by Lee Squires

Club Soil Analysis

We had a good turnout for our soil mixing workshop in February, and those in attendance should have an ample supply of soil to complete their repotting tasks in the Spring. This year we decided to stick with a similar mix that we used last year; however, a smaller ratio of peat moss mix was used. We mixed:

2 parts SoilMaster Red (baked clay)
2 parts red lava rock
1 part Fafard 1-PV potting soil

As I explained at the meeting, this is a basic mix. As you repot, I recommend the following:

by Lee Squires

APRIL 9 & 10 2010

The Greater Louisville Bonsai Society is pleased to sponsor an exciting demonstration and workshop by Mr. Bjorn Bjorholm, owner of Bjorvala Bonsai Studio in Knoxville, Tennessee. Bjorn started an interest in bonsai at age 13. His goal for the past 10 years has been to "better myself and my fellow enthusiasts across the United States and throughout the western world in the art of bonsai." He majored in Japanese language, moved to Kyoto, Japan and became a bonsai apprentice in Osaka. According to his article in Issue Number 1, 2010 of the ABS Journal, Bjorn was introduced to Master Keiichi Fujikawa of Kouka-en Nursery in Osaka, Japan in 2002 at 16 years of age. He wasn’t sure about making bonsai his career choice, so he did not ask Mr. Fujikawa for an apprenticeship at that time and returned to the U.S. to finish school. Mr. Fujikawa did not think Bjorn’s Japanese was up to par but, after some letter writing and coaxing, Mr. Fujikawa agreed to give him a three-month trial period as an apprentice. The rest “is history” as they say.

by Lee Squires

Although the deadline for ordering the Mica pots will have passed by the time you get this newsletter, if you contact Lee IMMEDIATELY, he might be able to get you a pot if you need one, or direct you to where you can get one, so that you can attend the workshop - ED

Saturday, March 20th 10:00 AM - Cave Hill Maintenance Bldg.

MICA FOREST POTS
19.5" - size for at least 9 trees - $30.00
22" - size for more than 9 trees - maybe up to 20 depending on root system size - $40.00

by George Buehler

Mark the date on your calendar – June 16-19, 2011

Look at your specimen trees as you get them out of winter storage and pick one or two to place in the exhibit. Earl Ekman will be contacting all of you to line up trees. We will need about 50 high quality trees.

We have commitments from 12 vendors who will attend the seminar. They are coming from Utah, Texas, Virginia, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to name a few.

by Earl Ekman

On Saturday March 13th, we will meet to have our last opportunity to dig bonsai trees at a really good price. These trees are material Greg has been growing for years, and he has graciously offered them to our club. We have been digging these trees for several years, but this will be the last dig. All the material belongs to the club, but anything left after the 13th, he is going to dig up and haul away. He wants to level this area of his yard and plant grass seed so he can recover his back yard.

by Dave Bogan

I received this information from Dave Bogan. If you're interested, give Dave a call before you go, so that he isn't mobbed with people. Dave has done this for the old Evansville club for years and he is now offering it to our club - ED

The weather is warming and our thoughts are turning to our Bonsai. We're not sure if anyone would be interested, but every year I take a week off work and dedicate it to working on Bonsai. This year it will be Sunday March 21st through Saturday March 27th. Generally I will work on a few of ours, but most of the week is dedicated to helping others. Anyone is welcome to bring any of their trees, and I will be glad to help them in anyway I can. Of course, they will have free use of our facilities which includes working in the greenhouse where the temperature will be a very comfortable 70 degrees. Within the greenhouse are areas for soil removal and washing of the root systems and of course plenty of room at the tables to work.