for Germantown Pike West (Exit 20). Continue on Germantown Pike west for approximately one (1) mile, through six (6) traffic lights. At the seventh light ti right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Route 202
Follow Route 202 to Germantown Pike. Travel EAST on Germantown Pike, through five (5) traffic lights. At the next traffic light, approximately half a mile, turn left on Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
See April
March/ April Issue
April Meeting
Now that March and the Philadelphia Flower show have passed, PBS can get back to our lecture/demonstrations programs.
This month, our speaker Mr. Graham Potter, comes to us from Yarmouth, UK, via the MidAtlantic Festival, where he made his first US appearance. He founded The Kaizen School of Bonsai which is devoted to Bonsai cultivation techniques and products (http://www.kaizenbonsai.com). His school is based upon the Japanese “Kaizen” concept which is concerned with the gradual improvement in processes to attain a particular goal or result. We should have a most enjoyable evening with Graham. His demo material will be raffled, so you can double your chances of winning by bringing a finished bonsai to exhibit.
Remember, if you have a tree causing you headaches, or one you want a little advice on, bring it to the meeting. Advice is gladly given on styling, techniques, pot selection, or horticultural concerns.
Speaker: Graham Potter -Lecture/Demo
Date: Friday, April 18
Location: Greater Plymouth Community Center
Time: 7:00 pm
Future Meetings
May 16 - Lecture/Demo - Jim Barrett
June 15 - Annual Picnic & Auction
45th Anniversary Celebration!
February Meeting
February's program presented by Howard McNeal, explained the how and why of setting up a good bonsai display. Howard began by giving a brief history of the PBS display at the Philadelphia Flower Show. He compared our forms of display with that of the Japanese, and set up the display table according to Japanese tradition, blue skirting with a white tabletop cloth.
Howard touched on many subjects, giving hints on what is and is not proper in a bonsai display. One example would be the use of a bamboo mat under the bonsai - only proper during the spring season, as bamboo represents water.
Howard wrapped up his presentation by first utilizing trees and display items brought by members, then calling members up to create a display of their own.
Our own raffle for a MABS registration was tremendously increased with lots and lots of items donated by Howard. Walter Scott won the MABS raffle, but lots of others won some great items courtesy of Howard.
Thanks goes to Howard for a great program - informative and fun!
Coming........Sunday, June 1
Estate Auction of Bonsai, Pots, and Tools
Greater Plymouth Community Center
Approximately 50 bonsai will be presented for the auction, to be conducted by PBS
More information in the May PBS Newsletter
Flower Show Notes
Rivaling a case from CSI: NY, our tori gate came up missing this year, but Randy was able to construct a suitable substitute for our center display. Our display looked great as usual, with a good variety of tropical and temperate bonsai.
Each of the display windows presented a quiet, reflective mood to the viewers, enhanced with some very nice scrolls and accent plants.
It's interesting to see the progression of some of the temperate trees from winter dormancy to a Spring burst of leaves, something commented on by repeat visitors.
Thanks goes to all those who kindly loaned their bonsai for exhibit; Dominick Haigh, Karen Harkaway, Andrew Klein, Paul Krasner, Mark Maher, Mike Marinelli, Howard McNeal, Randy Naftal, Chase Rosade, Solita Rosade, Alan Slye, and Ron Solt.
A very large thank-you also goes to all the members who manned the exhibit, answered the same question several hundred times, and promoted the Society over the 9-day run of the show. Luckily, we had no snowstorms, or major traffic tulips, so everything went very smoothly.
Last, but not least, Randy Naftal deserves a huge thank-you and pat on the back for his work in supervising the exhibit's setup and applying his construction talents in getting the center display looking great, in spite of the loss of the tori gate (maybe the Hort Society gang will be able to locate it in time for the 2009 show)-he sure had to burn the midnight oil to get things accomplished.
Directions to the Greater Plymouth Community Center
From Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276)
Take Exit 333 (Norristown - old exit 25). At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Plymouth Road. At the light, turn right onto Germantown Pike West. Continue approximately one (1) mile, through five (5) traffic lights. At the sixth light, turn right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Blue Route (I-476)
Take exit for Germantown Pike West (Exit 20). Continue on Germantown Pike west for approximately one (1) mile, through six (6) traffic lights. At the seventh light ti right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Route 202
Follow Route 202 to Germantown Pike. Travel EAST on Germantown Pike, through five (5) traffic lights. At the next traffic light, approximately half a mile, turn left on Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
May's meeting brings a visit to PBS by a well-known California bonsai artist and potter, Jim Barrett.
In the fall of 1958, Jim met Khan Komai when Mr. Komai opened his nursery in Temple City, California. Jim spent as much time as he could at the nursery, learning all he could from Khan, and when it became apparent that Jim was serious about this art, Khan introduced him to the Japanese bonsai community. As time went on Mr. Komai decided that he would sponsor classes at his nursery and that Jim should be the teacher. This was in the early 60's, and Jim has been teaching bonsai ever since. He has traveled throughout the United States, as well as to Canada, Colombia, South America and Australia.
Jim has been a featured speaker at many conventions and has worked for many bonsai organizations. He is past president of Bonsai Clubs International, the first president of Golden State Bonsai Federation, the founding president of the Santa Anita Bonsai Society and has served on the American Bonsai Society’s board of directors. Always interested in ceramics, Jim has for the past three decades been making bonsai pots. Although known for his shohin and mini-pots, his main interest lies in making large containers modeled after Japanese- and Chinese-style pots.
Though Jim has never taken formal bonsai lessons or classes, he attributes his success to the many Japanese bonsai experts in Southern California and gives them credit for the generous sharing of their knowledge and friendship.
Jim's demo material, a shimpaku juniper, will be raffled - double your chances by exhibiting your bonsai.
Speaker: Jim Barrett -Lecture/Demo
Date: Friday, May 16
Location: Greater Plymouth Community Center
Time: 7:00 pm
Future Meetings
June 15 - Annual Picnic & Auction
45th Anniversary Celebration!
September 20-21 - PBS Exhibit - Japanese House, Fairmount Park
April Meeting
Our scheduled speaker for April cancelled his tour unexpectedly, and Jim Gillespie was gracious enough to step up and present a really great program.
Jim worked on a Bird's Nest spruce, which is a bit difficult to work with. Jim had no problem styling this challenging material, and the bonsai that emerged was a semi-cascade, with a fairly thick base, some tasteful jins, and a very elegant slant.
Jim gave an insightful horticultural lesson on the spruce, regarding growth habit, care, and diseases. He specifically warned that these spruce are very susceptible to attacks by red spider mites, and that special attention be given during long dry periods, or when the color seems "off".
Jim stressed the importance of looking at a tree from all angles when beginning to style, and that once a style is decided upon, the tree should be tilted as necessary to accommodate that style. Jim likes to avoid wedges while styling. He would rather use his standby, which are shot bags filled with plastic pellets. These seem to hold the tree very well in the desired position. While he was doing some fairly extensive wiring, a number of members came up to observe Jim at work more closely. Lots and lots of questions ensued.
Jim deserves a huge "Thank you" from PBS, not only for stepping in at the last moment, but for doing a tremendous program with a spectacular result.
While all the members were very pleased with the evening, our raffle winner Joanne Dhody, was seen leaving with an exceptionally large smile.
Many thanks, Jim for a superlative program!
Coming........Sunday, June 1
Estate Auction of Bonsai, Pots, and Tools
Greater Plymouth Community Center
Approximately 50 bonsai and assorted tools and pots will be presented for the auction, to be conducted by PBS
Check the PBS website for details and pictures - www.pabonsai.org
National Bonsai Foundation Notes
Some good news was relayed to the NBF Board during its annual meeting last week. The letter writing campaigns launched by bonsai enthusiasts and other Arboretum stakeholders has had a pronounced effect on Congressional committees concerned with budget allocations for 2009. It now appears that there will be a Continuing Resolution for the 2009 fiscal year, which will mean that funding will continue at 2008 levels and that no positions or programming will be cut for the coming year.
Also, it was noted that the Congressional Committee Chairs received a number of calls from local US Representatives requesting information about the proposed Arboretum and Museum funding cuts, so our letters and calls did have some far-reaching effects. Hopefully, the future budgets will provide some increased funding for the US Arboretum.
I'd like to thank all of the PBS members who took the time to write a letter in support of the Arboretum and the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. JB
As an additional note, the NBF website now has photos of many of the bonsai in the three major collections. You can also become a member of the NBF by enrolling on the site at a minimal cost. The URL is: http://www.bonsai-nbf.org/
Seasonal Notes
Here's an interesting article that might help improve success with your cuttings and layering.
Willow Water Works!
Edited by Alan Walker
According to an article in Avant Gardener (June 2006, pp. 57-58) “aspirin water” (three aspirins dissolved in four gallons of water and sprayed on plants every few weeks) can improve growth and yields, often remarkably. Aspirin (ASA) is salicylic acid, which plants manufacture to trigger natural defenses against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Gardeners have reported that “willow water” produces the same results. Willow water is made by steeping cuttings of willows (Salix) in water for 48 hours. It is often used to improve rooting of cuttings by soaking them in it for 24 hours, then treating them with rooting hormones. The active ingredient in the willows is believed to be rhizocaline, which is not itself a hormone, but a catalyst that greatly enhances the action of hormones.
Willows are also rich in salicylic acid (or possibly compounds of similar action), and so can serve as a substitute for aspirin.
The same issue has another article on page 61 which notes the valuable uses of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the popular cleaner-bleach-antiseptic, which has proved to be a good plant protector and growth promoter.
Gardeners reported improved germination of many seeds when they soaked overnight in one ounce of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a pint of water. When added to foliar sprays or drip irrigation water, H2O2 is said to prevent or cure bacterial and fungal diseases and also helps to supply oxygen to roots in compacted or saturated soil. Yields of soybeans and squash were greatly increased when H2O2 was added to irrigation water in Australian experiments. Yet to be confirmed is a hypothesis that H2O2 also is useful as an insecticide by killing the eggs and larvae of certain pests.
Reprinted from "Bonsai News" , newsletter of the Lake Charles Bonsai Society
Dues Reminder
It’s that time of the year again! Our membership year ends with the last day of May. If your address label has an 07/08 on it, please send your dues check to our treasurer, Dave Spirt, as soon as possible. Labels displaying an 08/09 indicate dues are paid for the coming 2008-9 year. Dues remain at $20.00. The mailing address is:
The Pennsylvania Bonsai Society Box 801
Spring House, PA 19477
You can clip and send the form on the right, or pay at the May or June meetings. PBS dues are among the lowest in the region, with some exceptional member benefits.
Directions to the Greater Plymouth Community Center
From Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276)
Take Exit 333 (Norristown - old exit 25). At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Plymouth Road. At the light, turn right onto Germantown Pike West. Continue approximately one (1) mile, through five (5) traffic lights. At the sixth light, turn right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Blue Route (I-476)
Take exit for Germantown Pike West (Exit 20). Continue on Germantown Pike west for approximately one (1) mile, through six (6) traffic lights. At the seventh light ti right onto Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
From Route 202
Follow Route 202 to Germantown Pike. Travel EAST on Germantown Pike, through five (5) traffic lights. At the next traffic light, approximately half a mile, turn left on Jolly Road. The Community Center is on the right at 2910 Jolly Road.
Greater Plymouth Community Center
2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Phone: 610-277-4312
http://www.plymouthcommunitycenter.org
Annual Picnic and Auction
C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E!!
That’s the goal for our 45th Anniversary!
How’s this for a plan?
**A catered picnic with loads and loads of great food - hot dogs, burgers, and ribs!! Additionally, salads, snacks, cake, and beverages will be provided by PBS. Be sure to bring your appetite.
**A super bonsai auction with members' donated material. Each year a good deal of great bonsai material, pots, books, tools, and other bonsai related items come up for auction. Lots of spirited bidding and lots of fun result from so many quality items being offered. This auction is our prime fund-raising event. Without your donations and participation, the wonderful speakers we’re used to seeing won’t be there. We do need your donations to help make the auction a success.
**A beautiful setting amid a wonderful bonsai garden. There will even be a tent over your head, should it decide to rain or for shade. What else could we possibly need to make the day even greater? The answer is Y-O-U !
Please set aside June 15 for our annual picnic and auction, which this year marks our 45th anniversary. Join the celebration! Enjoy!!
PBS Annual Picnic & Auction : Sunday, June 15
Host: Howard McNeal, Old Mill Bonsai Studio, Honeybrook, PA
Picnic: 12:30-1:30--Auction 1:30
Please bring a folding chair
Directions - page 5
Future Meetings
September 19 - Design by Committee Workshop
September 20-21 - PBS Exhibit - Japanese House, Fairmount Park
May Meeting
Our guest speaker for May, Mr. Jim Barrett, joined us as part of his East coast tour. Jim's demo material, which he shipped ahead from California, was a shimpaku juniper, which he grew from a 1969 cutting. The tree had previously been part of a saikei done by Jim, but had become overgrown and out of scale for the planting, and so it was removed, placed in a growing pot and allowed to grow for several years. PBS was lucky to get this 35+ year-old material for the demo.
Jim's bonsai learning experiences came in the 50's and 60's in California, so he is very well rooted in the Japanese philosophy and techniques. He is a traditionalist in one sense, but open to new ideas and techniques as they are proven.
Jim worked the tree in the bunjin style (or literati style) as the tree fit most of the criteria for that style - a slim trunk with little taper, and no specific pattern to the branches. A great deal of foliage was removed, several branches jinned, wiring completed, and branches placed in the styling process. Along the way, Jim gave some excellent tips on styling, care of the shimpaku, as well as a real appreciation of the growth of bonsai on the West Coast. Jim founded the first English-speaking club in southern California. Prior to the organization of Jim's club, Japanese was the only language spoken at various bonsai club meetings.
He also provided some information on pot selection and a few tidbits regarding origins of bonsai pots. For example, the preferred pot for bunjin is the nombon style of pot, a rustic round pot without any discernible feet. This pot originated from the use of storage jar lids as pots in the early days.
As a bonsai teacher, bonsai artist, and bonsai potter, Jim has few peers. His knowledge is extensive, his styling skills solid, and he blessed with a great eye for design. It was a real treat watching him work. During the break, Jim spent a good deal of time answering individual questions and providing a good deal of humor.
Lucky winner of the demo raffle was Chris Miller.
Thanks to Jim Barrett from PBS for a great program!
September Exhibit
Soon it will be time to start getting your trees in shape to join us for the PBS exhibit at the Japanese House and Garden ("Shofuso") in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Last year we had a great turn out of members' trees. Awards will be given in three cateories again this year.
Who: All members, both new and experienced, alike are requested to display a bonsai.
When: September 20-21.
For more information or to sign up for exhibit, contact Mike Marinelli, who is coordinating the Japanese House Exhibit, at (609-234-6694) or email: marinelli1156@comcast.net .
Informal exhibits such as the one in the Japanese House allow us to display our efforts at bonsai, as well as inform the general public about the fascinating culture of bonsai in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere.
Falling Leaves
We were very sorry to learn of the death of Dominick Haigh. Dominick was an active member and a frequent exhibitor for PBS at the Flower Show.
Our condolences to his family members - he will be missed.
Dues Reminder
It’s that time of the year again! Our membership year ends with the last day of May. If your address label has an 07/08 on it, please send your dues check to our treasurer, Dave Spirt, as soon as possible. Labels displaying an 08/09 indicate dues are paid for the coming 2008-9 year. Dues remain at $20.00. The mailing address is:
The Pennsylvania Bonsai Society
Box 801
Spring House, PA 19477
You can clip and send the form on the right, or pay at the June picnic. PBS dues are among the lowest in the region, with some exceptional member benefits.
Directions to Old Mill Bonsai Studio
PBS June Picnic & Auction
Take the PA Turnpike to the Downingtown Exit. Then take Rt. 100 south to Exton Square and Rt. 30 west. You can also take the Schuylkill expressway to Rt. 202 south to Rt. 30 west.
Next, take Rt. 322 out of Downingtown, cross over Rt. 82, then make a right on the next road. Go about 2 miles and cross over an iron bridge. At the next crossroad, make a right and go 3/10 mile to a Y in the road. House in on the right. Parking in the studio lot. Please phone Howard 610-942-2082.
The street address for those using Google maps, Mapquest or a GPS system is:
420 Lewis Mills Road
Honeybrook, PA 19344