8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
1/29
Welcome:
I sincerely hope you enjoy this issue of Florida Bonsai.
A few points to increase your enjoyment:
* The magazine was produced in color, and is best viewed this
way.
* To make usage easier, this is the “screen version” specially for-
matted for easy reading on your screen. Set the magnication
on the top bar at 100% or, if you have a large screen, use “t
page”. If you want to print a colored hard copy down load the
larger version, it is in book format and will print much better.
* You will note a different page numbering in this screen version
to t the format of the Adobe Reader.
For example, the pages are noted 9/18. The rst number (9)
is the screen page number-on the bottom of the screen. Thesecond number (18) is the magazine page number, on the
bottom of the page.
* NOTE: Wherever there is a page reference, including the
“Contents” page, you can place the curser on that page number
and go directly to the referenced page–and return.
* Take particular note to the web page addresses, indicated as this
sample: . If you move your cursor
over the above sample, it will change and afford you the ability
to go directly to that web page by simply clicking the address.
Be sure to try this with all the advertisers, I think you will be
pleasantly surprised–especially with the club sites.
Enjoy. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. My Email
address is [email protected] (Sorry, I don’t know how to
make this link to Email.)
See you at the convention,
Dick Miller
Flori da Bonsa i M a y2004
VOL XXXIV NUMBER 2 ISSUE 138S u m m
e r
B O N S A I S O C I E T I E S
O F F L O R I D A , I N C .
http://www.bonsai-bsf.com
http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
2/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
Ben
Oki
Jim
Smith
Ed
Trout
DaveDe Groot
GaryMarchal
MikeCartrett
Mary
Madison
RobKempinski
MikeRogers
JimVanLandingham
BenOki
JimSmith
EdTrout
Featuring:Headlining Masters
and
Florida’s Own Masters
Other Exciting Features:• Auctions
• Rafes, Continually • Large Bazaar Area
• Club Night
• Exhibit With Indoor
And Outdoor Display
Family outings include Kennedy Space
Center, Beaches, Cruises, and Much
More. . .
BONSAI FOR
TOMORROW
HornbeamCarpinuscaroliniana
ButtonwoodConocarpuserectus
Bald CypressT
axodium
distichum
FicusFicusheteropoda
J. Black PinePinusthunbergiana
AzaleaRhododendronindicum
Dwarf JadePortulacariaafra (on rock)
Fukien TeaEhretiamicrophylla
FicusWrightii
religiosaJuniper
Juniperus procumbens
Japanese YewPodocarpusmacrophyllus
Unknown. .Select oneof six
SlideShowPac Rim
Shohin
Nerifolia
FicusNerifoliaon slab
FicusFicusretusa
ButtonwoodConocarpuserectus
CritiqueLuncheon
Critique
Luncheon
Private (5)RaffleWorkshop
AzaleaRhododendronindicum
Bald CypressT
axodium
distichum
Titi
Cliftoniamonophylla
Titi
Cliftoniamonophylla
Bonsai Societies of Florida 32 nd Annual Convention
EXHIBIT BAZAAR AUCTIONS
RADISON RESORT AT THE PORT
8701 ASTRONAUT BOULEVARD
Workshops
Demonstrations
MAY 28 – 31, 2004
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA
RAFFLES
Bonsai
Tomorrow
for
http://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2004/2004.htmlhttp://www.radisson.com/CAPECANAVERALFL
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
3/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
A black and white printed ver-
sion of the magazine is provided
to members of the Bonsai Societ-
ies of Florida.
It is also available to them in
full color by downloading fromthe BSF web site:
There is a version for printing a
booklet, and another one for read-
ing on the screen.
Be sure you have a current ver-
sion of Adobe Reader available free
on the rst “Publications” page.
CREDITS
ADVERTISING
IT FINALLY HAPPENED !!!
FLORIDA BONSAI IN COLORFLORIDA BONSAI
444 MUIRFIELD DR.
ATLANTIS, FL 33462-1206
Editor:
Richard M. Miller
President:
George Henderson
2308 NE 20th St.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
33305-2636
FLORIDA BONSAI is the
ofcial publication of the
Bonsai Societies Of Florida.
It is published quarterly, inFeb., May, Aug., and Nov., and
is provided to each member.
Be sure to visit our web site at:
Web Master:
Tom Zane
3/iii 3/iv
ALL ADVERTISING RATES
HAVE CHANGED.
Contact the Editor, noted above,
for rates and conditions.
DEADLINES FOR MATERIAL
& ADVERTISEMENTS:Spring. issue . . . . Dec 10
Summer issue . . . . Mar 10
Autumn issue . . . . Jun 10
Winter issue . . . . Sep 10The cover includes a most spectacular
sunrise over a black pine taken by Ed
Trout in his backyard. Blast off added,
and the kids are . . .
TOMORROWʼS BONSAI ARTISTS
The Strangler Fig on the next page
belongs to Ruth Osganian. This bonsai
will be at the BSF display at EPCOT.
Big trouble for those who have
made statements about doing
something only if. . . .
I want to thank Larry Duke, Tom Zane, and
various SWFBSers for the many photosthroughout this issue.
Contents
Jim Moo
dy
Morikami Museumby Dick Miller
by Harry Hedrick
Harry Goes To Washington
by Dick Miller
Editorʼs Page
Societies Directory May 2004
by Louise Leister
Passing Impressions
Convention Overview
Creating a Permanent Bonsai Display
Pots of Pauline
by Sena Zane
by Rob Kempinski
by Pauline Muth
by Robert Yarbrough
by Louise Leister
My Vacation/Convention & Pacic Rim
Commemorative Pots
Bonsai Societies of Florida
Presidentʼs Page
Jean Smith: An Interview
by Lee Vanderpool
What Bonsai Means to Me
Podocarpus Dreamby Rob Kempinski
by George Henderson
BSF & Walt Disney Worldby Peter Wood
2/i
23/39
8/9
7/8
7/7
5/4
6/5
6/6
4/2
4/1
15/23
9/12
15/24
21/35
16/25
11/16
24/42
Calendar
June:
6 End EPCOT
Show
July:
4 Harold Harvey
sale. See page 28/50.
May:
27-31 BSF 2004
Annual Convention.
http://www.bonsai-bsf.com
http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/color_cy.htm
http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/http://www.bonsai-bsf.com/color_cy.htmhttp://www.bonsai-bsf.com/color_cy.htmhttp://www.bonsai-bsf.com/
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
4/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
The Board of Trustees meets
twice a year, once, at the annual
State Convention, and again during
the winter at the convenience of
the BOT. All meetings are open
to the membership. Items to be
placed on the agenda must be sent
to the corresponding secretary 45
days prior to the meeting.
OFFICERS:
President George Henderson
1st Vice President George Hutson2nd Vice President Gene Callahan
Treasurer Ed Lippencott
Assistant Treasurer Dave Bechtold
Corres. Secretary Vladimir Foursa
Recording Secretary Carol McKinney
Past President Louise Leister
Trustees:Dist. 1 Lynn Fabian
Dist. 2 Steve Chapman
Dist. 3 Ray Malin
Dist. 4 Stan Orsolek
Dist. 5 Al Harnage
Dist. 6 Judy Gore
Committees:Archives Elyse Van Dyke
Education Ray Malin
EPCOT/BSF Peter Wood
Membership Tammy Malin
Publications/Editor: Dick Miller
Speakers
Internet:Web Master: Tom Zane
The Bonsai Societies of
Florida shall provide, for
the various bonsai societ-
ies, clubs, study groups, andbonsai related organizations
having various names, a state-
wide organization to deal with
common issues and needs, and
to support their programs.
Individuals acquire BSF mem-
bership as members of a local
Member Club.
Other memberships include:
Member-At-Large,
Member Organization At
Large,
Donor Membership, or
Special Life Membership.
For membership informationcontact your local club, the BSF
web site, or:
Tammy Malin
Membership Chair
905 Heron Ave.
Fort Pierce, FL 34982-6980
Email for information:
BONSAI SOCIETIES OF FLORIDA
TRUSTEES MEETINGS
PURPOSE OFFICERS/TRUSTEES &
COMMITTEES
MEMBERSHIP
THE PRESIDENTʼS PAGE
Here comes another
convention. Bonsai for
Tomorrow.
BSF is about tomorrow.
Yesterday is history, what
we do today is for whatwe want to be able to do tomorrow.
This is a great theme for our
convention.
From where I sit, I have never
seen so much awesome workshop
material. If you donʼt take
advantage of this conventionʼs
workshops, you can never again
complain about the available
materials. The location of theconvention is good, the program is
good, the materials are good, and
the price is right. Are you ready?
Have you registered yet? Do it
today-it is very late.
We are torn with feelings of joy
and sorrow. Joy at having known
people whom we valued as friends,
and sorrow at not having them
with us any longer. Jesse Wright,Myna Hutchinson, and Jim Moody.
Louise says it all in this issue.
We hear and see so much going
on at the Morikami bonsai exhibit–
how did it all start? See this issue s̓
article on the Hukyu project.
A lot of sweat, commitment,
contributions and time went into
this undertaking. Here is the
beginning of a display of, if I may
say so, “Bonsai For Tomorrow.”
I would be amiss if
I did not express my
appreciation for our
advertisers. These are
the people who provide
us with our great material
and supplies. Now they are the
supporters of our magazine as well.
Please tell them you appreciate
what they are doing-and then buy
your goods from them-exclusively.
It is great to see our enthusiastic
participants who take trips to see
special bonsai exhibits and share
their trips with us. Once again
we get an up date on the National
Bonsai and Penjing Collection,
and a look at the Pacic Rim
Collection.
Marge Pierce said it best in the
1994 May issue of Florida Bonsai,
when looking at her “souvenirs: of
rosters of ofcers in BSF: “Many
gave a lot of time and effort to keep
the club going and growing.” “All
the Secretaries…The Treasurers…
Vice Presidents…Presidents…the many board members, and
committee chairmen, who must
attend two board meetings a year,
from one end of the state to the
other at their own expense, with
plenty of work in between.” She
ends with “All the these positions
are VOLUNTARY! Think about it.”
Over the last couple of years Rob
Kempiniski has undertaken the BSF
See PRES on page 5/34/1 4/2
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
5/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
Speakerʼs Bureau
Person needed to contact, schedule
and coordinate traveling speakers,
around the clubs throughout the
State. Phone, computer, Email
required. Call 954/630-8365
HELP WANTED
Donʼt just be a taker - give a little.
We want to know what you know.
Suggested subjects:
Species insights
Security/Theft
Sprinklers
Repotting
Carving, Jinning & ShariDonʼt be so humble, I and others
will assist you. Just give us a start.
PICTURES: Send us photos of
your bonsai.
Correct address: Be sure we
have yours, down to the full 9
digit zip code. Contact Tammy.
Snow Birds: Save yourself andus work, take your winter issue
off the web site. Keep your
Florida address.
CALLING FOR PAPERS
MAILING
CORRECTION
G e o r g e
PRESIDENT from page 4/2
job of Chairmen of the Speakers
Bureau. Rob has done a wonderful
job, but is retiring from it. He
made the speakers schedule as
efcient as possible, yet providing
the speakers as many double
session days as possible. Rob mysincere appreciation for all your
efforts and for a job well done.
If any member would be
interested in taking over the job as
Chairmen of the Speakers Bureau,
so we can continue to provide
the clubs with speakers, please
contact me. The job requires some
computer and communication
skills.
Last but not least, I would be
remiss if I did not thank Dick
Miller for all his hard work in
publishing the Bonsai Societies
of Florida magazine. He has cut
cost, he has generated income and
he has developed a new exciting
product. A big thanks you to Dick.
Twice Larry Kunken told me I had his
Email address, wrong-I did, and now
it is xed. Go to his ad pg 23/40, and
his web page, get his address and send
him an Email. Show him you read FB.
Tell him to get well. He just had ave way bypass, and a new valve.
BE STRONG
EDUCATION
With the Convention upon us, and the
great buying opportunities, I include a
wonderful article by Pauline Muth on
pots. Read carefully-then buy your pot.
This issue is so full of good stuff, the
editor has had to take a back seat and
put the editorial page in the back.
Jean Smith
An Interview:
Florida Bonsaiʼs
Leading Lady
By Sena Zane
Every assembly of
like-minded peoplewho gather to make
their hobbies expand into something
much bigger than themselves, needs
someone constant to be the person
on the other end of the telephone
who says “sure, letʼs do it” or “gee,
that sounds good to me” or “well,
maybe weʼd better go slowly here”.
Thatʼs Jean Smith, Bonsai Societies
of Floridaʼs adjunct (or at times,major) leader of the late ʻʼ70ʼs, 80ʼs
and early 90ʼs who often kept our
Florida bonsai world together and
was everyoneʼs point of contact-or
“letʼs touch base and run it past her”
lady. She wasnʼt alone, of course;
several others held leadership
positions leaving their unique
imprint on BSF, but every time you
turned around, Jean was there to
organize it, publicize it, arrange forit or support you if you were trying
to do something for BSF.
Fort Walton Beach was and is her
place; thatʼs her home club and
where she, and her terric support
system in the form of her husband
Ed Smith, lives. We contacted her
there with a set of questions our
editor, Dick Miller, asked. Youʼll
enjoy the answers...if you donʼt getmentally exhausted from reading
about her ofces and
about her other efforts!
SZ: How long have you
been doing Bonsai?
JS: “Since the fall of
1971. A local nursery
owner who had beenpreviously stationed in
Japan decided to start a bonsai class.
In January of 1972 our class decided
to form a club, ofcially, the Fort
Walton Beach Bonsai Society. Iʼve
been a member since then.”
SZ: Your personal biography?
JS: “Well, I was born in St. Thomas,
the Virgin Islands on Dec. 17,
1925. (Dec. 17th is also her weddinganniversary...next Dec. 17th is the
50th). My father was the Marine
paymaster there. I grew up in
Independence, MO, on Delaware
Street, three doors from Pres. Harry
S. Truman.” (Jean said that was her
“claim to fame.” Thatʼs not exactly
true. . . read on.)
“Yes, I worked as a dental assistant
rst to the head of the dentalschool at Georgetown University,
Washington, DC, then in Missouri,
Georgia and Florida as well as for
an MD. Later, in Fort Walton Beach
I became the bookkeeper for an
electronic and appliance company
Ed and I owned and stayed at that
job for almost 25 years.”
SZ: She said that was the only way
she could get away to go to BonsaiSee Jean on page 12/17
5/3 5/4
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
6/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
with tropicals,
a polyhouse
was con-
structed out
of necessity
(either that or
me and the
trees movedinto the
doghouse).
After
See LEE on page 13/20
by Lee Vanderpool
Never having had
a hobby until I was
over 40, bonsai
forced me to become
more focused onregimentation and on
the structure and utilization
of my time. Having bonsai to care
for required some concessions in
other parts of my life; there was
less time for those things that I had
been used to enjoying and more
time was necessarily dedicated to
some pretty ordinary things such
as mixing soil, repotting trees,
cleaning pots and other mundane
activities.
As I became more adept at the
horticultural aspects of bonsai
and stopped killing every tree
I touched, my enjoyment of
trimming and styling grew. After
10 years of struggle with the
hobby, I nally began to notice
that, by George, I had a few bonsai.
Now, after 20 years in the smalltree business, I am beginning to
realize just how inept I was when
rst introduced to bonsai (and
maybe, just maybe still am)! Who
knows, after 20 more years, will
my trees improve 100% over what
they are today?
Cultivating bonsai requires
lifeʼs priorities to be rearranged
somewhat. After the rst coupleof years when I was entranced
WHAT BONSAI
MEANS TO ME
several metamorphoses, the present
conguration was settled upon
at about 25 feet wide by 40 feet
long by 16 feet high. Since the
“greenhouse” is unheated, winter
months are pretty much “stay
at home” time - just in case thetemperature falls and heaters must
be put into the polyhouse. Of
course, one weekend in October
each year and a day in April is
required to cover and uncover the
structure. Then there is the moving
of the trees from their summer
locations on pedestals or benches
into the greenhouse in the fall and
the reverse action in the spring, each
requiring one or more days.
After my collection reached the
number that would be the stopping
point for any sane person, watering
chores and the fact that city water
eventually killed all my azaleas
made it necessary to add a sector
to my lawn watering system.
Automatic watering with ground
water made the task much simpler
and raised the survival rate ofSee PACRIM on page 10/13
By Louise Leister
Our vacation usually brings us to
a Caribbean island or some other
tropical paradise, but this yearI had an experience any serious
bonsai fan would envy. Visiting
my stepson, an Army Captain at
Ft. Lewis in Tacoma was a perfect
setup for a heavenly tour of a
lifetime–the Weyerhaeuser bonsai
exhibit.
Several years ago,
at the West Palm BSF
Convention, I was privilegedto meet David DeGroot,
the curator of the Pacic
Rim Collection. David
was a headliner and also
gave a great slide show of
the collection during the
banquet. He was a great
teacher keeping you at the
edge of your seat with his
every word. I went to every one of
his demos and workshops duringthat convention. David made
you laugh and kept you totally
interested in his every move right
down to wiring. I knew then I had
to make a visit to the Weyerhaeuser
Pacic Rim Collection, an outdoor
museum of living art, featuring
more than 50 outstanding bonsai
elegantly displayed in a beautiful
woodland setting. The bonsai
collection is owned and operated
by Weyerhaeuser Company and is
open free of charge.
This place is a treasure and the
bonsai display is a setting t for
kings. The weather was nice so I
could photograph the collection.
I recognized many of the artists
who had trees on display. Ben Oki,John Naka, Guy Guidry, Jim Smith,
Qingquan Zhoa and many more! I
have sent a few pictures along just
to wet your appetite.
We were there on a Sunday and
to our surprise David was there
for a Sunday
Lecture. The
programs
were called“Introductory
Bonsai
Lectures”
they are held
on alternate
Sundays from
May 11 to
September 14.
We saw
the Extended Branch and Dropped
Branch Style Lecture. David chose
a yew that he referred to as an
Irish Yew the Latin name being
MY VACATION,
THE PACIFIC RIM, AND
THIS CONVENTION
6/5 6/6
Return to T
able of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
7/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
See PAULINE on page 14/21
THE POTS OF PAULINE; ABonsai Close-up on Pots and Potting
by Pauline MuthCopyright 1995, updated 2003
A pot can be considered as the
setting for a jewel. The jewel is
your bonsai. What part does the
pot play in the total design?• A pot should compliment
your design giving it a special
“frame” or design “mood”
• A pot can fade from view
giving the tree center stage.
• A pot can dominate your tree
and ruin the design.
The time to choose a pot is after
you have designed the bonsai
tree. Oh sure, we all have
collected too many pots with the
perfect tree designed over and over
in our minds only to never locate
the right specimen. We have all
faced that shelf full of empty pots
with a tree in hand only to nd
ourselves unable to locate a match.
The moral is, of course, simple:
buy the pot only after you have
styled the tree!
Color Choices
• Unglazed pots in brown, gray
or terra cotta will work the best
with most trees. Gymnosperms
(conifers included) look the best
in unglazed pots or in matte,
subdued glazed nishes.
• Colored glazes work with
deciduous trees. The color
should be chosen to accent the
best feature of the tree; leaves,
fruits, owers or bark. Pastel
shades for owers and darker
glazes to point out fall foliage
colors. Use a color wheel to set
up complimentary or contrasting
colors.
• White pots need a tree that
shows white in the leaves or ower.
• Be sure that the pot color or
design does not stand out more than
the tree design!
Pot Size
When determining the pot size
we must be guided by artistic and
horticultural sense. For young,
undeveloped trees, allow for growth.
The rules work best for the mature
tree. Also young trees and certain
collected trees may need additional
root space. These needs must over
ride the esthetic needs to insure the
survival of the tree.
The rules are based on the classical
work of bonsai and a well-developed
artistic eye. Always try your balled
tree in several pots. Remember that
you are creating a total picture of tree
in a pot (bonsai).John Naka uses these rules:
Pot length:
• In general, the length of the potshould be 2/3 the height of the tree.
• If the height of the tree is shorter
than the width, use the width
measurement to determine pot
length. Take 2/3 of the width for
the length of the pot.
CREATING A PERMANENT
BONSAI DISPLAY
Robert E. Yarbrough
Has your club ever taken on a
project that started as a simple idea
and later became a large complex
project? Well the Hukyu Bonsai
Society of Tampa did just that
last year by suggesting to the
director of the University of South
Florida Botanical Garden, Laurie
Walker, that we work with them
to construct a permanent bonsai
display in the garden. The project
started off as a small project with
three benches and a few bonsai
attached in some manner.
Getting approval to construct
the display required, among other
things, numerous meetings. Our
club had meetings with USF,
with the club, with our Board of
Directors, and with businesseswilling to donate supplies. The
meetings helped us understand
that there is no such thing as a
small project. We had numerous
discussions on other displays
we had all seen, on security, on
the available irrigation water, and
especially the weather. After the
discussions, we had to create
drawings, proposals, lists and
more lists. Six months later,
which happened to be during
cooler weather, we were readyto start construction.
Our club had surprisingly little
trouble on agreeing to the overall
design, number of benches, irrigation,
and security. One of the most difcult
elements of the project was to get
members to agree to have their
trees displayed. I had thought that
members would want their bonsai
displayed, but surprisingly few did.
One of our club founders that many
of you know, Bill Henderson, stated
that he did have one “sacricial” tree
that he would provide. Others were
willing to provide their best trees. I
think many of us thought our trees
were not good enough for display.
The display was constructed on a
Saturday. Many club
members took up rakes,
shovels, saws, and
pitched in. Everyone
had a good time even
See HUKYU on page 17/277/7 7/8
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
8/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
COMMEMORATIVE POTS -A BSF First
by Rob Kempinski
Bonsai conventions offer many
activities that lead to great
memories. But, this year the
convention will feature a unique
promotion to make those memories
even more special. A BSF 2004
commemorative bonsai pot will
be an extraordinary keepsake to
remind convention goers of the
great show on the Space Coast.
Made by the
artists at the
Horse Creek
Pottery studio,
these pots willenhance the
collection of all
Florida bonsai
enthusiasts. As
a limited edition
pot, after the convention, the
custom stamp will be destroyed.
About ve years ago, Carol
Evans, an experienced potter,
gathered a group of like-mindedpotters and formed Horse Creek
Pottery Collective in Melbourne,
Florida. The
collectiveʼs
artists each
have their own
distinctive style and approach
but use the shared resources
of the collective to further
their artistic abilities. As a group;
they have developed a variety of
new glazes, clays and techniques.
The studio features both gas and
wood red kilns, a salt kiln, raku
and ber kilns and of course
electric kilns. Carol says “We
make a lot of functional stoneware
but are very excited about entering
the bonsai community as aprovider of pots in the American
pottery tradition.”
Bill Emans, a collective member
and potter of 30 years, has jumped
into creating bonsai pots head
rst. He is making
the majority of
the conventionʼs
commemorative
bonsai pots. Havingstudied in Hawaii
in 1979 at the
Keauhou Pottery
Guild, his work
reects an Asian
inuence. “Bonsai pots seem a
natural extension of my pottery
repertoire,” says Bill. “I enjoy
the challenge of making pots that
bonsai artists will like while still
retaining the handmade look ofAmerican pottery.” Bill has been
exhibiting his work on the
art show circuit for two
years and has won several
awards.
Bill says
the clays and
glazes for the
commemorative issue will make
durable pots. “The pots are high
See POTS on page 9/11
Edw. M. Meehan & Sons
We specialize inQUALITY BONSAI SUPPLIES
Tools, Bonsai Tool Kits Bonsai Wire & Jin Tools Potting Tools Potting Supplies
Write or call for Catalog 1 - 800 - 747-7134
Write, [email protected], or call for Catalog 1 - 800 - 747-7134
666 Leslie Avenue, Wood River, IL 62095
Visit our website at
Order by Email, Fax, or Phone - 800.747.7134Shipping At cost MC/VC accepted
L I M I T E D
SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIESQUALITY BONSAI TOOLS,
Visit us at your next convention.
F o un d e r s
Start small,buy a few good
tools, then build a full set with highquality tools as your skill develops. We have four grades of tools, for all
your needs.Start with Meehan, we have it all.
We can provide for all skill levels, andinterests – always with quality.
We are the authorizeddealer for Joshua Roth,
the best in bonsai tools, .
Go to our web site below, and watchfor our “Tool of the Month.
Great GiftsTool pins for him or her. ($10ea.)Get one free with $60 purchase.
8/9 8/10
Return to Table of Contents
http://www.bonsaiking.com
http://www.bonsaiking.com/http://www.bonsaiking.com/
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
9/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
red stoneware so they
are strong and can take
freezing. The gas-red
glazes will provide some
interesting color choices
to Florida bonsai artists.
The combustion productsin the gas stream provide
a warm mellowness to the
clay and glaze.”
The commemorative
pots have a custom made stamp on
the bottom featuring “BSF 2004”
surrounded by a stylized rocket
ship. Available in either unglazed
stoneware
or glazedstoneware
in a variety
of colors,
these pots will
look good in any bonsai artistʼs
collection. And due to the large
kiln at the studio, they are offering
soda ash red pots which enhance
a distinctive ourish to the clay
and glaze.
The artists of Horse Creek
Pottery will also have a table
offering other pots and artistic
pottery in the vendor area at the
convention. Please remember to
stop by their table and check out
the new direction in bonsai pottery
by American artists.
Pots from page 8/9
The Success Of The Rafe Depends On You!
Contact: David Williams, Chairperson Donation Subcommittee
BSF Convention 2004
1554 Hollis Court Palm Bay, FL 32907
Email: [email protected]
Thanks in advance for your support.
Don’t forget the Silent Auction
That is the table with “T” Morris where the proceeds go to support this
magazine. We too take anything-Please bring something(s).
PODOCARPUS DREAM
By Rob Kempinski
Car collectors
have a common
dream. It goes
like this; they
approach a barn
in some longforgotten corner
of a farm and
upon opening
the barn doors,
they nd it – a
complete if not dusty 1930 Bentley.
The owner not caring or knowing
what it is , sells it cheap. Wow, what
a dream!
Thanks to the 2004 Conventioncommittee, you can have a similar
dream regarding bonsai. We
discovered a forlorn nursery with
an abandoned eld of Podocarpus.
In nursery pots for years, neglected
except for occasional rain and a
little lizard guano for fertilizer,
these hardy plants grew
compact and thick. Not worth
much for landscape use these
trees are perfect for bonsai. A
good selection will be available
to adventurous bonsaists in a
Convention workshop. Noted
bonsai master and curator
of the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai
Collection, David De Groot
will help the workshop attendees
make nice fat-trunked, medium-size
bonsai of them. Photos of the raw
non-styled trees can be viewed on theBonsai Society of Brevard website.
Podocarpus for bonsai you
say, hmm. I never see them in
any Japanese bonsai exhibitions.
And that is right;
for some reason
the Japanese have
totally avoided
using Podocarpus
for bonsai, yet
gardens in Japan
feature many full-
size podocarpus
trees styled like
ve-level pagodas.
The Chinese, however, perhaps
due to a warmer climate and an
open mind, take advantage of
the material to create beautiful
podocarpus bonsai. With podo-carpus in virtually every landscape
planting in Florida, they have
proven themselves to do well in a
semitropical climate. Some Florida
bonsai growers have created
impressive bonsai specimens too.
As a bonsai, podocarpus have
much to offer. Evergreen fairly
small leaves can reduce with
proper care. Beyond that, the
See PODOCARPUS on page 22/37
W O R
K S H O
P
T R E E
A R T I
C L E
9/11 9/12 Return to page 8
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
10/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
http://jimsmithbonsai.com
TAKE NOTE:
David DeGroot is oneof the headliners in the2004 BSF Convention.
I strongly recommendthat you see him atwork and attend his
workshops
Taxus baccata. David said this
tree is extremely hardy and grows
near oceanic climates (damp mild
winters) also this tree grows in the
understory of the other conifers
making it an
ideal tree forshady areas.
The bark is thin
and the wood
extremely hard.
This tree is
great, it breaks
back after hard
pruning and
makes wonderful bonsai material.
Unfortunately not in Florida! Well,
you canʼt have everything, but thestyle and workshop will work on
any tree!
David started working on this
tree by removing any branches he
felt were not needed in his design.
He also cleaned the trunk off of
any small needles and unnecessary
twigs explaining
that these keep the
tree from puttingenergy into the
desired branches
and rob nutrients
from them as well.
David explained
the dropped
branch needed
to be placed on the movement
side of the trunk. David passed
around pictures of mature dropped
branch bonsai explaining that the
dropped branch made the trees
extreme and that if you took off the
branch the tree would still work
and would be beautiful, but that
the branch made it different and
dramatic. David took the yew that
would be designed
in an informalupright style and he
explained the botany
reaction of the tree
and how it would
react to the cuts he
was making. While
he worked, David
explained how most
of these trees look great in a round
pot and his plans were to do just
that.
He next wired the branches. The
next problem was that the two
important branches were thick and
would be a problem bending.
David showed us a method of
making an incision on the topside
of the branch into the trunk to ex
the branch down.
This cut will allow
the branch to givemore without
snapping when
wired and yet the
bend looks natural.
After making the
incision he used
wet rafa to wrap the trunk and
the branch pulling very tight. He
wrapped the wet rafa around the
branch and back down the trunk.
PACRIM from page 6/6
See PACRIM on page 11/15
Take A Walk Through
BONSA I With
Jim SmithStudy a Great Collection
The Dura-Stone Co.
Learn From the Master In person or on
Video tape
Everything for The Bonsai
Enthusiast.
Have
it Your way
VHS $24
DVD $30
To order,
Call 860-464-0312
Bonsai to the trade.
Tours and Demos
by Reservations only.
Call: 772/562-5291
See our web site:
E N JO Y 10/13 10/14
Return to Table of Contents
http://jimsmithbonsai.com/http://jimsmithbonsai.com/
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
11/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
The rafa is wrapped in bundles of
6 or 7 strands to give support and
strength to the branch.
David said several times
to “make sure you pull
the rafa very tight as
you wrap.” The rafa
will rot off in timeand will not allow the
wire to cut the bark.
Having completed the
rafa wrap he could
start wrapping the
trunk with heavy wire
making sure to tuck the end of
the wire under the rst wrap to
keep it from coming loose when
her bends it. David worked with
two wires on this tree becauseit was a thick branch and the wire
was more manageable that way. I
have pictures of the wrapping and
the nished branch to show you
how neat and well this works. This
tree nished up nicely and will be a
great bonsai in time.
The dropped branch was a
dramatic look for this tree which
might otherwise have been called
nice, but ordinary. The lecture
was very informative and a real
treat for us on that beautiful day.
Additionally, the audience was
invited to bring bonsai for styling
suggestions. Great program, we
need more of this in this area.David DeGroot is a headliner
in the 2004 BSF Convention. I
strongly recommend that you
see him at work and attend his
workshops.
I for one will be there to get
another exciting lesson fromDavid.
I strongly encourage anyone
who is in the Tacoma area to
take the time
to see a world
class exhibit
and enjoy! Itʼs
easy to nd,
right off the
interstate.
If you canʼt go to Tacoma, the
next best thing is attend Daveʼs
demonstrations and workshops.
You can learn a lot listening to his
exhibit critique as well.
If anyone wants more
information about the article,
please feel free to contact me via
Email:
To get more information on thePacic Rim Collection go to theWeyerhaeuser web site at:
PACRIM from page 10/13 BSF and Walt Disney World:
A Win-Win Partnership
by Peter Wood
For the past 11 years BSFhas had a win-win bonsai
partnership with Walt Disney
World. Last February the BSF/
EPCOT Committee met to reviewapplications and select bonsai
exhibits for Disneyʼs 2004 EPCOT
International Flower and Garden
Festival. As always there were
some difcult choices, however
the committee was excited about
the quality of many of the tree
applications. Once again, members
of BSF have had the opportunity
to exhibit truly quality bonsai to
thousands of people passing by
the EPCOT Japanese Pavilion
during the Festival. Additionally,
BSF members are involved in
presenting “Bonsai Tips From
the Pros” at the Festival each
Tuesday during the 7-week festival
period. BSF provides basic bonsai
education to hundreds of possible
bonsai novices–”For the Future.”
As requested in the August2003 issue of Florida Bonsai, BSF
members submitted applications
and photos of their bonsai to be
candidates for this annual display.
Although there was concern with
the quality of some photographs
this year, the BSF/EPCOT
Committee selected (on a nameless
basis) 20 superb pieces of art
for recommendation to DisneyʼsHorticulture Management Staff.
This year two size classes were
selected and are on display from
April 16th to June 6, 2004.
One of the exhibits is a banyan
style Arboricola (Schefera
Arboricola) from Jim Moody,
selected by the committee beforeJimʼs passing. A special memorial
sign was placed with Jimʼs tree
commemorating his passing and
his many contributions to BSF.
Jimʼs trees have been featured in
the EPCOT display over a period
of many years.
Looking ahead, The BSF/
EPCOT Committee would like to
see more exhibit applications fromother parts of Florida, so watch
for the application information
for 2005 in the upcoming August
2004 edition of Florida Bonsai
Magazine.
Having oneʼs bonsai art at
EPCOT is indeed an honor, and
BSF is very proud to show the
thousands of people at EPCOT the
bonsai of BSF members. Thanksto those who took the time to
prepare and nurture these trees
and transport them to and from
EPCOT. Thanks also go to the
BSF personnel that administered
and coordinated this event with
Disneyʼs horticulture staff.
(Due to the timing and space in
this issue, the photos of the exhibit
will be presented in the August
Issue of Florida Bonsai. Ed.)
11/15 11/16 Return to page 6
Return to Table of Contents
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/bonsai
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/bonsaihttp://www.weyerhaeuser.com/bonsai
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
12/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
JEAN from page 5/4
conventions...lots of them.
What ofces have you held?
JS: “Well, Fort Walton Beach
Bonsai Societyʼs president,
secretary and treasurer, as well
as constant worker, presence and
hostess. In the newly formedBonsai Societies of Florida in
the early 1970ʼs, I was elected
secretary and was put in charge
of all demonstrations and
workshops for the 1974 dry run
for Bonsai Club Internationalʼs
1975 International Convention. I
chaired the committees for masterʼs
contracts, travel, rooms, plants and
supplies. I got a lot of help from all
the FWB members. In 1976 I was
elected President of BSF.”
SZ: In 1977 Jean became the
Chairman of the Speakerʼs
Bureau, a position she held for
approximately 15 years. If you
have ever tried to co-ordinate
travel, dates, masters, contracts,
housing, etc. etc. for the many
Masters who have traveled thruFlorida, as I did, I can tell you itʼs
a big job!
You did it again at another
convention, didnʼt you?
JS: “Yes, for the international
BCI convention in 1982 and
1983, I performed the same duties
that I did for the early 1970ʼs
convention. By this time most of
the international bonsai communityknew us and were very helpful in
making the convention a
good one.”
SZ: What are some of the
national ofces you held?
JS: “In 1984, I was
installed as president
of BCI. During thistime Chuck Eschenburg
and I worked with his
county commissioners to
establish a bonsai exhibit
at Morikami Gardens. With the
years that has become a wonderful
place...a credit to BSF and to the
State of Florida.
“I served on the BCI Board from
1984 to 1996. And on the North
American Bonsai FederationʼsBoard for 6 or 7 years.”
SZ: There was more wasnʼt there?
JS: “In 1986 I became the editor of
BONSAI MAGAZINE, the organ
of Bonsai Clubs International and
maintained that position for 10 years
plus. This magazine inuenced the
international bonsai community.”
SZ: And more?
JS: “Along came the early 90ʼs and
with them the 1993 World Bonsai
Convention in Florida. I co-chaired
it along with Harold Harvey. If you
remember, BSF, BCI and World
Bonsai Friendship Federation
were the joint sponsors, but
Florida was the host. Workshops,
demonstrations, the masters, their
contracts, travel, and their needsand wants were my responsibility.
Over 700 people came, and many of
those who were involved in hosting
that convention were heard to remark
that they would never, Never, EVER
work that hard for money. It had to be
for love. All of us remember that for a
time in 1993, our Florida...our Orlando
was the center of the Bonsai world.”
SZ: But there came a time when Jean
and Edʼs world was badly shattered
along with various parts of their
bodies when an automobile accident
took a terrible toll.
Then there was the bad news.
JS: “I was pretty badly smashed up
in an auto accident ten years ago.
Off and on since then my health
problems resulting from that accidentgo from bad to worse. Thatʼs my
biggest frustration. Fortunately, that
hasnʼt kept me from taking care of
my biggest joy. Donʼt forget what
brings the members of BSF together:
trees–our bonsai!”
SZ: Jean has a lovely bonsai garden
in Fort Walton Beach. She works
continually with her trees and told us
that her biggest delight was “To see
my trees
all well
trimmed,
cleaned
up, pots
cleaned and
benches
and
pedestals
sparkling.”
Also, she shares her knowledge
with others of the Florida
community: A quick search of the
index to Florida Bonsai shows
us that Jean has contributed her
knowledge on many topics through
that publication.
Tell us about some of your Honorsand awards. Donʼt be bashful.
JS: “Well, I received a BCI
Meritorious Service Award in
1983 and a Writer/Photographer
award from BCI in 1995. I wrote a
ʻThank you letterʼ in Florida Bonsai
(1996, XXVI 1:4) summing up what
BSF did for the National Bonsai
Foundation. I was honored to be
recognized for my contributions toBonsai. I am extremely proud to
say a ʻChinese Scholarsʼ Studio in
the National Bonsai and Penjing
Museum in Washington, DC was
named for me with contributions
from clubs throughout Florida.
“At the BSF convention of
2003, the BSF gave me a plaque
indicating the Lifetime Meritorious
award for ʻyears of service to thesocieties, and BSF in furthering the
art and education of Bonsaiʼ.”
SZ: It couldnʼt have happened to
a nicer or more deserving lady
whose contributions made, and still
make, our world of Florida bonsai
trees a rather wonderful place.
PS:
Ed: I knew from reading oldSee JEAN on page 13/19
12/17 12/18
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
13/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
Florida Bonsai issues from the
many years of publications, and the
comments from others like Chuck
Eschenburg, Joe Samuels, Ed Trout,
and Jim Moody, this was a famous
lady, I just didnʼt know how much.
A tip of the editorʼs visor to a giant
in BSF.
The following is a letter from
Chris Cochrane, secretary of the
National Bonsai Federation, the
managing board overseeing the Na-
tional Bonsai and Penjing Exhibit at
the Arboretum, Washington, DC.
“Briey, the ʻJean Smith Chinese
Scholarʼs Studioʼ is a room within
the Museumʼs International
Pavilion that
is furnished
to replicate
the studio
of a scholar
in the late
Ming period.
Chinese
scholars are
identied as
maintainingartistic potted
trees earlier
than bonsai were developed in
Japan. A window at the back of
the studio looks out on a Chinese
garden rockery. A writing and
painting table includes desk
objects of a scholar; a Ming-style
case with open-shelves holds art
objects and antiques a scholar might
collect. Since receipt of a gift of
Chinese scholarʼs rocks by Kemin
Hu, the Studio has included a large
scholarʼs rock placed upon a table
dedicated to its display. Next to
the Chinese scholarʼs room is a
Japanese-style tokonoma. These
rooms help explain to Museum
visitors the distant history of bonsai
and related arts arising in east Asia.”
Additionally; To appreciate what
went on, the following is an extract
from a letter Jean Smith wrote that
appears in Florida Bonsai February,
1996:
“I would like to
say thank you to:
The BSF Board
of Directors,
under
Tom Zane,
who voted
to offer
ʻMatching
Fundsʼ to
all donors
of funds
for the Chinese Scholarʼs Studio
at the National Bonsai and Penjing
Museum.
“AND: To every BSF Club and
Individual Member that has donated
to this fund, named in my honor.
I am deeply grateful. Remember
though, this is not about me,
JEAN from page 12/18
Photo by Jackson Tanner
this is about the perfection and
completion of a long road for the
Bonsai Family. It is about you,
your club, your work with fund
raisers and digging deep in your
pocket! BSF and you have been in
it from the beginning!”
Signed Jean Smith
many kinds of trees and shrubs.
The downside, of course, is that I
now had more time to increase my
collection.
This year I made a resolution to
use as many of those pots in the
garden shed as possible by potting
trees, some of which had been in
the growing area for over 10 years.
To my amazement, the 12 new
bonsai I have potted so far this year
are probably of better quality than
were all the trees in my collection
during the rst ve years of my
bonsai hobby - and there are at least
that many more waiting there for
their day of magic!
At rst, as most people probably
do, I wanted the biggest trees
possible. Fortunately, large trees
are much more difcult to maintain
so my large tree collection remained
rather sparse.
A few years ago I discovered the
magic of shohin and mame trees.
Since then my small collection has
grown larger, if you know what I
mean. I still like large, majestic
LEE from page 6/5
trees and appreciate the ones in
my collection. There is however,
intense satisfaction, in making a
four inch hornbeam collected as
a seedling from under Virginia
Wagerʼs huge specimen tree in
Jacksonville many years ago appear
to be a middle aged “normal” tree.
A dwarf rose just two inches tall
with a fat base and a tiny, perfectly
formed red rose blossom on one of
its ve twigs is just as satisfying
as spending a day trimming a three
foot bald cypress. The ʻNornelʼ
ixora given to me by Trudy Santille
at a convention long ago as a rooted
cutting sporting brilliant red-orange
spiky blossoms and bronzy new
foliage is a wonderful sight tobehold. The tiny yatsubusa Fukien
tea from Jim Moodyʼs nursery in
its two inch pot is a delight with its
shiny leaves and gnarled trunk.
Did I mention the people? Bonsai
people are probably the most giving
people in the world. Every time
you go to someoneʼs house, they
give you cuttings or seeds, “Here,
try growing one of these!” Thereis always one more plant to try and
there is someone willing to give
you one to practice on.
Bonsai and bonsai people have
lled a part of my life that is
the most enjoyable part of my
existence. I will always have
bonsai and I will always have
bonsai friends.
13/19 13/20 Return to page 5 Return to page 6
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
14/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
• In multiple trunk style the
length is 2/3 of the height of the
tallest tree however you may use
a longer pot to create space.
• In group plantings also use
the 2/3 rule.
Pot depth:• For most styles the pot depth
matches the trunk size.
• Cascade trees require a depth
to visually match the foliage
mass and will create balance.
• Multiple trunk styles must
consider the total visual picture
being created. Both the length and
depth will be affected depending
on the scene being created.
• Collected trees need a depth
that will accommodate the root
ball to survive. As time passes
and roots develop to form a
brous mass, the longer roots
that require the greater depth
may be removed in some species
and the tree can be repotted in a
more suitably sized pot.
• The width of the pot should
be less than the spread of
the longest branches. This
measurement is only useful if
you are creating a pot or having
one made, since pot width is
determined by the potter.
Pot Style
The shape of the pot must match
the style and avor of the tree:
• Straight trunks: rectangular pots
• Curved trunks: oval, round,
round cornered, or rectangular pots
• Massive trunks with masculine
designs: large stable looking pots.
• Cascade trees: deep or tall pots.
Some may use a medium depth pot.
If the tip hangs below the bottom
edge of the pot, use a stand.
• In rock plantings: consider
the rock color and texture when
choosing the pot so they harmonize.
• Bunjin or literati: Small, round
and shallow. Rough hand made.
• Antique glazed pots are used for
all types of trees.
• A rock used as a pot must have
these characteristics:∗ It must be hard with a rough
surface.
∗ The color must not take away
from the plants.
∗ The shape and size must blend,
not over power the tree.
Preparing the Tree
Clean and comb out the roots.
Be sure that you learn enough
about the tree species so that
you are planting it in the correct
season. Cut roots that are vertical
or horizontally too big for the
pot. Eliminate large old roots
masses directly under the trunk
to encourage new root formation.
Leave enough brous roots to
support the tree. Treat the roots
with rooting hormone. MAKESURE that the roots never dry out
PAULINE from page 7/7 during this process. Many species
can have all the soil removed,
others cannot. You must learn the
differences.
Preparing the Pot and,
Planting the Tree
1. Be sure the pot is clean.
2. Fasten screening or dry wall
tape over the drainage holes.
3. Set up anchorage wires (two or
more) through the wire holes,
or lacking these, through the
drainage holes. Be sure not to
pull holes in the screen.
4. Put on gloves and a face mask to
protect yourself at this point.
5. Put a layer of bonsai soil inthe bottom of the pot. (Be sure
to use a soil mix that will best
support the species of trees.) If
the pot is large, use a coarser
mix in the bottom to help
drainage. Remember that the
wider the pot, the slower the
drainage. Tall pots have faster
drainage than short pots.
6. Add mycrorhyzoid spores at thisstage if the tree requires them.
7. Put the proper dose of micro-
nutrients and iron in the bottom
soil. Add in Biogold fertilizer
IF it is the start of the growing
season.
8. Dust the roots with a rooting
powder such as Hormodin 3 to
promote root growth.
9. Position the tree in the pot on thetop of a mound of bonsai soil.
Be sure to consider the total
balance of the composition.
• In rectangular and oval pots
the tree is planted slightly back
of the center and to the side of
the shorter bottom branch.
• In round and square pots, the
tree is usually placed in thecenter of the pot.
• Occasionally you are restricted
by the root mass. Over time,
work on the mass to develop
less restricting roots. Taking
time saves many trees!
10. Add bonsai soil in slowly using
your chopstick to remove air
pockets that would dry out the
roots.11. Before totally lling the pot,
tighten the two sets of anchor
wires to stabilize the tree.
12. Continue to add soil until the
job is complete.
13. Water the tree. As this point it
is best to soak the pot in a B-9
solution and water from the
top. After a 10 minute soaking
put the tree in a shady area fora week. Do not fertilize for a
couple of weeks.
14. ENJOY!
Pauline Muth owns the “PMF Bonsai” studio
in West Charlton, NY. Retired 3 years ago from
teaching science for 35 years. Sec. on BOD of
ABS, and Corresponding Sec. of BOD BCI,
MABS BOD, and Member of Mohawk Hudson
Bonsai Society. Has been doing bonsai about
25+ years. Enjoys having fun with bonsai and
her kids and grandson.Article reprinted with her permission.
14/21 14/22 Return to page 7
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
15/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
PASSING INSPIRATIONS
By Louise Leister
When I started out in bonsai I
had a natural attraction and love for
it. I now realize it was the people I
met that invoked the passion in me.
With their welcoming attitude
and friendly, giving manner, they
answered all my questions and
could appreciate my longing for
information. They seemed to thrive
on my asking questions. They
offered countless hours of help
and inspiration. Never tiring of the
barrage of questions and advice I
wanted. I hung on every word they
said, thirsting for their knowledge
and looking forward to our nextmeeting. Each time I saw them
they were happy to see me and
happy to let me in on all the new
things they had to offer. No other
organization welcomed me in the
way the Florida bonsai people did.
They had no idea who I was or if
I planned on continuing my quest
for bonsai, but still, they were
there to help and guide me. They
had the time to talk and the time to
offer advice to me, that I might see
the vision in the tree in question.
They were polite and encouraging.
Letting me know time and practice
would teach me and walk me
through the learning experience
of bonsai. I only hoped to see the
vision hiding in a raw piece of
material the way they did.
Trying to balance the rules of
bonsai and the art of bonsai to
create a tree worthy of their time.
This brings me to my sad reason
for writing this letter. This year has
brought the passing of several of
our special bonsai people. Some
of who were the rst people that
offered assistance to me when Irst moved to Florida. I know that
I was only one of many they helped
along the way to inspire and invoke
the passion of bonsai.
These people became the
familiar faces at conventions and
workshops. They offered visits to
their homes and nurseries to share
their trees with us. They were the
people; we in bonsai owe a world
of debt to. Talent and vision are
special gifts, all of these people
were talented and had vision. All
shared their gifts with us over the
years.
We looked up to these people
and wished that someday we could
have trees or create trees the way
they did. I referred to them once,
in a Presidents letter, quoting a
poem to the membership as “Men/
Women of Imagination.” They
truly were. Many of us have trees
touched by these artists. Others
knew them well.
Their passing brings us to a
sudden stop in the path of life. So,
to all who touched us and have
passed this year, I thank you for all
your guidance, inspiration, patience
and your contribution to the Bonsai
world and to BSF. I will never
forget your smiling faces and for
invoking the passion of bonsai in
me.
They live
on in their
trees, so as
to mark theirplace in this
world for us
to remember
them. To their
family and
friends I say
we love them,
miss them and
thank God for
the time they spent with us.
To those who never met them,
they leave their mark in time from
our stories, pictures and trees.
Their legacy should never beforgotten, it should be cherished
and nurtured over time. To true
friends and people of imagination,
I again thank you and wish safe
passage on your journey to bonsai
in the heavens. Until we meet again
may you rest in peace and know
how much we cherished you.
As always a most avid fan!
In loving of:
Jim Moody
Mayna Hutchinson
JM Wright
To all who have contacted me
regarding doing something to
honor Jim Moody:
Arrangements have been made
with the Morikami Museum to
provide a rock bonsai stand to
honor Jim Moody with donations
from his friends.
Anyone who wishes to make
this statement can do so by send-
ing a donation to me for this
memorial.
For those
not famil-
iar with
the bonsaistands, here
is a photo of
a recent ad-
dition to the
exhibit.
The
new stand will be of a similar
construction.
I will keep this account open
until July 1, 2004. Please makeyour contribution as soon as pos-
sible so I can have the contractor
schedule this installation.
Send your donation to:
Dick Miller
444 Muireld Dr.
Atlantis, FL 33462-1206
Make your check out to “The
Morikami Museum”, and note on
it “Jim Moody Memorial.”
J I M M O O D Y
15/23 15/24
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
16/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
From The Morikami
See MORIKAMI on page 18/29
trees during questionable weather
for transplanting-they are doing
remarkably well. Even the moss
is starting to take hold. The easy
section of the island to care for
is the lava ow with charred tree
stumps. Our optimistic visitors ask
if the blackened trees will bud and
“come back.”
The big event was the Hatsume
Fair, a festival for the advent of
spring and renewal of the gardens.
Many thing were going on.
The Southwest Florida club
contributed a new bonsai stand, and
lent us a spectacular cus forest
planting to put on it. Ginny Boka
graciously lent it to us until the club
donates their permanent bonsai.
They are stillworking on it.
If you donʼt
think hosting
a convention
can bring
a club
together, just
look at this
enthusiastic
Spring Report:
The “Mother of all Saikei, theHatsume Fair, bonsai classes,
BSF stand and Logo Bonsai
dedication, BSSWF stand and
tree dedication, and recognizing
Joe Samuels on the BSF
honor roll, weʼve been busy. It
would take half the magazine
to document all the activity
at the Morikami since the
February issue. I will sum itup with pictures, since pictures
represent a 1,000 words.
Vladimir Foursa teaching a
class in Beginners Bonsai, a
six-week course presented 3
times a year.
Though never nished,
the Saikei “monument” is
fundamentally complete.
Having planted many small
Wigert’s Mango Grove & Nursery Erik Wigert
15857 Quail Trail * Bokeelia, FL * 33922
239/985-0036 or 239/283-2910 By Appointment
Your new SW Florida source for Quality
Pre-Bonsai, Bonsai, Mica Pots, Soil & Tools
E X C I T E D A B O U T B O N S A I ? JOIN THE AMERICAN BONSAI SOCIETY NOW!
The quarterly ABS Bonsai Journal reects the diverse
personality of bonsai in North America.
Who does what? How is it done?
Where does it happen? When? …and more.
• Continent-wide Bonsai NewsGreat articles on keeping your bonsai healthy
Tips and “How To”s.
• Bonsai Book Sales
Largest selection anywhere.
Discounts for members
• Support at Regional Conventions
Work with Local Convention Hosts
NEXT: St. Louis, MO 17–20 June, 2004
• Web Site and Memberʼs Forum
Greatest source – read about problem solving
Get information – read various solutions to many issues
Ask questions – get many suggestions
Find anything – about everything
• Annual Contests
New Talent Competition – ask Rob Kempinski (2002 winner)
Ben Oki Award – Many BSF members have scored–often
• Membership – Annual; Individual $29 (US), Family $34
Send check, money order or Visa/Mastercard number to:
The American Bonsai Society
PO Box 351604, Toledo OH 4365-1604, USA
16/25 16/26
Return to Table of Contents
http://www.absbonsai.org
http://www.absbonsai.org/http://www.absbonsai.org/
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
17/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
though the work was hard. When
we were nished, someone
mentioned that we should try to
make the display more oriental.
Someone else suggested that
we ask the director for a place
to grow the clubʼs trees. Soon,
we were designing Japanesestyle bamboo fences, learning
to tie Japanese knots, and setting
up a giant growing table. Our fence
master came up with a design called
yotsme and a knot, ibo, that only he
could tie. Irrigation became a pain
and not just a convenience. We also
found that we needed a structural
engineer as a club member to design
a very heavy growing table that
didnʼt lean like the tower of Pisa.
It is now a year and a half since
we rst thought of the idea of the
display. The club has had many
compliments on the
display and we feel it
is helping to put bonsai
in the public eye in the
Tampa Bay area and
hopefully encouraging
college students to takean interest in bonsai.
Many of the problems
we thought we would
have such as vandalism,
theft, irrigation problems,
etc. have not materialized. Club
meetings and workshops are now
held at the garden. The club bonsai
inventory, which was one tree a
year ago, is now over a hundred,
although most are pre-bonsai.
Would we do it again?
Denitely!
HUKYU from page 7/8
Check us out at:
Wholesale to the trade.
Retail, Demos, and Workshops, for
Bonsai Clubs, by appointment only.
Call for information. 561/746-5074Visit our web site:
On the web based color issue, you can click the
web site for direct access.
Nursery Stock
Pre-bonsai
Soil
Wire
Pots
Tools
Stands
Large/small Bonsai
J
U
P
I
T
E
R
B
O
N
S
A
I
Shown at EPCOT
17/27 17/28 Return to page 7
Return to Table of Contents
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/hukyu
http://jupiterbonsai.com
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/hukyuhttp://jupiterbonsai.com/http://jupiterbonsai.com/http://web.tampabay.rr.com/hukyu
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
18/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
gang from
Southwest
Florida.
Joe Samuels
helped
dedicate the
BSF Logo
tree which
replaced the one he
put there in 1978.
The borers got the original,
and no one could save it. In
1991 Harold Harvey collected
a new one. In 1993 he handed
it off to Ed Trout to rene and
acclimate to South Florida. It
makes a really super entrance-
introductory tree to the exhibit.
Slim as it was in February, it
burst into sprouts too quick forEd to transplant it to its nal pot.
MORIKAMI from page 16/25 Joe and Larry Rosensweig,
Museum
Director,
swapped
“war” stories
about the
early days,
when this
exhibit was a vague
dream.
While we had
Joe Samuels at the
Morikami, we took
the opportunity to put
his name on the sign
honoring people who
made outstanding
contributions tobonsai in Florida.
I want to thank our visiting
artists for their work to shape
up the collection. First was Ben
Oki in January, then Ed Trout at
various times of the year, and now
the ladies from the Southwest.
Picking up on what Lighthouse
and Gold Coast have done in
a space we could work in-with
tables and chairs. They even
cleaned up our mess. Most
important no cost. Of the
thousands who attended the
two-day affair, there were few
who did not stop by either on
the way into the event, duringthe shows on the adjacent stage,
or on the way out. We showed
them what, how and why-then
pointed to the vendors selling
the materials. One lady brought
in three “patients,” another man
two, and various work trees
were given a working over. The
Museum staff loved the idea of
a clinic and plan to advertisemore about it next year. This is
a great venue to pursue our BSF
Mission.
Pages 16/31
through 17/34
include photos
of this event.
the past couple years, we set up a
bonsai display and work station
for the public and it was a winner.
Listed as a BSF event, we had
many clubs come around. The
BS of the Palm Beaches took the
lead role to attend the exhibit, with
Broward taking some shifts. We
had Southwest Florida, Central
Florida, Treasure
Coast, and Kawa show
up.
The Museum gave
us the prime location
to present and utilize
See MORIKAMI on page 19/31
18/29 18/30 Return to page 16
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
19/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
Three new methods of removing unwanted branches.
Say aaaah.
Oh, my baby..
I canʼt watch!Cool!
No one leaves this
building until they sign
up for the convention.
(Focused)
Hatsume Fair:A Clinic and Many Demonstrations
The “A” Team
Before we
start cutting,
we offer a
little prayer
for the tree.
Introducing people to
bonsai, and showing
them how it is done.
Thatʼs what itʼs about.
19/31 19/32
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
20/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
Taking Bonsai To The Public – At The Hatsume Fair
Match the following captions to photosNot the way we do it in north Florida.
Honey we need one of these.
Wait ʻtil mother sees this
Mom, look what followed me.
We need more beer.
Yeh, right...
This one doesnʼt look bad.
Oooooooh. . . .
How does he do that?
I am going there.
Try to match these:
Can I put it on my train?
This makes me tired.
Can I taste it?
My ice cream is better.
I gotta get this pokemon rst.
Looks like a science project.
Turn left!
Turn right!
I give up.
Thatʼs boooring.
Do they get that big?Make your own captions. . . .
Bonsai For Tomorrow –Tomorrowʼs Bonsai ArtistsShould We Have A Stand? – Here Are Some Reasons.
20/33 20/34 Return to page 16
Return to Table of Contents
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
21/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
There he is again, looking at a pic-
ture of himself and his awards.
Remember
the question
and photo
in the Feb.
issue? Itwas Harry
Hetrick in
front of a bonsai by Mary Madison,
at the National Bonsai and Penjing
Museum.
Here are Harryʼs sampling of the
bonsai in this collection. (I can only
show a fraction of what he sent.)
Harry Goes To Washington
The “Yamaki pine” survived theattack on Hiroshima in 1945.
Pinus parviora
Donor: Masaru Yamaki
Age: 377 years
“Goshin” Age: 50 yearsJuniperus chinensis foemina
Donor: John Y. Naka
Bald CypressTaxodium distichum
Collected in 1987
Donor: Guy Guidry, LA
43” tall created from a 25ʼ tree
Juniperus californica – Age: 39 yrs.Donor: Harry Hirao (Hey–Harry H.)
Above Photo by H. Hedrick 2003
Right side Photo by D. Miller 1997
Very interesting lesson in styling and pots.
Look very closely, and learn.
Dwarf Japanese JuniperJuniperus procumbens Nana
Created in 1975
Donor: Thomas Tecza , IL
From nursery stock import-
ed from England 1875
Ezo SprucePicea glehnii
200 years old
Donor: Tokuei Tanaka, Japan
Collected from Chishima,
Kunashiri Island, Hokkaido,
Japan
LOOK CLOSELY AND LEARN
Thanks to Jack Sustic Curator NBPM for tree data.
21/35 21/36 Return to Table of Contents
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/VirtualTours/BonsaiVirtualTour.html
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/VirtualTours/BonsaiVirtualTour.htmlhttp://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/VirtualTours/BonsaiVirtualTour.html
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
22/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
Maki variety naturally grows
exceedingly small leaves.
Conrmed in many hedge
plantings, they will bud back
vigorously when pruned hard.
When the temperature dips below
freezing they donʼt mind staying
outside yet they can take the hot
summer. The hardwood is durable
and strong holding carved detail
for years. The barkʼs beautiful
reddish brown color
compliments the
dark green foliage
and the bleached
white shari and jin.
In the proper season,
they can tolerateroot pruning very
well. Wired branches
respond similar to
a Japanese Black Pine making
them imminently suitable for
many different designs. They
enjoy full sun but even take
some shade. They are not fussy
about soil or fertilizer -a normal
soil mix (one part sand, one part
Turface and one part organic) will
make them happy. Time release
granular fertilizer and a regimen of
Miraclegrow liquid fertilizer will
push good growth.
The main drawbacks to the
species as a bonsai are slow
growth and a proclivity to aphids.
Slow growth shouldnʼt hamper
bonsaists as it means the trees
donʼt require as much day to day
attention as other species. Also,
the trees available at the workshop
already have nice sized trunks, (3
to 5 inches trunk caliper) so all the
participants need to do is grow the
foliage – something a well fertilized
podocarpus does quickly. Aphids
can be controlled. If you see ant
activity on the tree or if sooty mold
appears on the branches and leaves,
apply insecticidal soap or some
other treatment.
Even a strong jet of
water will remove
aphids, but not
for too long. The
chemical treatments
last longer.Called Buddhist
Yew, or Chinese
Yew, podocarpus
trees stylistically can match the
famous Japanese Yew (Taxus
cuspidata). That means carved
sections should feature prominently
in the design surrounded by
compact foliage clouds. Coated
with lime sulfur the sharis can havephantasmagorical shapes.
Most Podocarpus make excellent
candidates for upright styles,
especially one with a jinned top.
With some carving, a blow torch
and lime sulfur, the driftwood
(jins and sharis) can really set
the tree apart. Other styles to
consider include informal upright,
windswept and even bunjin.
PODOCARPUS from page 9/12 One can practice leaf reduction
on a Podocarpus using techniques
similar to those used on Japanese
Black Pine trees. (See Florida
Bonsai November 2003 issue,
XXXIII, 4:5). The idea is to “leaf
pluck” and prune the tree in late
winter and early spring and force
the tree to make new leaves that
come in smaller. Sometimes,
owners will cut the leaves in half
to show a tree, but try to avoid
this.
You too can tackle collecting
one from your neighborʼs yard.
They are everywhere just waiting
to be collected. In Florida
there is no mountain climbing
involved, just make sure youhave permission or you might get
involved with shotgun pellets. For
the best success collect them in
the cool winter months. Take as
much of the root ball as you can to
t in a pot. Experience has shown
they can take drastic root pruning
if done during cool weather.
To enhance rooting mix some
sphagnum moss into the bonsai
soil when potting a collected
specimen. The moss keeps the cut
root ends moist and helps them
grow feeder roots. Unfortunately,
getting a branch to take as a
cutting is very difcult. I have one
cutting that has lasted about a year
showing green but it has not made
any roots. I know of only one
person that has successfully rooted
a thick branch, so that means it is
possible but difcult.
Make sure you take advantage ofthese nice Podocarpus trees at the
BSF 2004 convention workshop.
After all it is not every day that
your dreams can come true.
DRAGON TREE BONSAI
NURSERY Pre-Bonsai:
Collected or, Nursery Grown
Classes
Club Tours Workshops Demonstrations
The casual nursery. Stroll aroundat your pace-no pressure.
Enjoy! Happy to see you.
Bob Pinder 3663 S.W. Honey Terrace
772/463-6633 Right Next to Turnpike Exit #133, in Palm City
22/37 22/38 Return to page 9
Return to Table of Contents
http://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2004/2004.html
http://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2004/2004.htmlhttp://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2004/2004.html
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
23/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
BSF Web Information
Always trying to make life easier
for you, Tom Z. has upgraded the
BSF web links to the color version
of this magazine. If you want to see
what bonsai featured in this maga-
zine really looks like you have to try
this. Go to this web address:
www.bonsai-bsf.com/color_cy.htm
It doesnʼt get any better than this.
Attention
How about that Hukyuʼs new
exhibit? A tip of the garden hat to a
very worthy project!
Be sure to read closely that arti-
cle by Pauline Muth about pots andpotting. Great educational piece.
Simple and straight forward-you
wonʼt need a big book–read this.
Editorial
“Bonsai for Tomorrow”
There are two ways to look at the
convention theme. All my bonsai
are bonsai for tomorrow-they have a
long way to go. Then there is the is-
sue of, what will bonsai look like in
the future and more important who
is going to be doing it?
From what I see in our culture,
we better invent a tree that comes
in a bag/box with instructions to
add water, put in the microwave
and wait 30 seconds for a complete
world-class mature bonsai. Oh, yes,
one you can keep inside and do not
need to water or prune.Donʼt believe me? Consider a
couple movies. In Karate Kid, the
old man patiently snipped here and
there seeking perfection. But, in
the futuristic Star Trek series-all
the captains have a bonsai in their
cabins. Mature bonsai, the captians
never water them, much less prune
or fertilize them. The past vs. the
future. I rest my case. ;>)
Seriously, what do you expect of
the public? You would be surprised
how many people call the Morikami
desperately asking where to nd
help. Screwed up-you wouldnʼt
believe. Guess where they got their
instructions–the person who sold it
to them told them exactly what theywanted to hear. “SURE you can keep
them in the living room.” “NO you
donʼt have to water them more than
once a month.” No problem-here
buy this one with the three mud men,
lots of moss on glued chatahochee,
with a pretty glazed shiney pot.
Next time someone asks you
where to buy bonsai and get advice,
hand them a Florida Bonsai maga-
zine. Then tell them, “these advertis-ers have the right stuff!” Then send
them to the nearest club.
That is where the “Bonsai for To-
morrow” will come from, and, some
of those buyers will be the artists
who will gain interest in bonsai when
we can no longer lift our pots.
In my humble opinion . . .
Dick Miller, Editor
THE EDITORʼS PAGE – FINALLY
I signed up for
my rst hands-on
bonsai classes, and joined my
rst bonsai club. It was there
that I could engross
myself in the tech-
niques of this ancient
art. Before too long
I was teaching the
craft becoming more
and more immersed in bonsaiactivities. Then I
joined a second
bonsai club.
By this time, my small collec-
tion became a large collection,
Welcome to the
Tropical Bonsai Page:My addiction started early in
life. Some were cute; some were
plain. Some were large; and some were small.
There were those that would ower, and those that
would bear fruit–it made no
difference.
• • I was hooked! • •
As I look back over the years,
I can recall with certainty the
actual event that kept me riv-
eted to my hobby and down the
path of personal fulllment.
Tropic al Bons ai , Inc.
Exhibit Class
Pre-Bonsai to
We Sell everything:
and then a huge collection.
My wife and I knew, cared
for, and named each and everyone
of our trees . . . they became our fun
family.
At Tropical, we sell whole-
sale and retail.
See our web site for materials
and prices.
We are open to the public
Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm,
and by appointment. We love having
clubs or groups for special events-call
to set a date.
Or, Email: [email protected].
Check out inventory and prices at our web site:
Save time and money
9401 Northwest 42nd. Street, Coral Springs, FL 33065 (954) 752-8229 Fax (954) 227-2647
(Elizabeth & Emily 2/24/02)
23/39 23/40
Return to Table of Contents
http://www.tropicalbonsaiinc.com
http://www.tropicalbonsaiinc.com/http://www.tropicalbonsaiinc.com/
8/19/2019 Florida Bonsai - May 04 - Screen
24/29
May 2004 Florida Bonsai
MECHANICAL COORDINATORS LLC
Email: [email protected] C l i c
k
h e r e
Workstands for Bonsai.Created by a bonsai enthusiast for
bonsai enthusiasts.Efcient, comfortable, and adjustable,
they not only provide a practical work area, but are artful display stands*
in their own right. Whatever model you choose, you willget a dependable device that will give
you years of bonsai enjoyment.
Ask about our wire caddy, shown above. *Not intended for outdoor use as stands.
Delux e Mo del Shown
These workstands will foreverchange the way you work on your
bonsai.They provide a stable andadjustable work platform toincrease your bonsai enjoyment.Three models to choose from: • The Deluxe workstand • The affordable LC Workstand • The traditional Table top
Workstand.In Florida call 561/746-5074, orCall 717/871-7900 for assistance.
A Better
Workstand
Can Mean A
Better Bonsai
Mail to: Allen Roach, Bonsai-Mart721 N. T Street, Pensacola, Florida 32505 Email: [email protected], call 1-850-432-8238
Bonsai products under roof. All size trees and pots, with supplies to keep your bonsai healthy.
Convenient from four States! Open 8-2, Mon. - Sat.
Check our MONTHLY DISCOUNT ITEM on our web site.
(Ever seen an “Air Layer Kit?”)
You can quickly buy anything, and save time and money.
Our “web-mart” is your link to bonsai.See the variety of materials displayed retail or wholesale at:
Top Related