Bonsai Notebook
We will not meet at the Arboretum in June because the Descanso Bonsai Society will have their annual bonsai show reception on Saturday, June 10 at 6:00pm. All our local clubs do their best to support each other, and we ask that our members come and enjoy the show and reception with the Descanso club in June.
The Arboretum summer concert series again includes a July event that conflicts with our meeting night, but we still plan to meet on July 8. It will be held at the home of Peter and Marissa Macasieb in West Covina. Watch for the details in the July newsletter.
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, liquidamber , and hornbeam. It works with many other deciduous tree and some evergreens like oak, but be careful.
Insects and fungus are more 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 options and use what works for you. Remember to generally use half the amount the package recommends for potted plants.
~Dave Miles
May Meeting Highlights
Needless to say, May was a big month for our club. Our monthly meeting featured Gary Ishii who showed us how to sharpen our bonsai cutting tools. Gary used waterstones for sharpening and brought several different grades of stone from course to fine. Club members were encouraged to bring waterstones of their own to try Gary’s techniques sharpening their own tools.
Gary also personally sharpened tools brought in by members. Gary emphasized the importance of keeping scissors sharp to make clean, crisp cuts on branches and stems. Thank you to Gary for sharing an important and often overlooked area of our bonsai art.
May Show Highlights
Our annual show was a great success. The trees were beautiful, and our forest theme was well represented. The “Best of Show” award went to Louis Camerota and his Satsuki Azalea, “Best Shohin” display went to Peter Macasieb, and “Best Theme Tree” honors went to David Nguy and his trident maple forest. Finally, Carol Upston’s Chinese elm won the 21st Century award established and sponsored by Marilyn Tyler.
“Best Theme Tree”
Our co-founder, Jim Barrett, judged the show for us, and his time and expertise are invaluable. The members appreciate his thoughtful feedback.
“Best Shohin Display”
Our thanks go to Marge Blasingame for her time and effort at the sales table. She was there all day, every day, and we couldn’t do the show without her. She also picked up food each day that members enjoyed throughout the weekend. Thank you to Marilyn Tyler for, once again preparing the awards for each of our category winners.
“21st Century Award”
Thanks also to our daily demonstrators, Peter Macasieb, Dave Miles, and Frank Yee. There was a good audience each day and a lot of new interest in the bonsai art.
We had a lot of help from members for both set-up and take-down, and with helping as docents. Thanks to all of you for making the show such a success.
“Best of Show”
Thank You to June Meeting Raffle Donors
Jerry Banuelos, Terry Chacon, Y.S. Farn, Gabriel Gonzalez, Dave Miles, Jim Pelling, Gonzalo Rodriguez
New Members
Michael Robinson
Welcome Back
Steve Salisian
Members Corner
It is with tremendous sadness that I share recent news. Steve Hutchinson, son of long-time members Bill and Lois Hutchinson, passed away unexpectedly on May 8. Bill and Lois were very active members of many clubs in our area for decades, and they are loved by all of us who know them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill, Lois and family in their time of sorrow.
Upcoming Events
June 10, 11 – Descanso Bonsai Society Annual Show
Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr. La Canada Flintridge
9a-4p, demos at 11am and 1:30p each day
Reception Sat. 6pm with raffle
Bonsai trees and accessories on sale
June 24 – Canejo Valley Bonsai Society Exhibit
Arts Council of Conejo Valley, “Voices of the Arts”
Hillcrest Center for the Arts
403 West Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks
Demonstrations 9a-12p, Reception 4p.
Come Join Us
No Meeting In June. Please plan to attend the Descanso Reception.
Next Meeting
Date: July 8, 2017
Time: 6 pm
Location:
At home of
Peter & Marissa Macasieb
Look for details in July Newsletter
2017 Monthly Meeting Dates
June 10 — No SABS meeting, please attend Descanso Bonsai Society Reception
July 8 — Peter Macasieb
August 12 — Cesareo Perez
2017 Refreshment Schedule
June — No meeting, please attend Descanso Bonsai Society Reception
July — Potluck for meeting at Peter Macasieb’s
August — Judy Anthony, Marge Blasingame, Dave Miles , Wendy Tsai
