Update March 2024

Santa Anita Bonsai Society

www.sabonsai.org

March Meeting Update

When: March 9, 2024

Where: LA Arboretum Palm Room

Time: 7pm

Ted Matson, Curator of the GSBF Collection at the Huntington Library, will be our guest at the March meeting. He will be critiquing club member trees to give them time to work on trees and prepare them for the SABS Memorial Weekend Show. We encourage everyone to bring trees for the show that they would like to display and take advantage of Ted’s expertise.

Newsletter February 2024

Santa Anita Bonsai Society
Feb 2024 Update

Next SABS Meeting

Feb 10, 2024
Annual Potluck & Bonsai Bingo
6pm
LA Arboretum- Palm Room

President’s Corner

Our first meeting of the new year will be February 10 at 6pm in the Palm Room at the Arboretum.
We are starting early to facilitate our annual potluck dinner followed by an exciting evening of Bonsai Bingo.
For the potluck dinner the club will supply the main dish (El Pollo Loco Chicken) and water.
We ask that everyone bring their favorite appetizer, salad or dessert to fill out our potluck table.

We have played Bonsai Bingo in the past, and it was entertaining an fun.
Everyone in attendance will get a bingo card, and additional cards will be available for purchase.
We ask that you bring a bonsai-related item for the table that you would like to win: trees, pots, tools, soil etc.
More items mean more fun for all.

This meeting will also serve as our annual membership drive.
We can take cash or checks for membership at our still low price of $20 for individuals and $25 for families.
Please renew or join for the first time to support the club.

I hope everyone had an opportunity to attend the Baikoen Winter Silhouettes Show in January.
I saw many of you at the Saturday reception; always a great event
~Dave

Members Corner

This meeting is when 2024 officers and board members are confirmed.
We currently have many club officer and chairman positions that need to be filled for our club to keep operating successfully in 2024.
Several volunteers have already come forward but more are needed.
If you are interested in volunteering please let Dave know at the start of this meeting.
Voting will take place after the Potluck.

Positions needing to be filled include:

  • President
  • Program Chair/ Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Membership Chair/ Badges
  • Website Manager
  • Newsletter Editor
  • Raffle Chair
  • Hospitality Chair
  • Annual Show Chair

Upcoming SABS Meeting Dates

Feb 10:
Annual Potluck dinner and Bonsai Bingo
Time: 6pm
Location: Arboretum- Palm Room

March 9:
Time: 7p
Location: Arboretum
Program: TBA

April 13:
Time: 7p
Location: Arboretum
Program: TBA

Upcoming Events

Feb 24-25
Bonsai-A-Thon
Huntington Botanical Garden
1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino
10a-5p vendors & show
Demos both days 10a-2p

Also check out www.gsbfbonsai.org for local and regional events

Santa Anita Bonsai Society

Feb 2024 Update

Next SABS Meeting: Feb 10, 2024

Annual Potluck & Bonsai Bingo LA Arboretum – Palm Room

President’s Corner

Our first meeting of the new year will be February 10 at 6pm in the Palm Room at the Arboretum. We are starting early to facilitate our annual potluck dinner followed by an exciting evening of Bonsai Bingo. For the potluck dinner the club will supply the main dish (El Pollo Loco Chicken) and water. We ask that everyone bring their favorite appetizer, salad or dessert to fill out our potluck table.

We have played Bonsai Bingo in the past, and it was entertaining an fun. Everyone in attendance will get a bingo card, and additional cards will be available for purchase. We ask that you bring a bonsai-related item for the table that you would like to win: trees, pots, tools, soil etc. More items mean more fun for all.

This meeting will also serve as our annual membership drive. We can take cash or checks for membership at our still low price of $20 for individuals and $25 for families. Please renew or join for the first time to support the club.

I hope everyone had an opportunity to attend the Baikoen Winter Silhouettes Show in January. I saw many of you at the Saturday reception; always a great event ~Dave

Members Corner

This meeting is when officers and board members are confirmed. We currently have many club officer and chairman positions that need to be filled for our club to keep operating successfully in 2024. Several volunteers have already come forward but more are needed. If you are interested in volunteering please let Dave know at the start of this meeting. Voting will take place after the Potluck. Positions needing to be filled include:

– President – – Program Chair/ Vice President – Treasurer – Secretary

– Membership Chair/ Badges – Website Manager – Newsletter Editor – Raffle Chair – Hospitality Chair – Annual Show Chair

Upcoming SABS Meeting Dates

Feb 10:

Annual Potluck dinner and Bonsai Bingo

Time: 6pm

Location: Arboretum- Palm Room

March 9 :

Time: 7p

Location: Arboretum

Program: TBA

April 13 :

Time: 7p

Location: Arboretum

Program: TBA

Upcoming Events

Feb 24-25 Bonsai-A-Thon Huntington Botanical Garden 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino 10a-5p vendors & show, Demos both days 10a-2p

Also check out www.gsbfbonsai.org for local and regional events

Newsletter January 2024

Bonsai Notebook

Next SABS Meeting:
Feb 10, 2024
Annual Potluck & Bonsai Bingo
LA Arboretum– Palm Room

President’s Corner

Jan update-

Happy New Year to everyone.
I hope you all had a joyous Christmas and are looking forward to another great new year.

We canceled the Annual Potluck Dinner meeting for January because of a conflict with the Baikoen Winter Silhouettes Show reception on the same night.
I encourage everyone to attend the reception in Ayres Hall at the Arboretum on Jan. 13 at 6:00pm.

The SABS Potluck Dinner meeting and program will be held at our Feb. 10 meeting at the Arboretum.
We hope to see all of you in Feb.

                             * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Marge Blasingame on Dec. 22, at the age of 87.
She had been in declining health for a while, and we missed her presence at our meetings.

Marge began her long journey in the world of bonsai in 1989 when she began taking classes with Melba Tucker.
From that time, she has been involved with everything bonsai related in Southern California.
She was the long-standing secretary of the Santa Anita Bonsai Society, managed our refreshment table, was our annual show chairman, and club historian.
She was also an active member of Baikoen, Kofu Kai, Descanso, California Bonsai Society, California Shohin Society, and Aiseki Kai clubs.
In addition, Marge served as Co-Chair of the Bonsai-A-Thon.

I had the pleasure of spending years with Marge as students of ceramics under the tutelage of Kathy Boehme.
She made beautiful shohin pots.

We will greatly miss Marge’s presence and involvement in the bonsai world.

Members Corner

This is a season of change for SABS

This past December both Steve & Judy Anthony and Jim & Judylynn Pelling announced their retirements from the SABS Board.

We would like to thank Steve & Judy Anthony for their many years serving as Treasurers to our club.
Their dedication and effort to SABS has been invaluable and so very much appreciated.

We also want to thank Jim & Judylynn Pelling for their work at handling the duties of Raffle Chairman.

The volunteer work of both the Anthony’s and Pellings are what keep our club running.

A Quest for New Leadership

We currently have club officer and chairman positions that need to be filled for our club to keep operating successfully in 2024.
Positions needing to be filled include:
President
Treasurer
Raffle Chairman
Website Manager
Newsletter Editor
Membership Chairman
Hospitality Chairman

Anyone willing to help us out and consider filling one of these positions should contact Dave at 909 519 5391 or at [email protected]

We need volunteers as soon as possible. ~Dave

December 2023 Merry Christmas to all!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
The Club does not have a scheduled meeting in Dec so our members can enjoy the holidays.

It became necessary for our Board to cancel the Annual Potluck Dinner at the January 2024 meeting because of a conflict with the Baikoen Winter Silhouettes Show Reception on the same night.
I encourage everyone to attend the reception in Ayres Hall at the Arboretum on January 13 at 6:00pm.

The SABS Board met in November and decided to move the Potluck dinner and program to the Feb 10, 2024 meeting at the Arboretum.
So we hope to see you all in February.

Our November workshop with Robert Hoogeveen was a great learning experience for all who brought trees.
Robert spent time with each participating member and provided his thoughts and suggestions for how to move the tree designs forward.
All of our members learned from listening to Robert’s ideas.

We currently have club officer and chairman positions that need to be filled in order for the SABS Club to continue operating successfully in 2024.
Positions needing to be filled include: President, Treasurer, Website Manager & Newsletter Editor, Raffle Chairman, Membership Chairman & Hospitality Chairman.
Anyone willing to help us out and consider filling these positions should contact me.
In order to prepare new officers and chairmen to take over these positions, we need volunteers as soon as possible.

~Dave

Members Corner

All Southern California Bonsai Clubs also belong to Golden State Bonsai Federation
—GSBF is the statewide governing body for bonsai clubs in the state of California.

Check out their website at www.gsbfbonsai.org for information and updates for all that is happening locally and statewide.

For SABS info & club history check out our website at www.sabonsai.org

Please write to us anytime with ideas and/or questions at [email protected] or [email protected]

November Workshop Highlights

“thank you” to our November Raffle Donors

Helen & Jim Barrett, Jerry Banuelos, Y S Farn, Mike Kelly, Dave Miles, Wendy Tsai, Becky Villasenor

SABS appreciates your support !!!!

Next Meeting
Date: Feb 10, 2024
Time: 6pm
Location: Palm Room LA Arboretum

2023-24 Monthly Mtg Dates
Feb 10, 2024—
Annual Mtg & Potluck Dinner
large raffle table
program: Bonsai Bingo

club will provide main dish, bring your favorite appetizer, salad or dessert

Come Join Us in 2024

Upcoming Bonsai Community Events

Jan. 13-14, 2024
Baikoen Winter Silhouettes Show, 60th edition
L.A. County Arboretum, Ayres Hall
10a-4:30p each day
Reception on Saturday at 6pm
Contact [email protected] for additional info

Also check out www.gsbfbonsai.org for local and regional events

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”
Seasons Greetings
from Santa Anita Bonsai Society

SABS Newsletter November 2023

Bonsai Notebook

Nov 2023

Founding President/ Sensei
Jim Barrett

President
Dave Miles

Next SABS Meeting:
Nov 11, 2023
7p
LA Arboretum– Palm Room

BOARD MEETING:
6pm
(before general meeting)

We will finally be back at the Arboretum in the Palm Room for the November 11 meeting and will start at our regular time of 7:00pm.
To finish out the year, we are having a “Bring-Your-Own-Tree” Workshop supervised by Robert Hoogeveen.
Everyone who attended the Oct. meeting at Matt Denny’s Ale House learned of Robert’s credentials, experience and talent for styling bonsai trees.
He will be at the November meeting to look at members’ trees and make suggestions on how to move your tree to the next level.

We encourage members to bring a tree to work on and the tools and wire you might need.
As Robert moves from tree to tree, club members will also be available to help you if needed.
Depending on the number of trees brought in, Robert may have time to revisit trees that have been worked on for follow-up.
This will be a great opportunity for advice and learning how to develop your tree and should be enjoyable for all levels of experience with bonsai.
We are all friends in bonsai, so don’t be shy. Bring a tree and join in on the fun.

President’s Corner

The weather has finally started to cool.
It got very hot at the end of October, and I hope all of your trees survived the heat.
We should see Fall colors in our deciduous trees soon.
I have not seen any foliage coloring in our area yet, but it will come.

It is the time of year when we can generally start cutting back on our watering, but be mindful of any heat waves that might blow in.
Warm Santa Ana winds can dry out roots quickly.
Visit your trees daily, check the soil, and you will know when it is time to water.

Now is a good time to clean up around our benches, removing dead leaves and soil debris.
You can remove dead leaves from deciduous trees that have not fallen off.

Insects and fungus can be a problem during the dormant winter months.
There are a lot of good products available to control them.
Read the labels for recommended use with potted plants, and protect the roots from being damaged by chemicals.
When spraying foliage, cover the soil area so the spray doesn’t drip onto the soil.

I hope you enjoy the coming holiday season.

~Dave

Members Corner

  • Welcome New Members:

Jason & Renee Chan & sons
Phiroze Titina

  • Santa Anita Bonsai Society is one of the oldest clubs in SoCAL– join us any time….
    2023-24 Annual dues are $20 for Individuals and $25 for family memberships.
    Dues may be paid by cash or check.

If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like to support SABS please contact Lorraine at [email protected] to receive a mail –in membership form.

  • A special “Thanks” to everyone who attended & purchased food at our Oct Matt Denny Alehouse Meeting.
    It was a very large scrumptious menu.
    Managers Scott and Kerrie & staff were so accommodating to our group.
    Matt Denny’s Ale House might be a great place to stop in for dinner before a meeting

October 2023 Meeting Highlights

Our adventure meeting at Matt Denny’s Ale House was a big hit.
Some members want to meet there regularly, but we will keep it in our toolbox for possible use again when needed.
The food was great with a wide variety available on the menu.
The staff took good care of us, and they also enjoyed keeping an eye on the developing bonsai styled by Robert Hoogeveen.

Robert worked on an olive tree that the club had purchased at Eastern Leaf Nursery during our previous meeting.
He initially talked about the alternating leaf structure and explained that vertical pointing leaves will promote branching also vertical, up or down.
Conversely, horizontal leaves lead to branches growing horizontally, side to side.
By keeping this in mind, you can prune directionally based on where you want branches to go.
Robert also explained the importance of hiding your pruning cuts by cutting just ahead of a front facing horizontal leaf, so the cut isn’t visible from the front.
He took the time to walk around the room and show everyone, close-up what the cut looked like.
He learned this from John Naka, and he shared many memories of his time as a student of John Naka.

Robert explained the reasons for his branch choices and placement as he removed branches that were not needed for the styling he was pursuing.
When finished, the olive had been transformed from a bush to an elegant young bonsai, ready to fill out to its styled potential.

Susan Dao was the lucky raffle winner of Robert’s tree.

Thanks again to Robert for his wonderful presentation.

“Thank You” to our October Raffle Donors

Helen & Jim Barrett
Jerry Banuelos,
Sue Cook
Manuel Dizon
Mike Kelly
Dave Miles
Vic Shelton

The Table was very full, and many members left with new worthwhile bonsai items

SABS appreciates your support !!!!

2023-2024 Monthly Meeting Dates

Nov 11— Location: LA Arboretum
“bring your own tree “ Workshop
hosted by Robert Hoogeven

Dec 2023—- no meeting HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Jan 13, 2024– This meeting has been cancelled all members are encouraged to attend the Baikoen Silhouette Show and Reception the weekend of Jan 13-14 at the Arboretum

Feb 10,2024— Annual Mtg
Potluck Dinner with large raffle table
program: “Bonsai Bingo”
club will provide main dish
bring your favorite appetizer, salad or dessert more details in the holiday newsletter

Refreshment Schedule– Nov 11
“ad lib” refreshments
Appetizers, snacks & dessert

Please bring your own and maybe something to share with our group

Water provided

Upcoming Events

Nov 4-5
California Bonsai Society 66th Annual Exhibit
Huntington Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino,
10a-4p, demos at 1p daily.
Visit www.Huntington.org for information on the need for reservations

Nov 18
Fresno Bonsai Society Fall Sale and Auction
8a-2p
Clovis Botanical Garden
945 Clovis Ave.
Clovis

Jan. 13-14, 2024
Baikoen Winter Silhouettes Show, 60th edition
L.A. County Arboretum, Ayres Hall,
10a-4:30p
watch for further details

COME JOIN US

Next Meeting

Date: Nov 11, 2023
Time: 7 pm

Location: Palm Room LA Arboretum
301 N Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007

Board Meeting at 6p
before general meeting

Everyone Welcome

for questions: [email protected]

Newsletter October 2023

Bonsai Notebook

Visit our website at:
www.sabonsai.org
Founding President/Sensei
Jim Barrett

Next SABS Meeting:
Oct 14, 2023
6 pm
Matt Denny’s Ale House
145 E Huntington Dr
Arcadia, CA

Our October 14 meeting location will be a first for us.
When we are blocked from meeting at the Arboretum because of concerts, etc., we try to meet at a location as close to the Arboretum as we can to avoid inconveniencing our members coming from all directions.
So, for October, we will meet in an outside covered patio at Matt Denny’s Ale House in Arcadia
There is ample public parking directly behind the restaurant through an east/west alley and street parking in front.
We will start at 6:00pm and we encourage members to order food if they wish (any purchased liquid refreshment is acceptable at the meeting).

Our guest demonstrator for the meeting will be Robert Hoogeveen, who has attended several of our meetings recently.
Robert joined the Orange County Bonsai Society in 1976 and started taking formal lessons from the four main founders of the club in 1977.
All four of his teachers, Francis Watari, Tets Tsukamoto, Mie Mizusawa and Jim Takeda were students of John Naka.
Formal lessons lasted three years at which time Robert began to do demonstrations for local clubs and at the OCBS shows.
He started working with John Naka when he was old enough to drive and worked under his mentorship at John Naka’s home in L.A. for many years.
Robert continues to enjoy the bonsai art after 47 years and does workshops and demonstrations for clubs and other interested parties.

Robert will be working on an olive tree for our demonstration, and it will then go in the raffle.
Come and join us for another interesting adventure in bonsai.

President’s Corner

I want to take a moment to thank all our members for their patience with the many changes in meeting locations we have experienced.
I hope the different venues have been interesting for all.
We have one more with this month’s meeting at the Ale House, and then we will return to the Arboretum in November for our final meeting of this year.

October will be full of bonsai experiences, so check “Upcoming Events” for the listings.
In particular, the Chino Bonsai Club will host their 3rd Annual Bonsai Exhibit on Oct 7-8 in San Gabriel.
This is always a great show with exceptional trees on display along with the demonstrations, raffles, auctions, reception and vendors. More info is included in our Upcoming Community Events Section.
Another great event will be the GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous Oct. 20-22 in Santa Nella.
The headliner is Bjorn Bjorholm, and there will be workshops, demonstrations, auctions and vendors.
It is a wonderful event for anyone wanting a complete bonsai weekend experience.
Check the website for what is still available. www.gsbfbonsai.org/2023-rendezvous

If you are interested in starting trees from seed, now is a good time to collect seeds in preparation for planting.
There are acorns on the ground or ready to drop from oak trees everywhere, and there are seeds for a variety of trees available on-line.
Good instructions for planting are also available on-line.
An advantage to having a seedling is you can create movement early and grow a bonsai you styled from scratch.
You can have a shohin tree in a short time! ~Dave

Members Corner

  • Santa Anita Bonsai Society is an amazing club– join us any time….
    2023-24 Annual dues are $20 for Individuals and $25 for Family memberships.
    Dues may be paid by cash or check.
    If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like to support SABS please contact Lorraine at [email protected] to receive a mail–in membership form.
  • We’re trying something new– meeting at a restaurant.
    Matt Denny’s Ale House has graciously provided their outside patio for our evening meeting including Robert Hooveveen’s demo and a raffle table.
    Food and beverages will be available from the Ale House menu thru out the evening.
    You do not need to purchase to attend but if you happen to get hungry or thirsty while you are there, your purchases will help support SABS.
  • A special “Thanks” to everyone who shared refreshments at the Sept meeting Wendy, Peter & Marissa, Jaiden & Naomi, Susan &Huong, Lorraine

“thank you” to our Sept Raffle Donors

Steve & Judy Anthony, Jerry Banulos, Helen & Jim Barrett, Jason Chan, Sue Cook,
Manuel Dizon, Y.S. Farn, Mike Kelly, Peter Macasieb, Dave Miles, Bryan Nicholson, Ken Teh

SABS appreciates your support !!!!

September 2023 Meeting Highlights

The September meeting was held at the Eastern Leaf Nursery in Chino and hosted by the owners Jason and Rene Chan.
Many members took advantage of the opportunity to browse through the pre-bonsai tree material available at the nursery and purchase trees and other bonsai related items prior to the meeting.

Jason welcomed club members to his outdoor work area, with weather cooperating and providing a comfortable setting to watch Jason’s demonstration.
He had a nice, bushy San Jose juniper on his worktable for the demo.
He immediately drew members into the design process by asking for input on the best front for the tree.
Many options were suggested, and once agreement was reached, Jason began his styling work.
He continually explained his work as he progressed, so everyone knew what he was doing and why.
Members were asked for their opinions on which branches to save and which ones to remove.
It made for a wonderful learning experience as he worked the tree into a very nice informal upright style.

When the demo was finished, we held our raffle, and we thank Eastern Leaf for the donations they made to the raffle.

Christian Lebano was the lucky winner of Jason’s tree

2023 SABS Monthly Meeting Dates

Oct 14 —
Location: Matt Denny’s Ale House, Arcadia, CA
Demo: Robert Hoogeveen

Nov 11—
Location: LA Arboretum
Demo: TBA

Dec 2023 —
no meeting HAPPY HOLIDAYS

SABS Meeting Refreshment Schedule– Oct 14

Food, appetizers & drinks available for purchase during this meeting
(purchases help support SABS)

Upcoming Community Events

Oct 7-8
Chino Bonsai Club 3rd Annual Bonsai Exhibit
261 S. Junipero Serra Dr., San Gabriel.
Sat. hrs. 9a-5p, Sun., 9a-3:30p
demonstrations, silent and live auctions, and raffle both days

Oct 8
Bonsai Swap Meet
10a-12noon
Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys
email for more info: [email protected]

Oct 20-22
GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous
Hotel Mission De Oro, Santa Nella
209-826-4444 for reservations (rooms going quickly, other motels in town)
go to www.gsbfbonsai.org/2023-rendezvous for info.
additional workshop options were released on Aug 1

Nov 4-5
California Bonsai Society 66th Annual Exhibit
Huntington Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino
10a-4p, demos at 1p daily

Come Join Us
for an evening of Food, Fun
a raffle table
&
an amazing Demo by Robert Hoogeveen

Date: Oct 14,2023
Time: 6 pm
Location: Matt Denny’s Ale House
145 E. Huntington Dr
Arcadia, CA

Our meetings are open/free of charge to anyone interested in the “Art of Bonsai”
for questions email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]

Newsletter September 2023

Bonsai Notebook

Visit our website at: www.sabonsai.org

Founding President/ Sensei
Jim Barrett

Next SABS Meeting: Sept 9, 2023
6pm
Eastern Leaf Nursery
3826 Riverside Dr.
Chino, CA

We have a new experience planned for our Sept. 9 meeting.
We will meet at the Eastern Leaf Nursery in Chino at 6:00pm and have the owner, Jason Chan as our demonstrator.
This will also be a shopping opportunity for anyone looking for pre-bonsai tree material or anything else bonsai related; tools, pots, wire, soil, etc.
There will be some time to look around the nursery and shop at 6:00pm, but you are welcome to arrive earlier if you like for more time.

We will have a raffle table, so be sure to bring something for the table.

There may be a shortage of chairs for the demo area (outside under cover), so we are encouraging member to bring your own folding chair.
We have ample room for seating for the demo.

Jason and his wife Renee founded Eastern Leaf in 2004 for bonsai enthusiasts of all levels.
They recently moved into a new location in Chino where we will meet;
3826 Riverside Dr., Chino
(just east of a succulent plant nursery on the same side of the street)

President’s Corner

As we move into September, the strong summer growth patterns of most of our trees will begin to slow down.
We have been working hard to keep our trees in the shapes we intended.
We can now start cutting back on pruning and start to enjoy the changes in color in our deciduous trees.

It is a good time to cut back on nitrogen-based fertilizers and turn to more potash and phosphorus.
This will help trees through the coming winter.
You can gather tree seeds to store through the winter for spring planting.
I don’t think we ever over the joy and anticipation of seeing new trees when they first pop up through the soil.

You can take new cuttings, but they should be limited to hardwood specimens or tropical varieties.
I have taken some cuttings from my gmelina tree and one of my foemina junipers in early Aug., and they are doing fine so far.
Enjoy the coming Fall season. ~Dave

Members Corner

  • Santa Anita Bonsai Society is an amazing club– join us any time….2023-24
    Annual dues are $20 for Individuals and $25 for family memberships.
    Dues may be paid by cash or check.
  • If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like to support SABS
    contact Lorraine at [email protected] to receive a mail –in membership form
  • Our September meeting will be held at Eastern Leaf Nursery, 3826 Riverside Dr,. Chino, Ca.
    (just east of a succulent plant nursery on the same side of the street.
    Please bring along a chair to have a guaranteed seat.
  • We’re trying something new– “ad lib” Refreshments!
    If you feel like sharing a tasty treat with others who love to eat please bring an appetizer, snack or dessert to add to our refreshment table.
    Water is provided.

Thanks to everyone who shared refreshments at the August meeting

Aug 2023 Meeting Highlights

Our August meeting was part 2 of our pyracantha air-layering project.
As a recap, part 1 was done in April when Peter Macasieb demonstrated the air-layering process.
Members had a chance to perform the process on one of three tall pyracantha trees.
A total of 28 air-layers were done, and Peter took care of the material while the new roots developed.

We met at Peter’s home in August.
All members who participated in part 1 of the project got to pot up a shohin-sized pyracantha, cut from the mother trees, and take it home.
Each of the remaining attendees at the Aug. meeting, who wanted a chance to also take home one of the air-layered pyracanthas were given a raffle ticket.
Tickets were randomly drawn and the remaining new trees went home with the ticket holders.

The air-layering project was developed by Peter & Mike Kelly for SABS.
All of the air-layers rooted successfully and were potted.
Thanks again to Peter and his assistant, Mike, for their work on this program.

We also had a large number of items on the raffle table and many happy winners… it is a tremendous help to the club and our ability to remain viable.

Photos by Becky V.

A Special thank you to our August Raffle Donors

Steve Anthony, Jerry Banulos, Helen & Jim Barrett, Big Joe, Marge Blasingame, Sue Cook, Dan & Wanda Denesi, Y.S. Farn, Mike Kelly, David & Debra Mauzy-Melitz, Dave Miles, Bryan Nicholson, Vic Shelton, Bill Ward

SABS appreciates your support !!!

2023 Monthly Meeting Dates

Sept 9
Location: Eastern Leaf Nursery, Chino
Demo: Jason Chan

Oct 14
Location: Matt Denny’s Ale House, Arcadia, CA
Demo: Robert Hoogeveen

Nov 11
Location: LA Arboretum
Demo: TBA

Meeting Refreshment Schedule

Something New- “ad lib” Refreshments

Snacks & Appetizers & Desserts

Sept 9
Please bring your favorite snack, appetizer or dessert to share

Upcoming Events

Sept 22-24
Kofu Kai Bonsai Show at the Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
10a-4p

Oct 7-8
Chino Bonsai Club 3rd Annual Bonsai Exhibit
261 S. Junipero Serra Dr., San Gabriel.
Sat.hrs. 9a-5p, Sun., 9a-3:30p,
demonstrations, silent and live auctions, and raffle both days

Oct 8
Bonsai Swap Meet, 10a-12noon
Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys
email for more info: [email protected]

Oct 20-22
GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous
Hotel Mission De Oro, Santa Nella
209-826-4444 for reservations (rooms going quickly, other motels in town)
go to www.gsbfbonsai.org/2023-rendezvous for info.
additional workshop options released on Aug 1

Nov 4-5
California Bonsai Society 66th Annual Exhibit, Huntington Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino
10a-4p, demos at 1p daily

Come Join Us

Date: Sept 9, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Location: Eastern Leaf Nursery, Chino, CA

If you need directions contact Lorraine at [email protected]

more photos by Becky V. from the Aug Meeting….

Newsletter August 2023

Santa Anita Bonsai Society

www.sabonsai.org

Founding President/ Sensei
Jim Barrett

Bonsai Notebook

Next SABS Meeting:
Aug 12, 2023
6pm
At the home of Peter & Marissa Macaseib
West Covina, CA

Our August 12 meeting will be another road trip. We will meet at the home of Peter and Marissa Macasieb in West Covina. Again, we will meet at 6:00pm to take advantage of the daylight.

The meeting will be part two of our air-layering project that began at the April meeting.
In April Peter showed us how to make the girdling cuts on a large pyracantha that were necessary for an air-layer form of propagation.
Members then participated by making the cuts and attaching small pots with soil to individual pyracantha branches on the tall mother tree.
Peter has taken care of the tree since April, and the individual air-layers are ready to be removed.
Members will now have the opportunity to separate an air-layered, shohin-sized pyracantha as an individual tree.
Hopefully, all our members who participated in part one of this project will finish with part two and take home a new tree.

We encourage everyone to attend whether you took part in the project or not to finish learning the project details.
Air-layering is a great way to propagate new trees and can easily be replicated by anyone wishing to try.

Come and enjoy the learning experience and also take advantage of seeing Peter’s amazing bonsai collection at the same time.

President’s Corner

We have experienced a prolonged heatwave in July, and I am sure there will be more heat to follow.
Water is always a critical component of our tree care. Try to water early in the morning, so water can soak in well before the heat evaporates it.
The soil in small pots will naturally dry out quicker and probably need additional watering on 100 degree-plus days.
Misting is a great addition also. If you have a “mist” setting on your hose nozzle, you can mist your trees sometime during the day to help slow down evaporation and help prevent leaf burning.
Shade cloth (available at most nurseries) can help a lot by keeping the direct sunlight broken up during the heat of the day.
Shade cloth and misting can work together to help our trees weather the hottest days of summer.
~Dave

Members Corner

  • Santa Anita Bonsai Society is an amazing club– join us any time….
    Annual dues are $20 for Individuals and $25 for family memberships.
    Dues may be paid by cash or check.
    If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like to support SABS please contact Lorraine at [email protected] to receive a mail –in membership form.
  • For security reasons we are not posting address and directions for the August meeting.
    Most of us have been to Peter & Marissa’s and know the way. If this is your 1st time visiting please contact Lorraine at [email protected] or other SABS members for directions & information.
  • We’re trying something new– “ad lib” Refreshments!
    The sign up sheet was blank this month so, if you feel like sharing a tasty treat with others who love to eat please bring an appetizer, snack or dessert to add to our refreshment table.
    Water is provided.
  • A special “thank you” to all who brought appetizers, snacks and desserts to our July Meeting at David & June’s: Judy Anthony, Manuel Dizon, David & June Nguy, Vic Shelton, Wendy Tsai

July 2023 Meeting Highlights

We have been excluded from having meetings at the Arboretum because of summer concerts for many years now.
As a result, we have had to use alternative meeting locations.
We have been very fortunate in that we have established a tradition of being able to meet at two very special venues.
In August we will have a meeting at the home of Peter Macasieb and be surrounded by his inspiring bonsai collection.

In July we had our annual trip to the home of David and June Nguy.
We were excited to have the opportunity to not only have a great demonstration, but to walk through one of the best collections of bonsai trees available in Southern California.
The setting, with the trees and tea house created such an amazing atmosphere for bonsai enthusiasts.
David is such a good teacher, talking so well about tree design and wiring.
We always leave with a better understanding of our art form, and we appreciate the wonderful hospitality provided by both David and June.

Thank you David & June !!!!

During the evening, David designed and styled a beautiful juniper tree for our members.
We learned a lot from the experience

and Susan Dao was the lucky winner of the demo tree

Photos by Anthony A & Mike K – many thanks!

A Special thank you to our July Raffle Donors

Jerry Banuelos, Sue Cook, Mike Kelly, Christian Lebano, Bryan Nicholson, Wendy Tsai

And to all who so generously purchased raffle tickets
SABS appreciates your support !

2023 Monthly Meeting Dates

Aug 12
Location: in West Covina
Demo: Peter Macasieb
Air Layering part 2

Sept 09
Location: Eastern Leaf Nursery
Demo: Jason Chan

Oct 14
Location: Matt Denny’s Ale House- Arcadia

Demo: Robert Hoogeveen

Refreshment Schedule
Snacks & Appetizers & Desserts

Aug 12
“ad lib” Refreshments
Please bring your favorite snack, appetizer or dessert to share

Upcoming Community Events

Sept 22-24
Kofu Kai Bonsai Show at the Bowers Museum www.kofukai.org
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
10a-4p

Oct 20-22
GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous, Hotel Mission De Oro, Santa Nella
209-826-4444 for reservations (rooms going quickly, other motels in town)
www.gsbfbonsai.org/2023-rendezvous for info
Just announced– additional workshop options to be released on Aug 1

Come Join Us

Next Meeting
Date: Aug 12, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Location: Home of Peter & Marissa Macasieb, West Covina, CA

If you need directions contact Lorraine at [email protected]

You are invited to come early and take a walk around the Garden
there is much to see

Newsletter July 2023

Bonsai Notebook

www.sabonsai.org

Next SABS Meeting:
July 8, 2023
6pm

At the home of David & June Nguy
Shisei-En Bonsai Garden
Chino, CA

It is time for our summer road trips.
We begin with our July 8 meeting being held at the home of David and June Nguy.
They will be hosting our meeting at their home in Chino.
David and June are long-time, gracious supporters of our club, and it is a real pleasure and treat for our members to have the opportunity to view their wonderful bonsai collection.
We will start the meeting at 6:00pm rather than our normal start time, to take advantage of the sunlight hours.
Members are invited to come early to have the time to walk through the Shisei-En Bonsai Garden and also see their beautiful Tea House.
We are asking members to bring appetizers or a dessert for refreshments and water will be supplied.

David will be our demonstrator for the evening, and it will be very instructive. He will talk a lot about the basics of bonsai as he works and encourage questions during the styling process.
This will be an opportunity for us to have one of the best bonsai artists in the world share his talents exclusively for us.

David is well known throughout the bonsai world for his work with California junipers and Japanese black pine. He has studied with Harry Hirao, Ben Oki, and Ernie Kuo.
David has traveled to Japan and studied with Masahiko Kimura.

David has traveled throughout the United States doing demonstrations and participating as a headliner at bonsai conventions. He has been active with the Golden State Bonsai Federation for many years and currently leads the Chino Bonsai Club.

Come join us for an exciting night of bonsai.

President’s Corner

It looks like our regular morning overcast is giving way to a warm summer. If you haven’t done your black pine candle pruning and needle pulling, get to it. If you aren’t sure about this process with your black pine, ask at the next meeting.

We have plenty of members who understand the process and will be glad to explain.
Or there is probably a Utube video on-line that covers it.

In Marty Mann’s book, Bonsai Ideas, he has a chapter on seasonal care of bonsai trees.
For July, he mentions that the hot days and cool nights bring about tip growth and long internodes. My junipers have been pushing hard and need cutting back to keep from becoming bushes! Marty writes that cutting back the tip growth will encourage shorter internodes and help secondary branching.

Most repotting is stopped in summer months, but some trees can still be transplanted.
You can repot ficus material, pomegranates, cotoneaster, wisteria, and pyracantha.
Also, keep up a regular watering schedule, and don’t let tree roots completely dry out.
With the summer heat, keep an eye on shohin trees and any tree in a shallow container, because they are going to dry out faster. You might need more than one watering a day.

Looking ahead to next month, we will be meeting at the home of Peter and Marissa Macasieb to complete the second part of our pyracantha air-layering project.
We want everyone who participated in step one of the air-layering project to go home with a potted, shohin-size tree next month.
Those of you who missed our step 1 meeting are very welcome to come and observe this amazing technique.

~Dave

Members Corner

Welcome New Members:
Kelly Lui

  • Many thanks to all who have renewed for 2023.
  • Our membership drive for 2023 continues….Annual dues are $20 for Individuals and $25 for family memberships.
    Dues may be paid by cash or check.
    If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like to join SABS please contact Lorraine at [email protected] to receive a mail –in membership form.
  • For security reasons we are not posting address and directions for the July meeting.
    Most of us have been to David & June’s and know the way.
    If this is your 1st time visiting the Shisei-En Bonsai Gardens, please contact Lorraine at [email protected] or another SABS member for directions & information.

June 2023 Meeting Highlights

Bill Ward was our guest demonstrator for the first time at the June meeting.
He is becoming known for his knack and enthusiasm for searching out nurseries to find affordable material for use as bonsai.

Bill brought along a large display of his trees to showcase the results you can get from material that can be purchased at low cost; something we can all appreciate.

For his demo, Bill worked on a large, bushy foemina juniper he found through his search process. He started by cleaning up the branches; removing branches growing up or down and crotch growth. Then he picked the branches he wanted for his design and wired them.

Some of the leftover branches were used for jin. Bill chose to have a deadwood apex and stripped off the bark and carved a lightening-struck look for the top. He said he often uses a butane torch to burn the deadwood, followed by wire brushing for an aged look.

While working on the tree, Bill talked about fertilizer products he uses.
They included Osmocoat, another called Organic Plus, and a fish and kelp product containing molasses.

Bill finished with a tree that opened up the branches for sunlight and future filling out.
It was a great example of the possibilities available with low cost material.

Susan Dao was the lucky raffle winner of the demo tree.
Jerry Banuelos won the pot for the name-badge drawing.

We had a full raffle table and many happy winners to round out the evening.

Photos by Becky V– many thanks!

More photos available at sabonsai.org
Check out the Gallery Section

A Special thank you to our June Raffle Donors

Bob Alderette, Jim and Helen Barrett, Jerry Banuelos
Marge Blasingame, Sue Cook, Y.S. Farn
Dave Miles, Steve Riley, Becky Villasenor

And to all who so generously purchased raffle tickets

Auction donation thank you’s continue:

To Mel Ikeda & Rick Naber– SABS appreciates your support !!!!

2023 Monthly Meeting Dates

July 08
Location: home of David & June Nguy
Shisei-En Bonsai Garden
Demo: David Nguy

Aug 12
Location: in West Covina
Demo: Peter Macasieb
Air Layering part 2

Sept 09
Location: TBA
Demo: Robert Hoogeveen

Meeting Refreshment Schedule

Snacks & Appetizers & Desserts SABS provides water

July 08
Please bring your favorite snack, appetizer or dessert to share

Aug 12
P Macasieb, V Shelton

Upcoming Events

July 1-2
The Vietnamese Bonsai Society hosts their annual Bonsai and Nonbo Exhibition
Vietnamese American Buddhist Assoc.
12292 Magnolia St., Garden Grove (Magnolia/Lampson)
9a-5p daily
Demos at 1p

Oct 20-22
GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous
Hotel Mission De Oro, Santa Nella
209-826-4444 for reservations (rooms going quickly, other motels in town),
go to www.gsbfbonsai.org/2023-rendezvous for info.

Come Join Us

Next Meeting

Date: July 8, 2023

Time: 6 pm

Location: Home of David & June Nguy
Shisei-En Bonsai Garden
Chino, CA

If you need directions contact Lorraine at [email protected]

You are invited to come early and take a walk around the Garden
there is so much to see

Newsletter June 2023

Bonsai Notebook

Next SABS Meeting:

June 10, 2023

7 pm

LA Arboretum— Ayres Hall

Welcome again to our wonderful club members and those thinking of learning more about bonsai.
The June 10 meeting will be at 7:00pm in Ayres Hall at the L.A. Arboretum.
Our guest demonstrator will be Bill Ward.

Bill has acquired much of his bonsai stock by scouring nurseries and yards all over for good bonsai material.
He will be sharing what he looks for in regular nursery stock to then develop worthwhile bonsai for a reasonable price.

Twelve years ago Bill thought that a bonsai tree would look good next to his koi pond.
He went to House of Bonsai, bought a juniper and a book on how to style it.
That adventure went well, and he began to study bonsai with John Nielson and later with Al Nelson.

Bill enjoys searching for a “diamond in the rough” that can become a beautiful bonsai.
Join us in June to hear and see how he does it.

President’s Corner

As we move from late spring into summer, many of our trees are going through growth spurts.
Deciduous trees push out leggy shoots and larger leaves.
Let new growth harden off before cutting back, and leaf-prune to reduce leaf size.
You can defoliate a healthy deciduous tree in June and July.
This kind of drastic leaf pruning works with maples, liquid amber, and hornbeam.
It works with many other deciduous trees and some evergreens like oak, but be careful.

Insects and fungus are prevalent during the summer, so plan on use of insecticides and fungicides to control them.
Fertilizer is also important for the health and growth of our trees.
There are an abundance of products on the market.
We get advice on fertilizers during demonstrations, but it differs from artist to artist.
Listen to and search out options and use what works for you.
Remember to generally use half the amount the package recommends for potted plants.
Enjoy your summertime trees.

~Dave

Members Corner

Welcome New Members:

Susan & Huong Dao
Christopher & Tracy Brown
Steve Salisian & Izzy Murillo

  • Many thanks to all who have renewed for 2023
  • Our membership drive for 2023 continues….
    Annual dues are $20 for Individuals and $25 for family memberships.
    Dues may be paid by cash or check.
    If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like to join SABS please contact Lorraine at [email protected] to receive a mail–in membership form.

May 2023 Auction Meeting Highlights

May was an exciting month for our club.
We were not able to have our annual Memorial Day Weekend show because of the on-going construction at the Arboretum.
We turned that negative into a positive by hosting our first-ever bonsai auction on our May meeting night.

Thanks to the auction committee, Chaired by Bryan Nicholson, for the planning and successful operation of the event.
We had a nice mix of club members and visiting bonsai enthusiasts who participated as bidders.
Together with a surprising abundance of bonsai trees and pots, the auction was a great success for the club.

Special thanks go to all the volunteers who handled the operation of the auction.
Wendy Tsai and Lorraine Miles handled the check-in, and together with the treasurers Steve and Judy Anthony, handled the pay-outs to all the sellers.
Ellen Keneshea and Kathy Benson did the critical job of tallying the auction results for each item, keeping calm in the midst of chaos.
Manuel Dizon, Ian Killips and Christian Lebano helped set-up and acted as runners throughout and kept the items moving.
The auctioneers, Mike Kelly and Anthony Aguirre kept the event light-hearted and orderly (mostly).
Bryan Nicholson kept all the paperwork in order to round out the night.
The club appreciates all the hard work and effort that went into producing a wonderful night of bonsai enjoyment for all.

We would also like to extend a “thank you” to all of you who so generously donated items to the Auction

Kathy Benson, YS Farn, Joe Galgoul
Mike Kelly, Ellen Keneshea, David & June Nguy
Steve Riley, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Doyle Saito
Vic Shelton, Lindsay Shiba, Carol Upston

Our paperwork is still a little jumbled, so we apologize to anyone we may have missed on this list.
Thank you very much

And to all who so generously participated during this Auction

2023 SABS Monthly Meeting Dates

June 10 —
Location: LA Arboretum —Ayres Hall
Demo: Bill Ward

July 8 —
Location: home of David & June Nguy
Demo: David Nguy

Aug 12 —
Location: home of Peter & Marissa in West Covina
Demo: Peter Macasieb
Air Layering part 2

Refreshment Schedule

Snacks & Appetizers & Desserts

June 10—
P. Macasieb, S. Riley, Y.S. Farn

July 08—
F. Saya

Aug 12 —
P Macasieb, V Shelton

Sign ups for 2023 Refreshments will be available at the June 10 meeting

Upcoming Events


June 11 — (date corrected from original post)
Arcadia Bonsai Swap Meet
405 S. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia
north end of parking lot, 10a-12p .
For more info email: [email protected]

Oct 20-22 —
GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous
Hotel Mission De Oro
Santa Nella
209-826-4444 for reservations (rooms going quickly, other motels in town) go to www.gsbfbonsai.org/2023-rendezvous for info.

Come Join Us

Next Meeting

Date:
June 10, 2023

Time:
7 pm

Location:
LA Arboretum– Ayres Hall
301 N. Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Enter thru the Ayres Gate in the East parking lot