October 2022 Newsletter

PO Box 2682, Olympia WA 98507-2682

www.olympiabonsai.org *** https://www.facebook.com/OlympiaBonsaiClub/

MEETING- OCTOBER 13 - 7 PM - DAN ROBINSON

We are so fortunate in the PNW to have so many highly skilled bonsai artists.  This month’s meeting will feature local and international legend Dan Robinson.  Dan will be doing a presentation into his style, inspiration, aesthetics at the most fundamental levels. Of the nature of ancient trees and how he represents that into his expression of bonsai. He will be bringing examples of some of his favorite trees. Showcasing his unique expression of the art featuring gnarly branches and extraordinary Deadwood.

Eric and Victrinia will be joining him and will be showing photo examples of the natural inspiration for his work and he'll be sharing stories of his extraordinary journey.  There will be time for Q&A so come prepared with your questions. 

SEPTEMBER MEETING - A REPORT

In September we had a great presentation by Lee Cheatle on how to create a Phoenix Graft tree.  Lee is always great fun and his enthusiasm for the art is almost effervescent.  He not only taught us how to successfully create a tree but he donated the result to the club AND donated a Phoenix Graft kit so that a lucky club member could make their own.  It was so much fun and such an inspiration.  He left us with his outline which you will find below. 

LEE’S “KEYS TO SUCCESS” FOR MAKING A PHOENIX GRAFT

1. Healthy Tree

2. Abundance of Foliage

3. Tight to the grove in dead wood - Taper groove to trunk

4. Only remove mandatory foliage to get trunk in the groove

5. Zip tie trees tight

6. Heavy Fertilizer

7. HANDS OFF for 1-3 years, except to change zip ties.

OCTOBER WORKSHOP - 10/22 - 10 AM - 2PM  -  NORTH OLYMPIA FIRE STATION

Like last month’s workshop the first 1 1/2 - 2 hours will be devoted to instruction by experienced club members. The October workshop will cover pines, specifically, Ponderosa, Black pines, Mugo, Shore and Limber.  Time permitting, we will cover repotting, decandleing, fertilization and wiring.  The guest artist this month is  Bill Olson who is a former Club President.

SEPTEMBER WORKSHOP - A REPORT

September marked the first month of the topic specific workshops that are being organized by Joe K. The topic in September was Late summer early fall trimming of Juniper and Deciduous trees.  Joe and Tom B. who are long time and very experienced club members brought in some of their own trees, which was fun all on its own, but they also used them to demo what they were teaching.  We discussed Maples, Chinese Elm, Wisteria, Hornbeam, Juniper and Azalea. Turnout for the workshop was great and we hope as more and more club members realize the benefit of these hands-on workshops that the numbers will grow even more. It’s so great to be able to gather again in person and work on our trees. A HUGE thanks to Joe and Tom for their instruction and to Gerry, Walt, Grant and Iris for opening and closing the workshop. We are a volunteer run club and the more members help the more opportunities we will be able to offer.

A NOTE FROM JOE K.

I just wanted to relay the news of the passing of one of our former club members Don Sanders.  Don and his wife Joanne joined the club in 2006 and although Joanne was the primary Bonsai artist, she also got Don to participate.  They completed the beginner's class together and jumped in with both feet.  Don was a mountain of a man with a personality that matched his stature. He was quite witty and was constantly asking questions with a bit of humor. I had the pleasure of helping Don and Joanne set up their viewing area in the Lacey home and it brought much joy to the both of them. Don passed away in late July and it's my hope that Joanne returns to being able to participate in club activities. It is also my hope that those of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with Don remember him from time to time as we work on our plants. Rest In Peace Don Sanders.

LAVA/SOIL/PUMICE ORDER

Running low on ingredients to repot your trees? The club now offers not only lava rock but pre-sifted pumice and bags of pre-mixed soil.  If you are interested in having any of these brought to the October meeting please fill out this form  NO LATER than 10/11.  You can also contact Kent R. and make arrangements to pick it up directly from him (971-236-3641 or warlordkentax@gmail.com.) PLEASE RETURN YOUR EMPTIED LAVA BAGS TO KENT FOR RE-USE

LIBRARY

Remember that the club has an extensive library collection of books and magazines.  You can search the collection and place things on hold and the items will be brought to the next meeting. Reach out to the Librarian to get the password to our Library. Once the password is entered, look for your name on the list. The catalog is here: https://www.librarycat.org/lib/OlympiaBonsaiClub 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October Meeting

10/13 Lacey Community Center

October Workshop

10/22 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

November Meeting

11/10 Lacey Community Center

November Workshop

11/19 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

December 

No Meeting or Workshop

Officers

President Sam L.               

Vice President Darrell A.

Secretary Kent R.

Treasurer Eduardo M.

Workshop Volunteer Coordinator

Gerry O.

Past President 

Gerry O.

Board of Directors

Charles P. (Webmaster)

Cole N.

Librarian 

Nono B.

Newsletter

Nono B.

Volunteers & Contributors Needed!