ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER

For those of you who receive the electronic version of this newsletter, I apologize for the problem with the map to Earl Ekman’s. The print version had no problem but somehow when the file was emailed the road identifications were lost. I am working on the problem and in the future if we use a map, I will check the file before we send it out. If you find a problem with the electronic version, please send me a note so that I can look into the problem.

QUESTIONS ON WINTERIZING

During the bonsai day at Earl’s, I was questioned about the reference to the log I keep that was mentioned in the article on winterizing. I record dates on wiring, trimming, repotting (as well as pot type, color, etc.), fertilizing and when I put away trees for the winter and take them out from their winter hibernation so that I can refer back to this information when questions come up. I also record information such as how a particular type of soil worked or if a particular technique worked well. I currently record this information in one Microsoft Word document. I have set up the document so that each tree is in one section of the document (this allows for proper printing). This works ok but doesn’t allow for searching for specific items in a convenient way. It also is a rather manual system in that I have the document in a binder and take it out to the trees to make a pencil entry of what I am doing to the tree. Later I go to the computer and enter the information. As I said, it works and I definitely recommend keeping track of what you do to your trees.

I decided a while back to start work on a bonsai database using Microsoft Access since I can’t find a workable one. A database is set up to be searchable, and to allow information to be entered in an easier method than that in Word. I have been working off and on for several months on the setup of this database. Unfortunately, due to other commitments (such as this newsletter), I haven’t made much progress. Once I get everything working properly, I will offer it to other members who want to try it.