September 2022 Newsletter

PO Box 2682, Olympia WA 98507-2682

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

MEETING- SEPTEMBER 15 - 7 PM - LEE CHEATLE

Portland Bonsai Artist Lee Cheatle will be demonstrating a Phoenix Graft at our September meeting.  For our new members, Phoenix Graft is  “the technique of attaching young live plants to weathered wood …The Japanese call the practice tanuki, implying deception or cheat… American bonsai artist Dan Robinson coined the memorable phrase “Phoenix Graft”, which views the process from an entirely different perspective. It is based on a legend about a bird that flew into the sun, died and was reborn. The terms tanuki and phoenix graft clearly illustrate the difference in attitude that can and does exist, not only between east and west, but also between individual artists. If you set out to make a tanuki, a deception, you will have no respect for your work. But if you set out to create a phoenix graft, the implication is that you are embarking on a more noble quest.” (source) 

WORKSHOP - 9/17 - 10 AM - 2PM  /  NORTH OLYMPIA FIRE STATION

The workshops are really gaining steam.  As one new member recently said, “For a beginner, the workshops are the best thing the club provides.” This is a chance to bring your trees and have real hands on learning with some of our most experienced members. Not only that but there is plenty of room and big tables to spread out on. Why make a mess at your own house when you can do it with friends somewhere else?  We always need volunteers to open and close the workshop.  Please contact Gerry if you are willing to fill this essential but easy job. 

SPECIAL TOPIC WORKSHOPS COMING IN SEPTEMBER!

Starting in September the club will offer special topics for the first few hours of the Saturday workshop. Many thanks to Joe K. for putting his shoulder behind making this happen. In September, he, along with other experienced members, will cover Late summer early fall trimming of Juniper and Deciduous trees.   Each month after that please check your newsletter for the topic or type trees we will be working on.  The instructors will provide instruction, not materials, so bring your trees and your tools.   As Joe said, “Come prepared to get your hands dirty and have some fun.”  The second half of the workshop will allow members to either continue working on the topic of the month or to branch out on their own, ask questions and gain help with their trees.  Let’s show our thanks for the preparation and care it takes to present this information and show up in force!

SAD NEWS

We are sorry to report the passing of long time club member Rebecca Cody.  Rebecca fought cancer for many years, though you’d barely have known it. She always had a smile on her face, a positive attitude and an offer of help to others.  Rebecca always made clear that her husband Dave was the bonsai artist but she came to all the meetings, watched demonstrations with interest, pitched in to help others, and was a good friend to many of us in the club. Rebecca served as newsletter editor for many years, always thinking creatively about how to make the newsletter not only informational but also fun and educational.  You will be missed Rebecca.

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 September meeting please fill out this form NO LATER than 9/6.  You can also contact Kent R. and make arrangements to pick it up directly from him. PLEASE RETURN YOUR EMPTIED LAVA BAGS TO KENT FOR RE-USE

RECYCLING YOUR OLD WIRE

Do you have old wire you hate to toss? Gerry O. has committed to collecting and recycling the wire.  Please bring any old wire (sorted by copper and aluminum) to the meeting and Gerry will take it to  metal scrap recycling.

OVERWINTERING BONSAI TREES

As the summer heat dissipates and we head into fall it’s a good time to start thinking about winter care for your trees.  Ryan Neil has a short YouTube video hosted on Bonsai Empire’s channel where he explains the basics of Bonsai winter care, and how we should protect our trees in various temperatures throughout the winter season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAd-Gw6Gevs 

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 found here: https://www.librarycat.org/lib/OlympiaBonsaiClub 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September Meeting

9/8 Lacey Community Center

September Workshop

9/17 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

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!