Newsletter – April 2015

2015-04-Img01Bonsai Notebook

Come to the April meeting and meet first time guest, Ryan Nichols.  Although Ryan is relatively new to bonsai, his background in horticulture and recent bonsai accomplishments will make for an entertaining evening.
Ryan earned a degree in Ornamental Horticulture at Cal Poly Pomona in 2010.  He followed that with a master’s degree in Plant Biology, and currently teaches in the Plant Science Department at Cal Poly.

He met and began studying bonsai with Ryan Neil as well as other  teachers in the area.  Ryan won the “Joshua Roth/ American Bonsai Society New Talent” competition at last October’s GSBF convention.  He was invited to teach at the Bonsai School at Lake Merritt, applying his knowledge of plant roots to bonsai care.

Ryan founded “Back To The Roots Bonsai” in Riverside where he consults and maintains a nursery specializing in bonsai material.  He will do a tree styling demonstration for us focusing on design, and I’m sure he will include thoughts on bonsai care.  Be sure to join us in April.

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Photo by: P. Macasieb

Meeting Time And Place:
April 11, 2015 at 7pm
LAC Arboretum/ Palm Room

Board Meeting at 6pm prior to regular meeting – All members welcome

President’s Corner

This month I’ve dedicated this space for the following GSBF scholarship flyer:

The Harry Hirao Annual Scholarship
INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Harry Hirao Annual Scholarship (HHAS) is to provide a onetime grant of $1,500.00 to a worthy bonsai enthusiast. This money must be used for educational purposes in the art of bonsai within one year of receiving the scholarship. The recipient cannot use these funds to acquire: bonsai, pots, tools, books, or other physical items; it is to be used to further education in bonsai by studying with a recognized  bonsai artist.

APPLICATION An application must be submitted no later than midnight on July 15 to receive consideration. The application is to be submitted to the Editor of the Golden Statements designate George Haas, 707-762-9154, email [email protected].
The application must include, at a minimum, the following information:

  1. Name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of the applicant.
  2. Primary bonsai club and club membership history.
  3. How many years of bonsai experience.
  4. In 500 words or less, applicant will describe their bonsai educational goals and why they should receive the HHAS.
  5. A brief description of how the funds will be used, and the person with whom the applicant will study.
  6. If awarded the HHAS, applicant agrees that all funds awarded will be expended prior to the   following annual convention.
  7. Applicant will cooperate with and submit at least one article to the Golden Statements describing activities while using the HHAS funds, such as: demonstrations, workshops conducted or lectures given, and other actions with the bonsai teacher that increase skill and knowledge of bonsai. The deadline for submission of this article is July 20 following receipt of the scholarship.
  8. Verification by the applicant’s Club President of member in good standing with a GSBF Club.

SELECTION PROCESS HHAS Scholarship Committee will review all timely applications and verify eligibility. The selection committee will be made up of the GSBF President, Vice President, two board members appointed by the President, and the editor of Golden Statements. The selection committee’s decision is final and the award shall be given at the annual GSBF convention. If no application is deemed worthy, the committee reserves the right not to award the scholarship for that year.

~Dave Miles

March Meeting Highlights

Our scheduled guest was unable to attend the March meeting, but we managed to have a worthwhile learning experience with the help of members.  A number of us brought trees for the planned critique.  Peter Macasieb talked briefly about the trees he brought with grafted juniper foliage.  The trees were very healthy, with an abundance of branches ready for their first styling.

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Ken Teh took over and critiqued each of the trees that members brought.  He provided valuable advice on tree design and development.  All of us who brought trees went home with excellent ideas and plans to work with.  Listening and watching as Ken talked about each tree was a great lesson for all in attendance.

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Our thanks to Ken for stepping in and helping us salvage the meeting.
As usual, we had great refreshments and social time, and a good collection of bonsai items on the raffle table.  All in all, an enjoyable evening with good bonsai friends.

Photos: Dave Miles

Thank you to March Raffle Donors

Jim Barrett, Jerry Banuelos, Tom Freeman, Bill & Lois Hutchinson, Emma Janza. Dave Miles, Paul Terhune

What’s New

New badges are available for all who renew their SABS membership for 2015.  Contact Dave to have yours made.

Upcoming Events

April 25-26San Diego Bonsai Club 50th Anniversary Spring Show

  • 10 am to 5 pm & demonstrations at  11 am and 1 pm both days,
    at Casa Del Prado, Room 101, Balboa Park
    bonsai related items on sale

June 13-14Descanso Bonsai Society 46th annual exhibit

  • 9 am to 4 pm and demonstrations at 11 am and 1:30 pm each day,
    in Van De Kamp Hall, Descanso Gardens,
    1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge
    Reception on Sat. 6 pm to 7 pm with raffle at 8 pm
    Bonsai trees, pots and accessories on sale.
    Events free with garden admission.

Next Meeting

Date: April 11 2015
Time: 7pm
Location:
LAC Arboretum, Palm Room
301 N. Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, Ca  91007

Board Meeting at 6pm prior to regular meeting – All members welcome

2015 Monthly Meeting Dates

April 11 – Ryan Nichols
May 9    – Bob Pressler

2015 Refreshment Schedule

April: J Gutierrez, P Macasieb, E Janza
May:  M Atkison, D Miles, E Janza