BSSJ March 2K11 Repotting Workshop

BSSJ Had our first workshop of 2011. Had about 12-15 folks there, at various times. The workshop was held at the Clover Gardens Nursery on Church Road in Marlton, N.J.

Some members wore their new embroidered clothing with the club logo...these turned out very nice!

Our host Paula was happy to see the group, as it meant Spring is actually here, and her business would start back from Winter slumber.

Karen brought several small trees...a Serissa in bloom, and a small Maple.
Doc had a nice little starter Maple...
Rob had his vine and the pine he has been working for several years...

JW Burton was helping with a nice tropical...
Tom & Connie brought a shohin pine which has been worked for several years now, and a new find, a garden Juniper...

Everyone helped...and all benefitted from the help. Several trees which have been in the works for a few years are showing nice progress. This helps to bolster ones' confidence that what they are doing actually works...what a concept! It also allows us to take the next harder steps in starting to think out of the box about our trees, as the Europeans have been doing this last decade. This sort of thinking will help all of us in making our trees the best they can be.
Flex

Japanese Earthquake in the Land of Bonsai

It is with great sadness that we witnessed the destruction of many square miles of this fine country.
My heart goes out to those people who have struggled so valiantly to build their wonderful culture, which was partly destroyed today.

Considered by many to be the major heart of bonsai ideals, Japan has never had an easy go of it, and today was no exception.
The 8.9 magnitude earthquake which shook the island nation was the strongest recorded in the past 300 years.

May the Japanese people find some rest.

For me, watching this suffering I concluded that my own personal issues are nothing compared to losing everything in 10 seconds, including family members. One's life can never be the same.
Flex

Bonsai in the 2K11 Philadelphia Flower Show

So...Bonsai March Madness is here, and what better way to start it all off than attending the Philly Flower Show.

Pennsylvania Bonsai set up it's booth on Friday, at the 2K11 Philly Flower Show. The booth is located in the middle of the floor, directly between the entrance and Dock B, and just behind the Rosade Bonsai Studio.
Here are a few shots from the setup. The Show looks to be even better this year than in the past...highly recommend attending!
Flex

January Meeting, Happy New Year

We had 18 people at our January Meeting. Flex gave a very comprehensive talk on cleaning and shapening tools and the differences between stainless steel and carbon tools (most people thought carbon tools were better).

This meeting kicks off the new year with new things planned and a lot of work to do. Remember, in October we will be having our first show. Also remember, dues should be paid now for the year 2011. Here are some photos of last nights meeting. Thanks to Flex for the work he did and for an informative meeting. Also thanks to Bob and Paula for making their facilities available to us and setting up the front.

Anyone need some snow?

We got about 20 inches.

At least Coco likes it!

Japanese Cherry: Winter Carving!

This old Japanese Cherry belongs to an old friend who had to relocate to the West Coast for work, so I am the designated 'bonsai nanny'.

The tree had previously had some carving done, and several major branches removed. I decided to clean all this up, and get some preservative on it.
Deciduous look better when the carving results in holes, partly-hollowed trunks, etc. Jins sticking out do not look as good on deciduous as on coniferous, and they will not last nearly as long in the weather.

Spent about 6 hours getting rid of the lobbed-off limb on the upper left, and the gray partly-carved main branch at top center of the tree. The resulting hollowed areas will be left to over-winter, and some more preservative will be applied in the spring of 2K11.

Additional work is also needed on the branches. A structure is started, but it will take perhaps 5-7 years to build it out to a foliage mass that is appropriate for this beautiful tree.
That foliage mass will also support wonderful flowers in the spring!

Flex

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!