by George Buehler

This issue of the newsletter contains a mish mash of articles and information. Although the summer growing season is winding down, there are many bonsai duties still to be done. One of the things that we all should be thinking about is our spring bonsai tasks. This was brought to mind with an article in the Potomac Bonsai Association August newsletter. In that article entitled "Back to Basics with Bernie" by Bernie Gastrich, he mentioned the need to make a list of the trees that will need repotting next spring and to ensure that you have the proper pot. How many times, he asked, have you purchased that 'perfect' pot for a tree to discover when you set it in front of the tree that it just didn't go – either because it didn't have the proper proportions or that the color or style just wasn't right. I certainly can say I have done that several times. So I made a list of my trees that will need transplanting, got into my inventory of pots and started setting them in front of the tree to see if they will complement the tree. Once I find the proper pot, I label the pot and make a note of the pot dimensions, color and style on my transplanting list so that when spring comes, I won't be going through this exercise again. It is also helpful to have the tree in full leaf when choosing the pot. I used to wait until the winter when there was a lot more 'free' time to do this task, but I think doing it now will be much more beneficial.

We had our field trip to Hollander's Tiny Trees on Sept 17. The weather was just right to walk through Greg's field and benches of trees. Unfortunately we only had members and one new potential member attend the outing. Those of you that didn't attend missed a chance to get some new stock at reasonable prices. Charlie Johnson probably came home with one of the best buys – a 10 year old Hinoki cypress for only $25. I don't think the rest of us can complain about the prices of the trees we came home with either. Greg Hollander gave the club 5 flats of two year old Chinese elms to use for workshops next spring. We will have to work this workshop into our next year's schedule. The $50 worth of trees that Greg offered in a drawing was won by Steve Reeves. Coming home, we had to have some of our purchases sitting on the seat of the car because we ran out of room in the cargo areas. From Greg's we went to Dave Bogan's house. Dave has about 200 trees in various stages of refinement. It was interesting to see his setup and to view his trees. Look on page 5 to see some photos at the two stops.

Don't forget that we will have our fall show at Hidden Hill Nursery on Oct. 1. If you haven't been contacted by show chairman, Gene Sewell, to bring some trees, give him a call (635-7704). We need to have trees in all stages of development to show the public what bonsai is all about.

Next month I will publish our 2006 schedule of events. I believe there should be something that will be of interest to each of you.