I asked Larry to consent to this interview to find out about his experiences with bonsai. He readily agreed with the stipulation that if possible the questions were skewed toward the new members. As you will see later on, Larry is very interested in getting new members into the GLBS.

Larry worked all his professional life as a financial planner for Provident Financial. He started the Bonsai Store with Tom McCurry- as a hobby - about 20 years ago and to use his words it is still only a hobby that he really enjoys. - Editor

Why did you get into Bonsai?

Over the years, how many trees have you had?

About 50 or so. Many of them died, some I sold and I currently have about 15. I have willow leaf ficus, Benjamina ficus, Bougainvilleas, Powder puffs and a Brazilian rain tree. I think the powder puff is the easiest tree to grow.

What would be a good tree for new people to start with?

Some sort of ficus. They are easy to grow and there are some that specifically say not to grow in direct light. These are good trees for people who want to grow a tree in an apartment or an office.

Are bonsai hard to grow?

No they are not. Some are easier than others but in general they are not hard to grow if you give them care. I wouldn’t recommend a new member start with something like a Fukien Tea or a Serissa because they are difficult to grow successfully.

Are Bonsai more susceptible to pests than other plants?

No they are not more susceptible but just like other plants they are affected. Scale is somewhat of a bonsai, you can learn as you go.

What about soil - are there special qualities needed for bonsai?

It must be a good draining soil. Most trees die with root rot due to moisture held in non draining soil like potting soil. When you get a new plant that you are going to make into a bonsai, wash off the potting soil and put into bonsai soil.

How do you decide what is the best soil?

It’s up to the individual to decide but look around and see what other people are using. Then look at the health of their plants and maybe then you might want to use that type of soil.

Do you fertilize often and with what?

Every two weeks with full strength Watch Us Grow and Superthrive. I also use Osmocote as a supplement because it lasts about 3 to 6 months.

Do new people need a lot of tools for bonsai?

They need three basic tools - a concave cutter, a pair of good shears and a small rake. The rake I use to straighten out the roots when I repot.

How long have you been a member of the GLBS?

Well over 25 years. I think I attended my first meeting in 1971. We traded trees back then and I think several members still have those trees. We didn’t have too many members, but we had meetings.

Is belonging to the GLBS important for new people?

Absolutely. That is where they are going to learn. You can call any bonsai member and ask them a question and they will be delighted to give an answer.

What should the older more experienced bonsai growers share with new people?

They should share their experiences and help them trim and wire. You learn pretty quickly on your own but workshops and events that the club puts on are really important.

How do we get our more experienced members involved with new members?

That is the crux of the problem. The thing is most all bonsai people are more than willing to help with trees. You can bring your trees to a critique workshop where people will help you with the trees. We also have instructors come in that give unbelievable information.

Should a new person invest in a lot of books or magazines?

The most important is to get a book on general bonsai. They have both indoor and outdoor books that are geared to new people. We have one that is put out by Brooklyn Botanical Gardens that is geared to indoor trees that is an excellent reference. They also have the same types on outdoor trees.

Where can people go to see good bonsai?

The National Arboretum in Washington DC has excellent trees. Also both Cincinnati and Indianapolis have good shows. The Crone Conservatory in Cinci has a permanent exhibition that the Cincinnati club routinely rotates with new exhibits.

Can you give us your secrets to successfully growing bonsai?

Tender loving care. You have to trim the tree, watch it for bugs and watch its general health - is it losing leaves or is it being over watered - that is what I mean by TLC.

I have read in several places that in bonsai it is somewhat a personal choice, there is not real right or wrong.

That is right. You need to determine what is best for your tree.

Got any general comments you would like to make?

Many people tell me that people in high pressure jobs - especially doctors - that it is the most relaxing thing in the world to come home to work on your trees. We’re in a fast moving world, but when you’re at home sitting with you trees, you can get lost thinking and working on your trees and forget everything else.