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The Bonsai News of Houston A Monthly Newsletter of the Houston Bonsai Society Inc.
Volume 50 Number 12 December 2019
Denuded elm forest in 5th Winter Silhouette Expo, NC - (Photo with permission of Bill Valavanis)
The Houston Bonsai Society usually meets on the first Saturday of the month at Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston, TX 77055. Board meeting starts at 9 AM, refreshments at 10 AM, and program at 10:15 AM.
December 7 HBS program: Winter Work for Deciduous Bonsai, Christmas brunch and door prize drawing. Please bring a holiday dish to share with the club members. No gift exchange like we had in the past.
December 7 afternoon - Japanese Black Pine Study Group led by Scott Barboza at Timeless Trees, 2 - 5 PM, $25 per person. Focus on removing old needles and selecting summer candles.
December 7 - 8 Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo, Kannapolis, North Carolina. For additional information: www.winterbonsai.net
December 14 Saturday Study Group at Quality Feed & Garden, 9 AM – Noon. Free, refreshments provided. Bring your trees, tools, soil, wire and work with other HBS members.
December 21 Bonsai Basics #2: Styling & Wiring a tree, Timeless Trees 9AM -1PM. $60 include a ficus, boxwood or Podocarpus (depending on what is in season), wire cutters, hand-out and wire. Everyone goes home with a styled tree.
January 4 HBS monthly meeting program: Jonas Dupuich
January 4 afternoon Bring your Own Tree Workshop with Jonas Dupuich, Timeless Trees, 2 - 6 PM, $60. Bring your own projects to work together with Jonas in a warm place. Jonas specializes in conifers and many other species.
January 11 Saturday Study Group, Timeless Trees, 9 AM- 12 PM. Free, refreshments served. Bring your trees and tools to work with other club members.
IN THIS ISSUE
Upcoming Events
Winter Work for Deciduous, Bonsai, Christmas brunch
& Door Prizes
Showcase of the Month
Camellias & Quinces
December Bonsai Care
John Miller
President’s Letter
Winter Silhouette
Bonsai Expo Kannapolis, NC
Lone Star Bonsai
Federation Bonsai Vision 2020
in San Antonio
Early registration information
Quinces & Camellias
December Bonsai Tips
The big thing this month is to protect the roots from freezing and to make sure the bonsai do not dry out. Do not leave them on their benches. Know which species can be left outdoors. They may be set on the ground. Add a dense mulch to the pot rim and then add a looser mulch on top.
Evergreen types especially and deciduous to a lesser extent should not have the root ball subjected to alternate freezing and thawing. That process tends to damage the roots. Placing the trees on the ground and using mulch will minimize this problem.
Deciduous trees should not be placed where they receive winter sun. After a period of dormancy, the heating of the trees could possibly cause them to break dormancy prematurely. If that happens, you will need to keep it above freezing the rest of the winter. After they go dormant, they have no need for any sunshine.
While they are dormant, examine the twigs, branches, and trunks carefully for scale insects. Scales are sucking insects that usually cover themselves with a hard impervious shell that is very resistant to insecticides. Some are pretty small and look like specks. You might want to search online for something like ‘scale insect bonsai’ and get some pictures. Horticultural oils (available at garden stores) work well by filling their pores and smothering them. Oils can be applied now and you get a more thorough coverage while the trees are dormant. The only other way is to use a systemic insecticide (make sure it is labeled for scale) during the growing season.
Since the trees are not using as much water during dormancy, it is easy to overlook checking on them. The low humidity usually found during winter helps dry the soil. Winter sun can be pretty hot and if it shines directly on the pot, it will hasten the drying process. It is usually windier in winter, so check your bonsai for dryness often. The same trees that needed more water last summer will also need to be checked more often during the winter. I think that more trees are lost during the winter to having the soil dry out than from the actual cold.
Especially watch the plants that will need repotting next spring. Pots full of circling roots do not have much soil to hold water but those that had a lot of organic matter in the soil mix may be soggy. Organic matter that has composted during the summer will be very fine textured and hold on to the water a long time and may also interfere with drainage.
Plants have different degrees of hardiness for their top growth and their roots. The reason is that the ground acts as a large reservoir of heat and here in Texas seldom freezes more than an inch or two down. Therefore, plants like the pomegranate and crêpe myrtle which are at the northern extent of their range outside will only be hardy to 32 degrees in pots.
Any plant that you are unsure of should be protected from freezing. This can be a problem because if they are not kept cool after they go dormant they will break dormancy and start to grow too soon. Growing without sufficient light causes long spindly growth which you cannot control. My best solution for this when I lived in town was to have a long platform with two wheels that I pulled into the garage on nights where freezing was forecast and kept outside at all other times.
The cold weather will keep any insect problems under control outside. You should use a dormant oil spray to kill over-wintering insets and eggs. A spray of diluted lime-sulfur can be used on deciduous trees if they have no green at all which will also control fungal spores but be sure to follow label directions carefully. You should watch for damage from rodent types, such as rabbits, squirrels, and rats. They will seriously prune branches and strip bark in short order.
A caution on lime sulfur - the same stuff we use on jin and shari. The liquid lime sulfur is pretty caustic so should be used with caution. If used as a dormant spray, application should only be made to fully dormant plants or deciduous trees with tight winter buds. Use on very warm days, and only when diluted as directed on the bottle.
Bonsai in greenhouses or indoor bonsai need to be watched for the normal indoor problems. Low humidity, spider mites and scale are the biggest problems here. Trying to keep the humidity up by placing your trees on a humidity tray can possibly result some soil problems, root rot or some other fungal diseases. I basically use the same controls in the greenhouse or outside all year.
You can take advantage of the winter slowdown by getting pots ready for spring, clean and sharpen your tools, study what changes you would like to make on your trees and so forth. Making notes about what needs to be done on an individual tree is great but if you are like me, the notes and trees are usually a long way apart.
If you place a colored stake or ribbon on the tree you will see instantly which one needs what done. For example, I am using red for needs repotting, purple-needs a new pot, yellow-serious pruning, orange-should be restyled, etc. These can be put on during the year if you make that kind of decision as you are doing general routine work.
John Miller
John Miller, who writes a monthly column for the Bonsai Society of Dallas and Fort Worth Bonsai Society, has agreed to share his column with us. Please make adjustments for our warmer temps.
President’s Letter
The 2019 Houston Bonsai Society meeting will mark the first time we have had a December meeting on a Saturday morning. At the last Board of Directors meeting, we had a conversation about what the December meeting should look like, considering the time change and with feedback that we had from the recent survey. The survey indicated that, while our historical December meeting is viewed positively by a majority of the members, it is viewed less positively than any of our other activities. So, our plan for the December meeting is to have a quick business meeting followed by a program on winter work for deciduous trees. At the end of the program, we will have a potluck brunch with HBS providing breakfast tacos, coffee and juice. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish that fits the holiday and/or the brunch. Personally, I plan on bringing some holiday cookies as I have done in the past.
While we are eating, we will have an augmented door prize drawing rather than having the White Elephant gift exchange that we have had in past years. So, do not bring a white elephant gift this year.
I realize this is a significant change from what we have done in past years. I am extremely interested in hearing from you after this meeting as to whether the format worked for you or you would like to undo some of these changes for next year.
Bonsai Vision 2020 will be in San Antonio from May 15-17. Boon Manakitivipart, Arthur Joura, and Roy Nagatoshi will be the headline artists. Registration is now open, so take a look to ensure you can get the workshops that you want before they fill up. Now is also be a good time to think about what trees you might
like to exhibit at the convention and what work you need to do with them between now and then.
This is the time of year where I tend to reflect on what I am thankful for and on what I believe needs to be done to advance bonsai in Houston and in Texas. This year I am particularly thankful for the planning committee and volunteers that put together and executed the April convention. It was a great deal of work, but we have been consistently praised at the national level as setting a new standard for planning and executing a convention. We have provided feedback to the American Bonsai Society and they are implementing many of our suggestions. So, once again, thank you for all of your efforts to make Bonsai on the Bayou happen and be so successful.
When I consider the future of bonsai in Texas, I would like to see a growing community of bonsaiists who produce ever-improving quality trees. To do this I believe we need three things:
We need to expose the public to bonsai. We do this in Houston through our annual Spring and Fall shows, and by doing introductory programs at garden clubs, libraries…. Across Texas, we are seeing more permanent public exhibits as The Texas State Bonsai Exhibit in Austin has expanded their pilot display in Zilker Park and continues to work with the city of Austin to produce a full-scale exhibit. Ft. Worth now has a pilot exhibit at one of the public parks, and San Antonio is in discussion with their local botanical gardens to develop an exhibit.
We need a bonsai education system. We are relatively blessed in Houston because of the Beginning Bonsai classes at Timeless Trees, the monthly study group, and now our mentoring program. We also bring in several visiting artists each year and have access to
good educational material on-line, particular-ly through Bonsai Empire and Mirai Live.
We need bonsai infrastructure. When I think of infrastructure, it starts with full-service bonsai nurseries like Timeless Trees Bonsai Nursery and Studio, and Quality Feed & Garden, but also includes commercial collectors and growers, potters like Andy Sankowski, as well as other companies that specialize in bonsai related materials. To me, it would be great if Texas could reach the point where we have as much access to bonsai related items as bonsaiists in California and Florida.
So, it would be great if each member would make a plan to participate in the shows and presentations to expose new folks to bonsai, make a plan for their own education and how they might participate in the education of those less experienced than themselves, and make a point to buy from local vendors whenever the opportunity arises.
Pete Parker
Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo
Kannapolis, North Carolina December 7 – 8, 2019
If you are traveling anywhere near North Carolina, make plans to visit the 7th Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo in Kannapolis, North Carolina, near Charlotte, on Saturday and Sunday 7-8, 2109.
One of the finest bonsai exhibitions in the country, this superb FREE exhibition featuring naked bonsai has been spearheaded by William N. Valavanis. It will be held in an elegant venue covered with marble walls and floors at the North Carolina Research Lab. The four story building is a unique venue to display bonsai.
Most of the bonsai are deciduous species without foliage so the branch structure and buds can be appreciated. The bonsai come from a wide range and there are often species not commonly seen, like Larches which are difficult to grow in southern areas. Although the bonsai are beautiful, this exhibition offers the opportunity for artists to present their bonsai displays creatively. All bonsai and displays do not need to be in the classic Japanese style, only with good design and taste. I look forward to what unusual and creative displays the bonsai artists will show soon.
Along with other professional bonsai artists, Rodney Clemons, Tyler Sherrod and Owen Reich, we will be presenting individual lecture demonstrations during the two day event. My Saturday program will cover Classical Upright Bonsai Design and I’ll be working on a Scots Pine for the demonstration.
On Sunday morning Bill Valavanis will lead a FREE critique of the entire exhibition. Topics to be discussed are the displays, bonsai refinement and techniques for growing and training the bonsai. Of course, this will be an interactive educational program and all comments are welcome for discussion. It’s really a great activity and people seem to learn from it.
Like most bonsai exhibitions, one of the most important and popular areas are the vendors. There are the three rooms filled with vendors offering their finest plants, containers and more. This is just in time for Xmas shopping. Yes, you can buy yourself an early Xmas gift.
This FREE event is sponsored and organized by bonsai hobbyist Steve Zeisel because he wants to promote bonsai in the region and display the beauty of deciduous bonsai.
There is no admission fee and the proceeds from the auction on Saturday afternoon, at the conclusion of the demonstration, hopefully, pays for this popular event.
Although these photos feature deciduous bonsai, there are some evergreens as well. It would be too boring to have only naked trees, variety is needed for a well designed show.
For additional information: www.winterbonsai.net
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2020 CONVENTION at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-texas-bonsai-convention-registration-77963704539.
All paper documents can be found at http://www.sanantoniobonsai.org/2020-bonsai-convention and http://www.lonestarbonsai.org/2020-convention/ Thank you,
Ryan O Publicity Manager/Editor San Antonio Bonsai Society www.sanantoniobonsai.org/ / Facebook: @sanantoniobonsai / Twitter: @SATXBonsai / Instagram: sanantoniobonsai Treasurer The Texas State Bonsai Exhibit www.ttsbe.org / Facebook: @TTSBE.org / Twitter: @TXStateBonsai
Calendar of Events
2019
DEC 7 HBS program: Winter Work for Deciduous Bonsai, Christmas brunch and door prize drawing. Please bring a holiday dish to share with club members. No White elephant gift exchange like we had in the past.
DEC 7 afternoon - Japanese Black Pine Study Group led by Scott Barboza at Timeless Trees, 2 - 5 PM, ($25 per person). Focus: Removing old needles and selecting summer candles.
DEC 7 - 8 Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo, Kannapolis, North Carolina. For additional information: www.winterbonsai.net
DEC 14 Saturday Study Group at Quality Feed & Garden, 9 AM – Noon. Free, refreshments provided. Bring your trees, tools, supplies and work with other members.
DEC 21 Bonsai Basics #2: Styling & Wiring a tree, Timeless Trees 9AM -1PM - $60 include a ficus, boxwood or Podocarpus (depending on what is in season), wire cutters, hand-out and wire. Everyone goes home with a styled tree.
2019 JAN 4 HBS monthly meeting program: Jonas Dupuich
JAN 4 afternoon BYO Tree Workshop with Jonas Dupuich, Timeless Trees, 2 - 6 PM, $60. Bring your own projects to work with Jonas in a warm place. Jonas specializes in Conifers and many other species
JAN 11 Saturday Study Group, Timeless Trees, 9 AM - 12 PM, Free, refreshments. Bring your trees and tools to work on with other HBS members
JAN 31 – FEB 2 2020 Shohin Seminar The California Shohin Society is hosting their biennial seminar in Santa Nella, California. The event is among the top shohin - themed events in the country. Visitors come for the Friday demos, the Saturday workshops, and the Sunday presentations.
Workshop on satsuki azaleas Saturday afternoon and presentation on shohin development Sunday morning. For more info, please visit the 2020 Shohin Seminar website.
Go to Timeless Trees’ website and subscribe to weekly Current Events to stay in the know about weekly events and classes offered locally and about HBS activities. For almost a decade, Timeless Trees Nursery and Bonsai has provided novices and serious bonsai students a very wonderful environment to further your knowledge in the Art of Bonsai with workshops led by local artists and teachers, or on occasions, with one-on-one study with visiting bonsai masters. You can find all sizes of bonsai, of all varieties, great pots and display stands, supplies, fertilizers, soils, tools and books as well as gift certificates for your bonsai lovers and you. The resident bonsai guru Hurley is also the go-to man for all bonsai questions.
Quality Feed & Garden and the resident Dr. Ken stand ready to help you with fruit trees, bonsai trees, basic tools, pots and soils like Akadama, Lava, Pumice, Kanuma, and “Dr. Ken’s Special Bonsai Soil mixes in 10 lb. & 50 lb. bags. There are 2 separate nurseries at this location, one for garden shade and fruit trees, a second for decorative trees and bonsai. Free bonsai classes are offered every 3 months for the Houston Bonsai Society study group. Newbies are welcome. While you explore this unique store, you can also pick up a few pet birds, chickens and ducks and their feed. HBS members get a 10% discount.
If you are looking for winter hardy plants to decorate your home, garden and ponds for the upcoming holidays or just for gifts to friends and families, JRN II got them all. The greenhouses are home to countless rare plants and exotic tropical bonsai, and the most unusual gifts for all occasions from birthdays, anniversaries, grand openings, house warming parties, Christmas, as well New Year celebration. Take a stroll in the shop and around the garden to check out the bonsai figurines, boats and pagodas, bonsai supplies, tools and soils as well as bonsai pots, garden statues and Japanese lanterns. You will never know what kind of surprise is waiting for you to take home.
For advice on all plants and bonsai, please ask Thuy Doan.
Visit artist Andrew Sankowski at the Mossrock Studio & Fine Art Gallery for the finest gifts and uniquely beautiful bonsai pots in every shape, form and color. If there is a potter who knows bonsai pots, it’s Andy. He also keeps a greenhouse full of a beautiful bonsai collection.
As a master potter who offers weekly pottery classes, Andy also mixes his own proprietary clay blends and over 100 of his own colored glazes. Bring your unusual trees for him to make unusual personalized pots. Pots as gifts for the upcoming holidays for friends and families, or just for yourself, can be commissioned now. While you are on the tour of gallery and studio, check out the masterpieces of many talented local artists.
Andrew Sankowski 26002 Oak Ridge Drive Direct (281) 684-4411
The Woodlands, TX 77380 Fax (281) 363-9032
Houston Bonsai Society, Inc. P. O. Box 540727, Houston, Texas 77254-0727
www.houstonbonsaisociety.com
HBS Board Members
President Pete Parker [email protected]
1st Vice President Scott Barboza [email protected] in charge of Education 2nd Vice President Hoe Chuah [email protected] Secretary Ryan Vollert [email protected] Publicity Ken Cousino [email protected]
Treasurer Eldon Branham [email protected]
in charge of Membership Webmaster Anthony Cutola [email protected]
Member at Large - O Gale Childers [email protected]
Member at Large - O James Kelly [email protected]
Member at Large - O Ryan Vollert [email protected]
Member at Large – E Soon Cheah [email protected] Member at Large – E John Williams [email protected]
Delegates Past President Hurley Johnson [email protected]
LSBF Delegate Hurley Johnson [email protected]
LSBF Alternate Pete Parker [email protected]
BCI Ambassador
TTSBE Representative Alan Raymond [email protected]
Refreshments
Website/email Anthony Cutola [email protected]
Newsletter editor Shawn Nguyen [email protected]
The Bonsai News of Houston is a monthly publication of the Houston Bonsai Society, Inc. Copyright © 2011. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the editor or a member of the Board of Directors. Exceptions exist, however, for certain not-for-profit and non-profit bonsai organizations or associated bonsai and bonsai nursery newsletters, including without limitation the American Bonsai Society. HBS participates fully with reciprocation of contents and material between other LSBF member organizations and others. Authors who submit articles for this newsletter thereby give permission to such organizations to reprint, unless they expressly state otherwise.
Space for advertising in The Bonsai News of Houston can be requested by contacting the newsletter editor or a member of the HBS Board. The rates for a business-card-size ad (approximately 3 1/2" x 2") are $10 per month, and $75 per year (12 issues). A full-page ad is $50 per month. Rates are subject to change without notice. 3½" x 2" classified ads are run free of charge for one month once per 12-month period for non-commercial members. For special requests or questions related to The Bonsai News of Houston, contact the newsletter editor or a member of the HBS Board.
