February 2023 Newsletter

PO Box 2682, Olympia WA 98507-2682

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

Now that we’re in February, the Club’s schedule returns to its normal pattern.  Club Meetings are on the second Thursday of the month and workshops are on the 3rd Saturday.  See you soon!  

February Club Speaker

For our February 9th meeting, our guest speaker will be our very own Tom Brewer. Tom has been doing Bonsai since he was 13 when he lived in Southern California. He has been fortunate that in his job he has been able to travel and live throughout the states and the world. He has practiced Bonsai in the southeast and many other states. Overseas he has practiced in China and Thailand and still has a large collection of trees there.  Although he has many of our native trees in his collection, his forte is Tropicals.  He is well versed on growing and maintaining them and his presentation is certain to be interesting and enjoyable.

February Workshop with Joe K

In February we will cover repotting of our trees.   Probably everyone is itching to get their fingers dirty and start repotting.  I am often asked when the best time is to repot as you see posts daily of people who are repotting now.  A lot of the professionals have started repotting, but in most cases there are 2 factors in play for them.  First, they have so many trees they have to start early.  2nd, they almost always have a cold frame or some other protection for their plants.  I guess you can also throw in the location of where the repotting is occurring.  The Portland area, although relatively close to us, can generally start 2 to 3 weeks before us.  

So how do you know when your plant is ready?  "Look at the buds" in the late winter and early spring.  When the buds on your trees begin to swell, the plant is telling you it is waking up and its auxins have started to flow, then it is time.  Surprisingly they don't all occur at exactly the same time.  Some of the deciduous trees can be as long as 3 to 4 weeks apart. On conifers, the candles will begin swelling and elongation begins then its time.  

Many years ago, Sharon Muth used to tell us that on Shimpakus, the only day of the year they couldn't repot was on Christmas day.  Not sure if that's true, but I repot them from late February till late May.

Now if you can't see any swelling or this is new to you, a general idea of when to begin your repotting is late February, March and early April. Some species such as Azaleas can vary but those months are generally safe times.  You should always protect your tree for a couple of weeks after potting to make sure that the new roots are taking hold.  You would be surprised how fast new roots will develop provided they are in good soil and the temps fluctuate above freezing.

Just don't rush it.  If you challenge Mother Nature she will most often win.

Upcoming Workshops 

In March we will do a demo of how to make Muck and then do a Root-Over-Rock planting.  We will demonstrate how to prepare a tree beforehand and another planting from growing stock.  Hopefully we will do both a Black Pine and a Ponderosa pine.

In April we asked Dan Bateson to talk about shohin size trees and Azaleas.  More to come as that date nears.

Swap Meet and Raffle

Thanks to all who brought things for the swap meet, see some photos below.  The raffle was also a success, we made about $250 for the Club.  

Lacey Cultural Festival Volunteers

Darrell A is still looking for a few volunteers for the club's participation in Lacey's Cultural Celebration on March 4, 2023, at St. Martins' University from 10am to 6pm.  Volunteers are needed to tend the table for time slots of 1 hour or more and we will need about 10-12 trees for display. The trees need to be brought to the site by 9:30 am,  and picked up at closing (6 pm).  

Lava/Pumice/Soil orders

We currently only have a limited supply of lava rock, pumice, and pre-mixed soil and are looking at sourcing more soon before the repotting season starts.  If you need ingredients to repot your trees, please contact Kent R. to find out what’s available 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

2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February Meeting

2/9 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

February  Workshop

2/18 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

March Meeting

3/9 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

March  Workshop

3/18 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

April Meeting

4/13 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

April  Workshop

4/22 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

May Meeting

5/11 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

May  Workshop

5/20 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

June Meeting

6/8 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

June  Workshop

6/17 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

July Meeting

7/13 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

July  Workshop

7/22 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

August

No meeting or workshop

September Meeting

9/14 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

September  Workshop

9/23 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

October Meeting

10/12 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

October  Workshop

10/21 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

November Meeting

11/9 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

November Workshop

11/18 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

Cole N.

Librarian 

Scott.

Newsletter

Beth R.

Joe K.