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44 Years of Bonsai Education and Volunteerism • 1970 - 2014
Volume 44, Issue 1 Winter 2014Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
Newsletter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
Getting to know Dwarf JadeA double feature on Portulacaria afraby Stephen Moran and Guest Author, Adam Lavigne.
Restyling a Shimpakuwith Danny Coffey
Outdoor Tree Stands!The Washington Bonsai Club schools us on building wooden bonsai stands by Ross Campbell
And Much More!
Contents
2Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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PBA ClippingsNewsletter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
PBA Clippings (ISSN 0160-9521) is published by the Potomac Bonsai Association, Inc. (PBA), a nonprofit organization, in the interests of its affiliate member clubs and societies. Copyright 2014 PBA. The views/opinions herein do not necessarily represent those of the Association or its governing board.
Subscriptions: PBA member Clubs/Societies. Annual subscription is included in the membership dues paid to the PBA club or society of your choice. For telephone numbers or points of contact for information about any member club or society turn to the pack page.
Non-member Subscriptions: Individuals residing within the metropolitan areas of our clubs are encouraged to become members of a club to receive the newsletter. Individuals outside of these areas must submit a request in email form to Seán Coleman at [email protected] for consideration.
Advertising Rates: Download our ad guide for specs and pricing. http://www.potomacbonsai.com/pdf/Clippings_Ad_Specs_2014.pdf
Please send advertising copy, articles, photos or graphics files to the editor at [email protected].
Accepted File FormatsArticles, editorial and advertising copy should be submitted in text (.txt, .rtf ) format, or Microsoft Word (.doc or docx) format only.
Digital Photos can be accepted in medium to high resolution, jpeg format is preferred.
Print Ready Advertisements will be accepted in medium to high resolution pdf, jpeg or tif format.
Other Graphics Files may be accepted as needed but are not guaranteed. Please inquire regarding compatability for your specific format.
Meet The BoardPresident: Steven Miller [email protected]
President Elect: LeAnn Duling [email protected]
Educational VP: John Ruth [email protected]
Treasurer: Ross Campbell [email protected]
Secretary: Chris Baker
BBC Representative: Barry FigardBBS Representative: David LordCBS Representative: Todd EllisKBC Representative: Godfrey TrammellNVBS Representative: Judy SchwartzPVSG Representative: Glenn ReuschRBS Representative: Tony YankowskiWBC Representative: Ross CampbellVBS Representative: Brad BondWebmaster: Seán Coleman [email protected]
Clippings StaffEditor: Seán Coleman
Editorial Committee: Joe Gutierrez James Hughes John Ruth
Contributing Authors: Ross Campbell Danny Coffey Barry Figard Pete Jones Stephen Moran Jim Sullivan
Guest Authors: Adam Levigne
Special thanks to Colleen Fishter for additional editorial support
In This Issue...
President’s Corner � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3
Delays and Dedications � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4
A Visit to Acer Acres � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5
BBC Auction for John Griffin � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
Buiding Outstanding Outdoor Stands � � � � � � 7
NVBS Propagation workshop � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
Sensei Sam � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9
Getting To Know Portulacaria afra Intro � � �10
My experience with Portulacaria afra � � � � �11
Dwarf Jade, Portulacaria afra � � � � � � � � � � � �13
Shimpaku Restyling � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �16
Calendar Of Events � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �19
Membership Application � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �20
Club Directory � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �20
1451 Pleasant Hill RoadHarrisburg, PA 17112717-545-4555
Our noblest plantappeals to the intellect
as well asto the feelings.
www.natureswaybonsai.com
• Tools, Books, Containers and Supplies
• Bonsai, Pre Bonsai and Collected trees
• Lanterns and Statuary
• Direct Importers from Japan
• Lectures and Demonstrations by Jim Doyle
President’s Corner
3Winter 2014
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Steven Miller
A s we usher in another year, I'd like to look back on 2013 and reflect on what PBA has accomplished. The annual Spring Show went off without too much complication. Considering our festival is the
premier, FREE bonsai show in the area, I would expect higher attendance by PBA membership. Despite what I would consider low attendance by our membership in 2013, the show was a great success.
The Spring Auction at Behenke's nursery was also a huge success and will only get better in the years to come. PBA had a good year with furthering education through our guest speaker program. If you have never attended one of these workshops I highly recommend it, as you will learn so much from the experience and wisdom of others.
On a solemn note, in December the bonsai community lost two members.On December 24, 2013 Baltimore Bonsai Club Secretary John Griffin passed away. We also lost a great teacher and artist in Peter Adams in 2013. Rest in peace my friends.
Moving forward into 2014 our Spring Bonsai Festival is shaping up to be one of the finest ever. This year we have two featured guest speakers Arthur Joura, curator of the North Carolina Arboretum, and Rodney Clemons from All Good Bonsai will be on hand for our bonsai education and enlightenment. The theme of this year's show is Southern Fried Bonsai and there will be a lot of great demonstrations and workshops to attend!
Start thinking about what tree or trees you want to display in our PBA Exhibition. It is an extreme honor to have your tree on display at the US National Arboretum and our clubs are lucky to be associated with such a fine collection of bonsai.
Other business coming this year includes 2014 PBA Elections of officers. If you would like to participate in PBA, please get on the ballot and get involved. As a non-profit organization we need you and your input and participation.
We have a great year ahead of us with much to look forward to in furthering the education and promotion of the art of bonsai.
Yours in Bonsai, Steven Miller, President
4Winter 2014
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from the Editor
Seán Coleman
As you know, in bonsai things do not always go our way. We all create a vision in our mind prior to executing that vision through a partnership with a tree. However, sometimes the tree has a
different vision, or the environment throws us an unexpected challenge. Alas, we must pause, regroup and push back our vision.
Such is the way with all things in life and such is the way that Clippings Winter Edition is now Clippings Late Winter edition. Without getting into the details, I was derailed in January and February. I want to thank all the writers for getting materials to me on time and being patient for the release of this edition. The Spring Edition is still scheduled to be published in mid April, so I look forward to receiving your materials by the end of March.
A few things to note about this issue. I have omitted “From The Archives” and “Your Moment of Zen” as we have received several submissions from clubs. I am very pleased to see the increased interest in submissions and I encourage you to keep sending your interesting stories and reports on club activities! We also have two feature stories on Portulacaria afra. The first article is from my fellow Brookside Bonsai Society member Stephen Moran and the second piece is from our guest Author, Adam Lavigne of Orlando, Florida.
The 2014 Potomac Bonsai Festival is coming together very nicely! The board has been working very hard to get great talent and great material for demonstrations and workshops. This year we are honored to have Arthur Joura and Rodney Clemons with us. We hope that everyone will plan on attending this year. PBA is taking a very active part in this year’s show. In fact we need volunteers like never before! Please visit our website at www.potomacbonsai.com/festival to get the latest information, register for a workshop, or sign up for a volunteer shift, or several volunteer shifts!
Delays and Dedications
Rare, Miniature, Bonsai,And Starter Plant Materials
Rohrersville, MD
301-432-2965www.meehansminiatures.com
As many of you know, our dear friend John Griffin passed away in December of 2013. He was an active member of the Baltimore Bonsai Club, as well as an active volunteer for PBA. In fact, you may remember that John was my predecessor as editor of Clippings. I enjoyed John’s company during many PBA adventures, however I feel on many levels, I was only just starting to get to know him. He will surely be missed by many. In honor of John’s service to BBC, PBA and the bonsai community, I am dedicating this issue of Clippings to him. Rest in peace John.
~Seán Coleman
5Winter 2014
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Pete Jones
Some Japanese maples make excellent bonsai and some are best developed as landscaping plants. Most local nurseries carry select maples for landscaping. Some will have high graft unions, which are done to obtain a landscape type plant quickly. But, in bonsai we don’t like to see high graft unions on the trunk. When considering Japanese maple that will respond to Bonsai training and pot culture, ideal candidates should have a good graft union at or below the root crown or better yet, one that is growing on its own roots.
Last September my search for good Japanese maples led me to visit Acer Acres in Hanover County, VA. Acer Acres is generally a wholesale nursery, however, they will sell to gardening clubs, horticulture groups and clubs such as our bonsai club. It was indeed a trip well worth the time required to travel to Beaverdam VA. If you decide to make the trip be sure to plan on a full eight hours just to see the entire facility. I was surprised at the size of Acer Acres, and impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. They truly appreciate the unique beauty of Japanese maples!
Before making the trip, Elisabeth (the owner) asked me to send her a list of maples that I was interested in seeing. So I pulled out my J.D. Vertrees book on Japanese maples. Many new maples
have been developed since I purchased my book in 1994 as I found out when we arrived. I had selected five maples that I was interested in with the thought of purchasing maybe two. As some of you may know, it is difficult for me to get around because of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Elisabeth set aside maples from my lists so I could easily see them when I arrived. Some of the maples on my list were not available so she had other dwarf varieties available for me to view.
I was impressed to see new varieties of Japanese maple that have not been widely distributed. Needless to say, I purchased a dwarf maple that I had never before seen or read about. I asked Elisabeth where she finds such rare jewels? She said that there is a Japanese maple society that has annual shows where attendees can meet collectors and propagators that develop new plants for the market. Elisabeth said that every second or third year she looks for new maples to add to her already massive inventory of over 40,000 varieties.
In the 35 plus years that I have been active in the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society, I have never found a nursery that deals exclusively with Japanese maples. If there is interest in visiting, maybe we can plan a trip to meet at Acer Acres. I would highly recommend it as a club outing or perhaps two or more PBA clubs could coordinate a visit. ▲
A Visit To Acer Acres
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We have a full line of bonsai supplies in-stock and ready to go. Come visit our showroom or our online store at: MECOBONSAI.COM1-866-256-1492
6Winter 2014
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Club News
Baltimore Bonsai Club Auction For John GriffinBarry Figard
On Saturday Dec. 7, 2013 the Baltimore Bonsai Club, with help from the PBA, put on an auction to help John Griffin find homes for his trees and
supplies. The auction was held at Glenelg High School in Glenelg, MD and sponsored by the GHS Japanese Cultural Club which helped us out with set up tasks, as well as supplying yummy snacks for our attendees.
John, who was–at the time–suffering from ALS was just not able to keep up with his trees and wished to get them to people who would carry on his work. John has been practicing Bonsai for just under three years and it was amazing, and a testament to John, to see what he had accomplished with his trees and collection of pots and supplies in that short period of time. This was very inspiring especially for newcomers to Bonsai who could see what can be accomplished in that brief amount of time.
There were almost 300 items up for bid and we were able to sell them all in just over three hours. Everyone in attendance had a great time and received some great deals, learned a little more about John, and pitched in to make this a very, very successful event. Thanks to Sadida Ahmed for setting up the event at Glenelg and getting her students involved , and to Betty Lou and Fritz Lages for organizing things to make it such a great event. Also to the members of the BBC for all the support in taking care of his trees and then moving them in the rain to the
auction site and to all the people who came out to support this auction. We raised nearly $4,000 for John, and ALL of his trees and supplies now have new homes.
One the most positive events of the day was to have young members of BBC like William, Grant and Garret bidding and winning trees and seeing the total excitement and enthusiasm for bonsai on their little faces. Their participation made everyone feel young and energized, which is what bonsai is supposed to do, no matter what your circumstances of life. As for John, he was really happy when I told him about all that took place that day and he had a great feeling of satisfaction and gratification knowing people wanted to purchase trees that he had put so much care and work into developing.
On December 24, 2013 John passed away quietly in the comfort of his home and in the presence of his family. During the later months of 2013, the disease had taken a very aggressive toll on John. He wanted me to let everyone know that he wants to be remembered for all the effort he put into bonsai, not only styling his trees, but in giving back and trying to help people with what he has learned in that short three-year period of time. John was a man of faith and was not fearful of his future and looked forward to his next adventure which, I'm sure, will last a bit longer. This attitude was very inspiring to me and made dealing with his situation much easier. As for John, again he just wants you to remember all that he did for the Art and the Club. To be inspired by his efforts is all he wanted and we can all partake of this. ▲
Bidders gather to preview the items from John's huge collection.
Barry Figard, BBC President plays auctioneer.
Several young members of BBC were present and placing bids!
7Winter 2014
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Club News
Ross Campbell
One of the great recent developments for the Potomac Bonsai Association has been the invitation from the
National Arboretum to display our Spring Festival trees in the Chinese Pavilion
The Pavilion shows the trees at their best, provides a terrific venue for visitors, and is even better for the trees’ health. One downside to the outdoor setting is that it is not prudent to display our trees on “furniture grade” stands.
In the last few years, some clubs have come up with alternative stands that can take the weather while also giving the display a bit more of a finished look. Stone,
Outstanding Stands for Standing Outsidemetal, and rough-hewn wood have all made an appearance.
In December, members of the Washington Bonsai Club fashioned several stands out of cedar deck material. We made three sizes to meet our need. (See figure 1.) They are a simple design, but we think they will complement the trees in our humble collections and will come in handy at future Spring Festivals.
Here are a few comments on the construction:
• Each stand consists of three planks across the top and two simple legs.
• I started with eight-foot long cedar planks that are about six inches wide and one-inch thick. Each plank cost about $15 at Fisher Lumber in Rockville.
• For the largest stands, I cut the plank into three 24-inch lengths and kept the 6-inch width. For the smaller stands, I cut the width down to keep them in proportion. For example, the smallest stand consists of three planks that are 9 inches long and 3 inches wide.
• The cedar planks are manufactured to be rounded on the edges. I used a router to round the ends, as well as any new edges that I cut.
Juniper posing on a new stand.
Figure 1. Three stand sizes
Figure 2. Bottom of stand showing legs and dado
Figure 3. Clamps and screws
• The sizes of the legs vary to match the size of the stand. And, each of the legs was cut at a 15-degree angle so that they flare out.
With the idea that the legs should be well integrated into the top of the stand, I used a router to carve out a “dado” into the bottom of the planks. (See figure 2.) When it came time to assemble them, we inserted the legs into this channel and then glued and screwed them in. Using clamps and a power drill, we drilled the screws in from the top and then filled the countersunk hole with a wooden plug. (See figure 3.)
With hindsight and little more work in the basement, I have decided that routing out the dado was not necessary. Most of the prep time was spent getting the measurements just right for the router. And, it sure created a lot of sawdust.
I have since made a couple of small stands without the dado. I think they are sturdy enough, and were much simpler to construct. We’ll see how they hold up.
Like I said, these are very simple designs. I am sure someone out there can raise the bar. ▲
Photos courtesy of Shirley Schwarz
8Winter 2014
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Club News
Pete Jones
On January 26, 2014 we had our first cutting workshop with yezo spruce as our material. Although
this workshop was advertised as "learn to start yezo spruce from cuttings", we had many other plants that root easy for participants to try. The participants where quite happy with workshop and the instruction given on how to care for the cuttings.
Most of us have seen pictures of old yezo spruce bonsai in Japan, but most of us have not grown and trained a yezo spruce. In visiting Will Feldman a few years ago, I saw several yezo spruce that he was growing. Will showed me several that he had rooted as well as many other spruce he has collected over the years. At that time we discussed the possibility of having a workshop so other PBA members who wish to grow spruce could learn the horticulture requirements for these plants and how to start them from cuttings.
For years my interest in propagating various plants that we see in bonsai publications has lead me to first find the plant. After finding the plant, researching its horticulture requirements was done so
that I could see if it would indeed grow in our area. The days of me thinking “I grow bonsai, so I can grow anything” are long gone.
Shared knowledge and experience has helped me to find other PBA members like my friend Will. We both have collected many plant species and taught ourselves how to propagate from cuttings, air layering and grafting. Now it is time to conduct workshops to share what we have learned with others and in the process share some of the material we have collected.
As you can see from the pictures, the workshop was well attended. As we evaluate how well this workshop was received, we will consider offering additional workshops, maybe a special Satsuki Azalea cutting workshop or others! We can use cutting, air layering and grafting techniques to propagate many of the unique plants that we see in bonsai publications.
Will and I will be doing a grafting workshop March 9, 2014 at the Walter Reed Community Center in Arlington, VA. As we schedule these workshops, we hope
that PBA members will attend so they can expand their knowledge of propagation for bonsai. To ensure that each participant receives good hands-on instructions, we must limit the number of participants. To help keep cost down, we may ask that members supply some plant materials for some workshops. Working together everyone will learn and benefit.
Understanding propagation and other horticulture techniques is a never ending task. If each of us takes the time to write about our experiences and share with others, we will all become better practioners in the art of bonsai. ▲
Northern Virginia Bonsai SocietyWorkshop - Propagating Yezo Spruce From Cuttings
9Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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Sensei Sam
Jim Sullivan
It is November 1, and about a week ago temperatures headed south, figuratively and literally. In came
my small collection of orchids and even smaller collection of tropical bonsai – a Ficus religiosa, a Bougainvillea glabra, and two bougainvillea dwarfs. I am also wintering over two dwarf Hinoki cypress cuttings — Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Mhondoro’ — just to see how they respond to constant warmth and artificial light.
Adequate light for the hinokis is not a problem since they are only a couple inches tall and are placed within a couple inches of two 48” fluorescent bulbs. But for the ficus and standard bougainvillea, adequate light is a real problem. The distance from soil surface to plant top is about 20 inches for both and from plant top to lowest foliage is 13 thirteen inches. The artificial light intensity drops off dramatically from the top of the plants which just about touch the light source, to the bottom branches, which receive
about 144 times less light! And that does not take into account the shading caused by branches above. Some of our club members - Christos, John, and Phillip, as good examples - have installed more adequate and sophisticated lighting. Others in the club rely on natural light; and although the short days of winter can affect vigor, their tropical bonsai have generally done well.
I am viewing the temperate zone bonsai on my patio and in my back yard from the large sliding glass door in my kitchen. (Unfortunately for my tropicals, that glass door faces north and only admits weak morning light). It is in the high 60’s this morning and forecast to be in the 70’s by afternoon. But it will not be long before benches and pedestals will be bare; and those bonsai that gave me joy and comfort will rest in their winter quarters, hidden for the most part from my daily view. Then the bonsai spark will have to be kept glowing until spring by a possible collecting trip, books, memories, and a few tropicals growing ever more scraggly under a couple of shop lights. ▲
Sensei Sam 11/01/13
Keeping The Spark Alive
Double Feature
10Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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dwarf
Getting to Know
Portulacaria afra
Introduction by Seán Coleman
I became curious about dwarf jade as a material for bonsai in 2012 after reading an article by Adam Lavigne of Orlando, Florida. In truth my interest has fluctuated over my many years in bonsai. But after reading Adam’s thoughts on Jade (republished here) I was compelled to purchase a small specimen from Meehan’s at the 2013 Potomac Bonsai Festival. Over the summer I also nurtured a cutting from that purchase and I am proud to say the three of us have almost made it through the winter alive! My fascination with Portulacaria has also been further inspired by a fellow member of the Brookside Bonsai Society, Stephen Moran. Stephen has displayed several refined specimens from his collection at many of our monthly meetings and has been kind enough to share a few words here on his experience.
So, without further adieu, I give you some winter time, portulacaria inspiration. Enjoy!
Intro Photo courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr
Getting to Know Portulacaria afra
11Winter 2014
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My Experience with Portulacaria afraStephen Moran
Portulacaria afra, a.k.a. dwarf or small leaf jade and elephant bush (these trees are a favorite food of African
elephants). While these tough trees are succulents that store a lot of water in their leaves, they still require regular watering or risk the shriveling up of leaves if they become too dry.
First a disclaimer, I am no expert in growing tropical bonsai, in fact, I don’t particularly care for tropical bonsai. As odd as it sounds, I was first drawn to this species a number of years ago while poking around the internet and came across a tree that appealed to me. It was being sold by a well-known East Coast bonsai artist at a very reasonable price so I jumped at the chance. What I loved about the tree was that it was a well-balanced twin trunk style in an interesting pot (some may know I have a weakness for good pots). I brought the tree in without knowing anything about the species, but quickly learned they are easy to grow in the Washington, DC area, especially the hot humid summers we are famous for.
The tree didn’t thrive during the first winter as well as I would have expected, so I reevaluated my approach to its care the following winter. I assumed my south-facing sunroom would be enough to keep it happy, but quickly learned the tree needed more light and heat since nighttime temperatures in my sunroom hover in the high 50s to the low 60s. I provided more light and sat the tree directly on a low wattage grow mat. The grow mat increased the pot temperature by 10-12º and I saw an immediate response as the tree continued to grow all winter long.
The following fall the tree experienced a shock when the tree was blown off a two -story deck at our West Virginia house and crashed into huge rocks below. Needless to say, the pot was totally destroyed and a main branch was nearly severed right at its base. Since we were visiting our place in West Virginia, I had no supplies and had to scramble to find a temporary pot and soil. This occurred at the most inopportune time of year for a tropical plant, late fall. Long story short, the tree survived and a new pot from the same potter was purchased at the spring PBA bonsai festival. The broken branch has since healed and continues to grow, but is slightly weaker than the other branches.
Getting to Know Portulacaria afra
12Winter 2014
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The tree is moved outside into full sun when nighttime temperatures stay in the 60s. I rarely deviate from my soil mix of akadama, pumice, lava, and a small amount of crushed granite. The tree is watered daily, especially in the heat of summer. I purchased a shohin Portulacaria for my office, but after a few months I had to bring it home as it was not thriving due to too little light and too little water.
I repot all my trees only when needed, by this I mean they are not on a regular annual or bi-annual schedule, but instead are repotted when they need repotting. I think many of us repot our trees too often and constantly keep them in a state of recovery.
Regular pruning of these trees will net tons of opportunities to create new trees, the pruned shoots readily root in any type of soil. I have started many new trees from clippings and find this to be an inexpensive venture. (See the photo of a shohin forest planting that I started a couple years ago). Amazing I have so many trees growing in such a small pot… and I have never repotted it. These are fun projects that will help you learn new techniques without investing a lot of time or money.
I think you will find these trees to be tough little trees that are not prone to diseases or pests. In fact, I have never had problems with pests or a disease on my trees. ▲
13Winter 2014
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Getting to Know Portulacaria afraGuest Author
Dwarf Jade.Portulacaria afraAdam Lavigne
One of my favorite species for bonsai is the dwarf jade. A great deal of traditionalists don’t like them, though. The refrains are “it’s not a real tree,” “the leaves are funny,” “I always over
water them” …etcetera etcetera etcetera….Jim Smith has been growing portulacaria as bonsai for 30 years. Is
that long enough for people to accept them as bonsai? Many people kill shimpaku junipers yet they are still considered, along with Japanese black pine, the ultimate bonsai. A juniper is easier to kill than a portulacaria. It’s my aim in this article to de-mystify the dwarf jade a bit and maybe convince some of its detractors out there that this tree (it is a tree) is legitimate material for bonsai.
Dwarf Jade is native to the southern part of Africa. It is called "spekboom" in Afrikaans. Which is literally "fat pork tree." In that area the portulacaria makes up to about 80% of an elephant's diet. But the growth habit of the tree and the eating habits of the elephants ensure that the plants never get overgrazed. The elephants eat from the top down and make a mess, dropping pieces on the ground. The tree responds by budding back densely and all those pieces that fall, root where they lie, making more trees. Cool, huh?
There are areas in South Africa called “spekboomveldt” which are dense thickets of portulacaria. The tree is so prevalent in the countryside and there is even a river called the Spekboom river.
Looks like a bonsai to me,how about you?
14Winter 2014
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Getting to Know Portulacaria afra
The elephant teaches us two things:1. Trim them often, they respond well.2. Take cuttings. It’s easy.
Amazingly, the portulacaria is a plant that can switch how it performs photosynthesis. The C3 method (which is how most plants work) to the CAM method (how succulents work) and back. Photosynthesis (simply) is taking water and carbon dioxide and, using the energy of the sun, jamming the molecules together to create sugar and oxygen. This process occurs during the day. The co2 is taken in through pores (called stomata) that can open and close. At night the plant uses the sugar and oxygen in the air and gives off co2. This is respiration. A regular C3 photosynthesis plant will, in times of high heat and humidity, revert to respiration during the day. And this weakens it. The portulacaria, though, switches to CAM photosynthesis (which is the stomata closing during heat of the day but, then opening at night, taking in co2, storing it, and making sugar in the day when the sun is out.) An efficient adaptation in the desert. By closing the stomata the plant will not lose water through transpiration (which is how plants move water and nutrients from the roots to the tips.
Fig 2- There's the master himself - Jim Smith.
Fig 3 - A specimen from Jim Smith's Nursery with a lot of large branches to remove.
Fig 6 - Now some trimming.
Fig 4 - This one branch, if it were in an eight-inch pot would go for $15 to $25 at a bonsai nusery.
Fig 7 - Prune all the branches growing straight up.
Fig 5 -There’s a good view of the front.
Fig 8 - And those growing in awkward places
Anyway, back to some bonsai.Let’s style one from a stock plant (fig 3). I got this from Jim Smith.
originally. A lot of branches to work with. I got it to take cuttings off of as well as for a specimen tree.
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15Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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Double Feature
Fig 9 - There we are. A little less haphazard
Fig 12 - Let's deal with the roots now. Hmmm... Looks intimidating.
Fig 10 - I didn't trim all the upward growing branches
Fig 13 - After root work
Fig 11 - With some wire we can turn this branch into the beginning of a pad
Fig 14 - Finally potted.
Fig 15 - After leaves start to grow back.
Guest Author
I will end with this, a little known fact about the Portulacaria afra is that it’s edible. Make sure it’s the dwarf jade and not a crassula (true jade) species.
Make sure you haven’t sprayed chemicals, et al, on it. Take the tender new leaves and taste. It tastes a bit like Granny Smith apples. It goes good on salads.
It is said that it helps with dehydration. On a hot day in the bonsai garden chew on a few stalks. You’ll be trimming your tree AND staying hydrated, at the same time.
Try a dwarf jade, as a bonsai or just a snack. You’ll be surprised either way. ▲
Getting to Know Portulacaria afra
Shimpaku Restyling
16Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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Greetings from Aichien
Danny Coffey
Happy New Year, Clippings readers! We made it! 2014 is off to a great start. Things are going well here in Japan. Aichien is certainly keeping
me busy and though bonsai apprenticeship is endlessly challenging, I'm still enjoying it every day (some days more than others). All in all, my first year in Japan has been an incredible experience and I look forward to seeing what the future will bring.
Shimpaku Restyling
17Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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Recently I was charged with the task of styling a rather interesting shimpaku juniper. In this article we'll look at a few photos of the tree and talk about some of the styling decisions and the reasons behind them.
As most of you probably know, choosing a front and selecting a main branch are two of the most important decisions when initially styling a tree. These two decisions really set the foundation that everything else will grow on. Our eyes and sense of style are really the most useful tools when it comes to making these choices. This means the rules can change from person to person. It also means the rules can change as an individual's style evolves. That being said, maybe next year I'll want to throw this article out the window. Just kidding. I've learned that other peoples opinions, and style cues can be good food for thought and help us decide for ourselves what we do and do not like when styling our own trees.
So lets get started by taking a look at the tree and its possible fronts (fig. 1 -4).
This is how the tree came to Aichien. Grown out, full of weeds and un-styled. Really nice material! Of the four options, I believe most would agree that option D is the least likely to be the front. We just cant see any of the cool stuff this tree has to offer. Of the three remaining options, I feel B is closest to the sweet spot. A and C are not bad though. Interesting movement and good branch positions. So why did I rule them out? Because the angle is not desirable and they don't really show off that incredible bend at the peak of the trunk. Option A leans too far back and option C too far forward. Though its difficult to see this, due to the flat nature of a photograph. Even with an angle change they just wouldn't be as strong as option B. Option B has great movement, shows off the main feature of the tree (the cool bend) and puts the branches in great places to start styling. The problem is that this option lacks depth. To remedy this, I'll tilt the
tree forward slightly and also bring the apex forward when styling. That should give it the all important third dimension. Now that the front has been chosen, lets weed, clean and prep (fig. 5).
Prep work finished! In the last issue of Clippings there was an article on a Colin Lewis presentation. Colin mentioned the importance of properly prepping material before bringing it to a workshop. I thought it was a good article. This prep work can take a lot of time. No need wasting valuable workshop time prepping
when you can do it at home. Weeds are pulled, dead and unnecessary foliage is removed and since this is a juniper, I've also cleaned up the bark and washed/lime sulfured the deadwood. At this point, the tree is ready to begin styling work (fig. 6).
From here, I'll fast forward through the wiring process so we can go straight into main branch and general structure discussion. Everything will be roughly put in its place and I will leave two options for main branch then talk through the pros and cons of each option (fig. 6).
Figure 1
Figure 5 Figure 6
Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4
Shimpaku Restyling
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18Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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So the basics of the wiring process here are to bring the branches down and spread things out, leaving room for new growth to fill in. With that completed, let's talk main branches. There are two options for main branches shown here. One will stay and one will go. Making the decision is difficult because there are positive and negative points to each branch. Option A is in a really good position. From studying under Mr. Tanaka I've really started to enjoy seeing a main branch that naturally flows in the same direction as the trunk. The trouble with option A is that it lacks weirdness. This tree is really strange, so it needs an equally strange main branch to bring everything together. Option B is exactly that. It has some odd bends near the top that happened a long time ago, nice jin and shari that connect them and it's an old branch. It's
the ideal branch for this tree, except for the fact that its direction is opposing the flow of the trunk creating a heavy feeling near the base of the tree. On some trees that can be nice, but the bunjin style should feel more elegant and lightweight. Bending branch B in the opposite direction is possible, however it would end up more in the center, cross over some nice jin and potentially lower the quality of the tree. With all of this in mind the choice is apparent. Cut B and work with A (fig. 7). Over the years we will continue to work with branch A and increase the strangeness factor by creating jin and shari.
With the main branch now chosen, the tree really came together. Option B was cut mid way and the remaining branches could be used as a great second branch. Option A could then be brought forward a little as well. So now
the main branch is flowing in the same direction as the tree with the apex moving slightly back towards center. This helps the tree appear to be walking that fine line between being firmly grounded and falling over. Nice balancing point. For now, the work is done. The tree has been set on a new path and we will continue to grow it here at Aichien. Hopefully it will stick around long enough for me to do a follow up post at some point.
I'll close this out with a before/after photo (fig. 8 & 9). Visit www.treethepeople.com to keep up with me between Clippings issues. You can sign up to receive blog updates by email. It's free and secure. Thanks for reading! ▲
~Danny Coffey
Greetings from Aichien
Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9
19Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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Calendar
March 2014• 1st - 30th (Fri - Mon only) • Honoring
Asian Viewing Stone Traditions - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
• 7th • Repotting & Improvement Styling with Owen Reich - Nature’s way Nursery
• 8th • NVBS at the Arlington Home & Garden Show - South 2nd Street, Arlington, VA
• 9th • Bonsai Repotting Workshop - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 14th -16th • Kennett Collection Reduction Sale - Hockessin, DE
• 14th - 16th • Meco Bonsai Open House - Lancaster, PA
• 15th • Intro to Bonsai - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 29th • Free Trident Maple Demonstration featuring Owen Reich - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
• 29th • Large Field Grown Elm Workshop with Owen Reich - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
• 30th • Study Group with Owen Reich - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
April 2014• 4th - 6th • Woodstock 7 with Walter Pall &
Jim Doyle - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 4th - 26th (Fri - Mon only) - Ikebana International Exhibit - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 5th, 6th, 13th, 20th and 21st • Ikebana International Demonstrations - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 12th • NVBS Spring Show - Merrifield Garden Center, Falls Church, VA
• 12th • Bonsai Basics Workshop - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 12th • Intro to Bonsai - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 18th • Special Techniques Session with Mauro Stemberger - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 17th - 20th • Roy Nagatoshi visits PBA Clubs
• 19th • BYOT Styling Workshop - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 25th - 27th • Mid Atlantic Bonsai Symposium - East Hanover, NJ
• 26th • Potting/Re-potting and Deciduous Refinement Workshop - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
• 27th • Bonsai Basics Workshop - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
May 2014• 2nd - 4th • Potomac Bonsai Festival -
Washington D.C.
• 8th • San Jose Juniper Workshop with Peter Warren - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 9th • BYOT Styling Workshop - Minoru Akiyama - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 9th • 7:00pm Free Demo w Peter Warren & Minoru Akiyama - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st • Photography as Zen Art Workshop (4 sessions) - U.S. National Arboretum
• 10th • World Bonsai Day! - Open House - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 10th • 41st Spring Bonsai Festival featuring Peter Warren and Minuro Akiyama - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 17th • Free Trident Maple Demonstration featuring Owen Reich - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
• 17th • Japanese Hornbeam Workshop with Owen Reich - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
• 17th • Kusamono Workshop with Young Choe - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 23rd - 25th • Brussel’s Bonsai Annual Redezvous
• 23rd - June 2nd • (Fridays - Mondays only) - Art Blooms: Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Exhibit - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 31st • Introduction to Bonsai - Nature’s Way Nursery
June 2014• 1st -2nd • Art Blooms: Satsuki Azalea
Bonsai Exhibit - National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
• 6th - 8th • Virginia Bonsai Society Annual Bonsai Show - Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Norfolk, VA
• 12th - 15th • Steve Tolley visits PBA Clubs
• 14th • Pine Workshop with Marco Invernizzi - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 28th • Creative Carving Demo and Workshop with Bill Patterson and Martha Meehan - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
July 2014• 11th - 13th • Nashville Bonsai Festival
• 19th • Kusamono Workshop with Young Choe - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 27th • Bouganvillea Workshop - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
August 2014• 1st - 3rd • Prairie State Bonsai Festival -
Chicago, IL
• 15th - 17th • Mid-America Bonsai Symposium - Chigago, IL
• 29th - 31st • Ron Lang Kiln Opening
• 30th • Building Slabs Workshop - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
September 2014• 13th - 14th • U.S. National Bonsai
Exhibition - Rochester, NY
• 20th • Introduction to Bonsai - Nature’s Way Nursery
October 2014• 10th - 12th • Bonsai Expo - Asheville, NC
• 16th • Collected Species with David Easterbrook - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 17th • BYOT Style Workshop with David Easterbrook - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 17th • 7:00pm Free Evening with David Esterbrook - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 18th • Fall Open House & Sale with David Easterbrook - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 25th • Introduction to Bonsai - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 25th • Japanese Larch Literati Workshop - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
November 2014• 8th • Tropical Workshop with Yamil Collazo
• 9th • Styling Theatric Fun with Tropical with Yamil Collazo & Jim Doyle - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 29th • BYOT Workshop - Meehan’s Miniatures Bonsai
December• 5th - 7th • Winter Study with Walter Pall &
Jim Doyle - Nature’s Way Nursery
• 6th • Holiday Sale at Nature’s Way Nursery
20Winter 2014
Newslet ter of the Potomac Bonsai Association
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Baltimore Bonsai ClubMeets 4th Sunday, 1:00 p.m. River Hill Garden Center, Clarksville, MD Contact: Barry Figard (410) 531-3937 or [email protected]
Brookside Bonsai SocietyMeets 2nd Thursday, 7:30 p.m. 7901 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MDContact: Jim Hughes (301) 779-2891 or [email protected]
Charlottesville Bonsai SocietyContact: Todd Ellis (434) 249-4645 or [email protected]
Kiyomizu Bonsai ClubMeets 4th Sunday, 2:00 p.m. Clearwater Nature Ctr, 11000 Thrift Rd, Clinton, MDContact: Essie Wilson (301) 839-2471 or [email protected]
Kochino Kai Study GroupMeets 1st Saturday Membership is limited for this study groupContact: Jack Sustic [email protected]
Northern Virginia Bonsai SocietyMeets 2nd Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Walter Reed Community Center 2909 16th St South, Arlington, VAContact: Chuck Croft [email protected]
Potomac Viewing Stone GroupMeets irregularly (~ 6 times per year)Contact: Glenn Reusch (540) 672-5699 or [email protected]
Richmond Bonsai SocietyMeets 4th Monday, 7:00 p.m. Activity Room, St. Mary’s Woods, Richmond, VAContact: [email protected] our website: richmondbonsaisociety.org
Washington Bonsai ClubMeets 3rd Saturday, 2:00 p.m. Call first (no July or August meetings) U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, D.C.Contact: Ross Campbell (301) 587-6898
Virginia Bonsai SocietyMeets 1st Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Holly Room in Baker Hallvisit our website: www.virginiabonsai.org
PBA is composed of the clubs listed to the right. Join one and be eligible to attend any club’s meeting in addition to receiving PBA Clippings on a quarterly basis. We present a Spring Bonsai Festival and an annual auction, as well as other events. Residents of club communities are expected to join a club to receive all membership benefits.
To become a member, call the contact person of the club convenient to your location for the current rate and where to send this application and the dues (please make the check payable to the club you are joining). Individual clubs set their own dues. Check for Beginner’s Hour and other functions. Meeting locations, times and club contact numbers are subject to change. We suggest you call before sending in your membership application.
Individuals residing beyond commuting distance of a club are invited to subscribe to PBA Clippings. For a subscription only (does not include entitlement to participate in club events), complete this application and mail with a check payable to PBA to Ross Campbell, 728 Guilford Ct., Washington, D.C., 20901-3218.
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