by Midge Goeth

Well bonsai friends, it has been a while since we have chatted through this column. You may have thought that George fired me due to my lack luster participation. But no, the ever patient George did not push and probe, remind me of deadlines, or even just stand with hands on hips, tapping a foot as if to ask, "where's the article?" Thanks George. You are the best editor ever. And I now promise before our entire membership to make a better effort this year.

What I have come to realize because of my lack luster participation, is that I really miss not learning more about our fascinating hobby. When looking for material, I had to search my feeble little brain, surf the net for ideas, and interview members of our club which increased my knowledge and peaked my interest in bonsai. Like anything else, the more you know, the more you know you don't know. Does that make any sense? Anyway, I'm ready to start learning and sharing once again.

Speaking of sharing, Saturday, June 10th was a perfect day for sharing. Many of you came out for the garden tour, and several members were sporting bright red GLBS polo shirts. I want one!! And I am sure our President will find a way for me to get one. But then, I digress. It was the garden tour that kindled the bonsai spark for me. Not the tour itself but the preparation. Knowing I needed to make some major changes in my back yard landscape, I wanted a goal as the extra added incentive to get it done. So I said yes two years ago to be on the tour. From beginning to June 10, the preparation took about two years. First comes the idea, then the demolition, then the rebuilding of hardscape, then the fun part of making a new home for the bonsai. Three weeks before TOUR DAY I was in a panic. Why did I say I was going to do this!!? But as little details became reality, I was feeling better. And so what if I broke my right wrist four days before the show. What will be will be with help of a few friends. Sure not all the details got taken care of, but then, do they ever? The art of bonsai and gardening in general is always a work in progress.

As I look at my yard, I can classify the various sections in stages of completeness. Stage five is the areas that have a more mature and grown up look. Stage one is still an infant, and stages 2 - 3 - 4 are the teenagers. I have all five stages in front and back yards. The same applies to my bonsai, and it is fun watching each grow and develop. There are mistakes along the way which alter the original plan, but often those mistakes create an even more desired outcome. I have even experienced renewed interest in my senior citizen bonsai. Two of them particularly seem to be withering from old age and need new nourishment. For now I feel a couple years back in the ground and some TLC will be good medicine for them. And because that will leave two spots open in the garden, I am ready to start on those two maples that are presently in the ground. So, the process continues to cycle.

What I want most to share from this experience is that everyone in GLBS should consider opening up your back yard, front yard, apartment, studio, or office for this tour. Just like fine art, we all have a unique way of expressing ourselves through our trees. And I feel each one of us can appreciate the creativity of our membership. So when a board member calls to ask you to participate next year or the year after, go for it. I know you too will enjoy the experience. Besides, when 25 or so bonsai enthusiasts come to your playground, you ask for and receive good suggestions on how to style some of your trees. Thanks to those of you who offered suggestions for a couple of my infants. John, you were right, I turned that azalea around, and it has a lot more potential from that side.

Speaking of azaleas, next month I am interviewing Tommy McCurry to find out what in the world he does to create those lovely specimens in his collection.