BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 1

SEPTEMBER 2013

Bonsai Society of Dallas

Monthly Member Newsletter September 2013

Message from the President

Ah, September! The temperatures drop from the triple digits, the
In This Issue nights begin to cool off, live plants begin to get a second surge of
growth - all reasons to love September. As we enter the month I
 Message from the
realize that we're at the tail end of our year in programs. So far
President
we've had a pretty great year. I'm getting good feedback about our
 September Programs
programs and members seem to be getting fed just the right amount
 Upcoming Events of ‘bonsai food’ making me a happy camper.
 Auction Update
 September Bonsai – Tips That said, there is still more to come and a new year to start
and Advice planning for now. I would like to whip out my old suggestion box
 August Meeting in Review and have club members write in (or e-mail) suggestions on what
 September’s To-Do List they want to learn and see next year. Remember that we can't fulfill
 Link of the Month your bonsai needs unless you voice your opinions so please
 Learning Opportunities participate. Last meeting we had a great suggestion from Ravi
regarding the auction minimum for member sales. Made us pause
Board of Directors and think about it objectively. Although it did not change the
outcome of the auction, it did open the door to a possible member
Sylvia Smith, President bonsai swap day. I will be working on the logistics for this to add to
slysmith@tx.rr.com
next year's calendar. Thanks Ravi for voicing your suggestion!
Paul Muraida, Vice President, Program
Chair We are talking bonsai soil this month and there is more to come
anast1925@aol.com
between now and the end of the year. Our traveling LSBF artist,
Chuck Talley, Treasurer Cheryl Manning, our club auction, our third Study Group session,
chuck_talley@tandybrands.com and finishing off our year is our special guest Kurt vonMackensen, a
Diane Lowe, Secretary professional Japanese Garden Landscaper who will help us all add
diane_lowe@live.com that special touch to our bonsai gardens. Keep up to date with your
Jerry Riley, Membership Chair
newsletters and e-mails.
jafa625@gmail.com
Enjoy the changing weather!
John Miller, President Emeritus
bonsaimiller@aol.com
Sylvia
Les Porter, Newsletter Editor
lesliep@baylorheath.edu

Mary Polk, Member at Large

doggiedigs2@att.net

Hiram Quinones, Member at Large

hiramaquinones@yahoo.com

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
SEPTEMBER 2013

September Program Upcoming

Bonsai Soils – It’s Not Just Dirt Events
By John Miller
Saturday, September 7th, 9 – Noon
With repotting season fast approaching, our program about the Bonsai Soil – It’s Not Just Dirt
various types of bonsai soils is timely. You can find just about any Sunday, September 15th
soil mix that you want on the market. A lot of people just pick one LSBF Touring Guest Artist - Cheryl
that tickles their fancy. Most products don’t give you their recipe. Manning
They do not tell you what each component is supposed to do so you Saturday, October 5th, 9 – Noon
can’t make a good substitution if you don’t have a component. For Club Auction
instance, haydite, decomposed granite, and lava rock all look pretty
much the same but they act differently. This month’s program will Saturday, November 2nd, 9 – Noon
Study Group - Bonsai Smiths
get into what soils need to do (besides make money for the vendor)
and how the components will achieve that. 

Bonsai ‘Soil’ – What is that Stuff? Events

By Mary Polk Elsewhere

A-P-L what? Akadama-Pumice-Lava mixed together in September 25th – 27th

approximately 1/2-1/4-1/4 or 1/3-1/3-1/3 for deciduous or for World Bonsai Friendship
tropical (I have a hard time remembering which is for what.) Am I Federation’s World Bonsai
the only ditzy one that does not completely understand why you Convention
would put your plant in a bunch of “rocks” rather than a softer Jintan, China
potting soil mix to establish nice roots and maintain your plant with
the potting soil moisture? I can finally sort of tell the difference October 18th – 20th
Kathy Shaner Seminar/Workshop
between what Akadama, pumice, and lava look like (although the
Buda, TX
colors still throw me off – I am easily confused) but the “rock”
mixture seems so VIOLENT for tiny little rooting things! Which of October 19th
the A-P or L is moisture retentive and which is best for helping little 2013 Fall Foliage Festival
roots form and which is best for drainage? I also wonder about the Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim Bonsai
size of the “rocks”. Is there a rule or preference as to what size the Collection
A-P-L particles should be (do you match the pot size or the plant Federal Way, WA
size?) other than the larger goes on the bottom layer and then the
particles should be the smallest on the top layer? (I think.) November 3rd
Golden State Bonsai Federation
They say the most important part for a healthy bonsai is establishing 2013 Convention
good roots. What is so important about A-P-L? Where do these Burbank, CA
“rocks” come from? Why is some akadama baked and some not
and which is better to use? Why is each component so important April 10th – 13th , 2014
for bonsai? I have read in certain bonsai books to mix peat into the LSBF State Convention
mixture. What is peat for PETE’S sake? In Texas, is peat a good Houston, TX
idea?
John, maybe you can get down and dirty and shed a little light on the subject of bonsai soil for me and for others
who may be a little confused as well. (O-M-G, hopefully, I am NOT ALONE!) If I could just get the facts right
in my head, then a chart would be wonderful to look at to be sure I am using the right blend of “soil”, the right
size of pellets for the pot or plant, and know whether or not to use any peat with the “bonsai soil mix” here in
Texas (since what I have read seems to relate to Japan or China.) Okay, I have once again shown my lack of
knowledge… bear with me, people. 

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 3
SEPTEMBER 2013

September LSBF Guest Artist

Cheryl Manning
Sunday, September 15th
North Haven Gardens
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Cheryl's love of bonsai began in 1981 with her

first basic skills course from Murata Bonsai
Nursery in Orange County. Since then, she has
studied with bonsai masters such as John Naka,
Ben Oki, Harry Hirao and Jim Barrett.

She is currently a member of several bonsai and

suiseki (viewing stones) clubs such as the
California Bonsai Society, Nampu Kai, Descanso Bonsai Society, Aiseki Kai, Kofu Bonsai Kai, and Santa
Anita Bonsai Society. She is also a member of the Japanese Nippon Bonsai Association and a board
member of the National Bonsai Foundation.

In 1994, Cheryl completed a one-year live-in apprenticeship with bonsai master Yasuo Mitsuya in
Toyohashi, Japan. Her trip was sponsored by the Golden State Bonsai Federation as part of its Japan
Internship Training Program.

According to Cheryl: "It was a fabulous experience with an incredible amount of information presented
during the course of 50-hour work weeks. Mitsuyasan not only taught me about the styling and maintenance
of trees, but also shared his knowledge on the special techniques, wiring, display and accents, as well as the
politics of bonsai. Mitsuyasan was generous enough to allow me to capture this once-in-a-lifetime
experience in over 4300 slides-which I enjoy sharing with all who are interested."

Cheryl has given numerous workshops and slide presentations

to bonsai clubs in California, Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
and Australia. Her photographs and articles about bonsai-
related topics have appeared in Bonsai Today, Bonsai Clubs
International Bonsai Magazine, the Golden State Bonsai
Federation's bimonthly journal Golden Statements, and the
National Foundation's NBF Bulletin. She has recently
completed a book titled John Naka’s Sketchbook, a compilation
of John’s sketches from around the world and is available
through Stone Lantern Publishing.

Please check out her website (www.bettterbonsai.com) for

some really good ‘before and after’ photos showing many of
her bonsai transformations. There is an area on her site called
Trash to Treasure and also Bush to Bonsai you may find
interesting. Be sure to join us for her program and demo on
Sunday, September 15th at 12:30 p.m. 

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 4
SEPTEMBER 2013

Club Auction
October 5th

Are you getting ready for the auction next month? Be sure to mark your
calendar for this fun annual event and while you are at it, look around for trees
or bonsai related items you no longer want. It is a great way to pass it on and
help the club at the same time. There will also be plenty of pre-bonsai trees,
seedlings, pots, and always some interesting odds and ends that find their way
into the auction. Just to get you ready, we are featuring some photos of trees
that will be available at the auction further in this newsletter. We will have
pictures again next month too, so be sure to get a sneak peak.

How it Works
All items to be auctioned should be delivered between 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at North Haven Gardens in the large
meeting room inside the greenhouse. Items will be checked in at this time and no item will be accepted after
9:30 a.m.

 You may either donate items for sale with all
the proceeds going to the club, or you may
split a portion of the proceeds with the club
for any items valued over $50.
 Items worth more than $50 are sold on an
80/20 split. This means the seller gets 80% of
the bid price, the club gets 20%. You decide
your reserve price (the minimum you will
accept for an item). Your reserve price must
be at least $50.
 If you wish to split proceeds of a sale greater
than $50, you must be a club member. If your
membership has lapsed, you can easily join
the club that morning for $25, which allows
you to sell at the auction and also enjoy the
benefits of membership through the end of
2014.
 Items under $50 value are considered
donations to the club - no splits.
 No items may be sold prior to or after the
auction unless prior approval from auctioneer.

All attendees must also register to receive a paddle in order to bid. That means a bit of paperwork needs to
be done before the auction begins so enjoy the time looking and visiting with others. Anyone want to bring
the doughnuts?

Once all the paperwork is done, the auction begins. When all the items are sold it is time for checkout
which means a bit more paperwork to do. We accept cash, check (club members only), and credit cards. If
you are owed money after the auction, we will mail you a check within 7 – 10 day. We appreciate your
patience as it takes time to coordinate schedules among volunteers to reconcile our totals.

Help Wanted
An auction takes a lot of work so we need about 8 volunteers to help with getting material inventoried,
people registered, material handled before, during, and after the auction, and check-out. Please contact
Diane Lowe at diane_lowe@live.com if you are willing to volunteer. You will still be issued a paddle and
able to bid on all items so you won’t miss the fun. 

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 5
SEPTEMBER 2013

August Program in Review

Peter Tea’s Program / Workshop
It was a treat to have Peter Tea here for our August program.
The fun started Thursday evening at the Ft Worth meeting,
continued for his workshop on Friday evening, then
concluded with a full day on Saturday with both our morning
program and an afternoon workshop.

He started our program with a

good diagram of how we should
think about the development of a tree, using a method of numbers to remind us to
focus on the trunk first and work to develop taper in the trunk before focusing on
all the branches. As you are working on the trunk, begin to think about the
development of your lower branches, again working to achieve thickness and the
appropriate taper as the branch extends. Over time you work up the tree in terms
of branch development, working to ensure the branches don’t get too thick as you
work up the apex. Sounds simple right? Maybe not so simple, but he sure made
it easier to understand.

He then moved on to our demo tree, a shimpaku juniper. We watched him

gradually transform it into a beautiful bonsai with the potential, according
to Peter, of being show ready in as few as five years. Along the way he
gave us good tips about thinning and wiring junipers.

As he worked, energy around our raffle increased with each ticket sold.
There were quite a lot of us who wanted to go home with that tree, but two
of our newest members, Bob & Kay Moses were the lucky winners.
Congratulations to you both and be sure to bring it to future meetings so we
can see it progress. 

Photos provided by Lance Williamson

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 6
SEPTEMBER 2013

An Afternoon with Peter Tea

By Lance Williamson

In the early afternoon of August 3, 2013, six
fortunate club members gathered in our meeting
room for a Bring Your Own Tree Workshop led
by visiting artist Peter Tea. The trees that were
brought were impressive. There was a Winged
Elm, Juniper Prostrata, Japanese Yew,
Bougainvillea, Ashe Juniper, and Coastal
Redwood.
Peter applied to each tree his method of bonsai
development which had been explained in the
morning program. He gave his view of the trees’
current bonsai development and the present and
future work needed for improvement. We
removed unneeded branches and foliage to expose
the tree structure and to prepare the branches for
wiring. Peter much prefers copper wire due to its
good holding ability. He wired and we wired and
he bent and set branches large and small. Peter is
very good in answering questions and explaining
his reasons.
As often happens in good workshops, we went
way past the scheduled time; still not finished at
the end of the workshop. This was a relaxed and
enjoyable workshop and we all benefited from
listening to his approach on each of these unique
trees. Peter will be back next year as the LSBF
2014 guest artist so the continued development of
these trees will again benefit from his guidance.
A few ‘before and after’ pictures below show the
workshop improvement.

Before After

This Japanese Yew was part of Jackie Paul’s collection and was originally
styled at the LSBF Convention in 2002

All photos provided by Lance Williamson

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 7
SEPTEMBER 2013

An Afternoon with Peter Tea (cont’d)

Before After

An Ashe Juniper originally collected in 2010 near Glen Rose

A Winged Elm collected in North Texas in 2012

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

A Juniper Prostrata originally from nursery stock and previously styled as a club demo tree
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 8
SEPTEMBER 2013
September Bonsai
Tips and Advice
by John Miller
I think plants are more attuned to the varying length of
days than to temperature to set their life cycles--
dormancy, flowering, etc. For example, the cedar elm
sets buds in early August so they are ready to bloom
with the first fall rain. That way its seeds have the best
chance to get a root down far enough to survive the
next summer. It is probably not late enough for the
bonsai to go into their pre-dormancy slow down
period. If they are still growing, continue twig pruning
and other summer care.
There will still be some days with pretty hot
temperatures. So as the sun changes its angle make
sure that the pots do not get too hot in the afternoon
sun. As trees slow their growth they do not take as
much water. Neither will they transpire as much on
the cooler days. So check each one separately and
water as often and as much as the individual tree
requires.
Help your trees go into dormancy. The general rule of
thumb on fertilizers is to stop giving nitrogen early in
September and fertilize with one that has a formulation
like 0-10-10. They will need less water as they quit
active growth but on warm days trees with green
foliage will still have need of that water. Most
tropicals have a dormant season also but it is caused
by dry conditions rather than cold. These types need
to be hardened also by cutting the fertilizer to halt
active growth and give them lighter watering. This
will enable them to withstand the transfer to the
greenhouse better.
Check the trees you still have wire on. When the
cooler days get here some trees will expand their
branches and get wire cuts rather quickly. You need to
check them periodically over the winter also. Winter
growth will usually be pretty slow but can occur,
especially on the evergreens. Cut the wire off,
working from the outside end back so that you do not
overlook a small piece of wire. If you need to reapply
some wire take care.
Two other things you can do now. You should prepare
your winter quarters and you should study your
evergreen trees to determine if you need to do any
restyling later on this fall. Bonsai in Texas should be a
year around sport; you don’t need to cover them
Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com
completely like up north. Try to put them where you
can see some of them. Just remember that they will
still need to be watered and evergreens will need some
sun.
Check on the place you expect to winter your bonsai.
(1) Make sure that it is clean. Debris harbors insects
and other plant pathogens. A strong lime-sulfur spray
can be used to disinfect the area as well as your
growing area after the trees are removed.
(2) Be sure that you will be able to check the water
needs of the trees.
(3) It should be somewhat protected from winds but
should have some air movement to help prevent molds
from developing.
(4) Having it in a location where you can see the trees
will allow you to enjoy the winter silhouette, i.e. the
branch structure and twiginess, that is a great part of
deciduous bonsai.
There is not too much to be done on deciduous trees at
this time. Bugs and other problems are usually not a
matter of concern since the foliage will be dropping
soon. Evergreens and tropicals will still need to be
watched for their insect problems, especially the spider
mite which will be active into fall. Use the organic
spray formula to control them. If we should have a
stretch of damp weather you should be watching for
fungal problems, leaf spot, mildew, etc. Treat fungal
with potassium bicarbonate, (baking soda-sodium
bicarbonate will work about as well). I would be okay
with using a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution at this
time of the year for fungal control.
The organic spray formula is one tablespoon each of
liquid seaweed, fish emulsion, 5% apple cider vinegar,
and molasses in one gallon of water. This can be used
as a foliar feed but I only consider it an insecticide.
Pruning and trimming can be done any time that there
is not a lot of sap flowing but is usually advisable to
do it during dormancy. Sap flow is indicated by the
foliar activity of the plant like in the spring. If your
tree went into summer dormancy which sometimes
occurs during hot weather then the cooler weather
might result in a larger sap flow in late summer or
early fall. If your plant gets a flush of new growth it
would be advisable to postpone large pruning cuts for
a while. Basically let you tree tell you when it is ok to
operate.
Check nurseries for possible bonsai material. When
the planting season is over they usually put everything
on sale to clear it out so they can fill up with
Christmas trees. 
BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 9
SEPTEMBER 2013

Tip of the Month

Cutting back your deciduous trees this September?
Sure! We have another surge of growth this
month so it's ok to trim your deciduous trees
Height above
one soil
lastlevel 24" but please take the following
time,
Width from front 33"
precautions:
Depth front to back 30"
1. Only
Pot is Japanese lightglazed
ceramic trimming onX the
oval 17" 13" Xtips.
2 1/4" overall
2. If you trim larger branches protect from
the direct sunlight.
3. Remember that if you trim a lot of the
exterior foliage, the interior branches will
be exposed to the strong and hot
sunlight and they will burn.
4. The new growth will also be tender so
take precautions as needed.
5. TOO LATE IN THE SEASON TO
DEFOLIATE

Auction Trees
Check out these trees that will be in our auction. Who will be the lucky winners?

FICUS NERIFOLIA
Height above soil level 24"
Width from front 33"
Depth front to back 30"
Pot is Japanese ceramic glazed oval
17" X 13" X 2 1/4" overall

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 10
SEPTEMBER 2013

September’s To-Do List Link of the Month

This is a simple monthly checklist for those enthusiasts who
have the knowledge and skill required to perform the tasks
listed. It is intended to tell you ‘what’ to do, not ‘how and why”
to do it. Want to know more? Send in any questions you
might have or come to any monthly program to discuss
further.
All Species
 Watch for surge of new growth and deal with it
accordingly
 Check air layers made earlier in the year and
separate if ready
Have you had difficulty with air layering or
just want a refresher on how it is done?
Then watch Graham Potter, of Kaizen
Bonsai in the UK, perform an air layer on
a large crab apple tree. He gives the
viewer some really good tips on the best
way to be successful with this useful
technique.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CREG
A3jxGJE&feature=player_detailpage

Deciduous
Check it out and get ready to try it in the
 Light pruning can be done; keep newly exposed spring!
foliage protected; no defoliation
 Light fertilization (low nitrogen content)
 Watch for insects and disease

Evergreen/Conifer
 Junipers can be wired, thinned and styled
 Continue to watch for spider mites on all conifers
and lightly fertilize

Flowering/Fruit
 Light fertilization
 Watch for insects and disease

Tropical
 Light trimming only
 Can still be wired and styled but as temperatures
begin to change the growth will slow
 Light fertilization

Newsletter Content
A special thanks to Dave Schleser, Mary Polk and Lance Williamson for their recent contributions
to the newsletter. We are always looking for new articles. Do you have something to share?
Have you gone on any interesting trips lately that relate to our bonsai passion? Please send them
in along with pictures and we’ll even help with the editing. Please send to Les Porter
lesliep@baylorheath.edu or Diane Lowe diane_lowe@live.com.

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 11
SEPTEMBER 2013

Learning Opportunities

Bonsai Smiths
Upcoming Classes

June 29, 2013 – Japanese Black Pine Session II / Juniper Workshop

November 9, 2013 - Japanese Black Pine Session III – 2 seats left
January 25, 2014 - Japanese Black Pine Session I – 6 seats left
February 8, 2014 - Repotting and Root Refinement
May 17, 2014 - Maple Tree Ramification and Refinement Session I
June 28, 2014 - Japanese Black Pine Session II / Juniper Workshop
July 12, 2014 - Maple Tree Ramification and Refinement Session II

For more information please check the website which will be updated very soon!
www.BonsaiSmiths.net

2013 Kathy Shaner Seminar

October 18th – 20th
Buda, TX

Seminar *
*
* Grafting Workshop *
* Bring-Your-Own-Tree Workshop *
For more information, contact Collin Murphy at
ckmurphy2000@gmail.com

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com

BSD NEWSLETTER PAGE 12
SEPTEMBER 2013

Howard and Sylvia Smith

www.BonsaiSmiths.net • Cultivators of fine trees
bonsaismiths@earthlink.net • Collection maintenance
Tel# (972) 754-9883 • Private instruction
Fax# (972) 661-0694 • Classes, lectures & demos

www.timeless-trees.com www.bonsaismiths.net

www.benttreebonsai.blogspot.com

Bonsai Society of Dallas, P.O. Box 836922, Richardson, TX 75083-6922 • www.bonsaisocietyofdallas.com