by George Buehler

By the time you get this newsletter, May will be here - or almost here. This May marks the start of my 4th year doing this newsletter. In looking back, I have learned a lot about bonsai doing the research for some of the articles I have done, and a lot about handling the frustrations of setting my self imposed deadline in getting each issue out. I have also learned that computers aren't infallible and they sometimes have strange 'fits' at the most inopportune times - like losing a file when its time to go to the printer. A number of you have told me that you like the articles presented in this newsletter. I have tried to present a variety of topics, some more advanced than others, so that the beginner as well as the more seasoned bonsai artist may find something interesting. I have asked for help (sometimes begged!) for articles, and a number of you have come through. I get a number of newsletters from other clubs, and I freely use their articles when I think it would suit our members (the other editors likewise use articles out of this newsletter as well as others to fill their pages - that's the agreement we have). In looking back over newsletters from other clubs, I see that the editors are continually looking for new material to print - they also ask (beg?) for articles from their members. I guess it is a recurring theme of all bonsai newsletters. Anyway, I am always interested in hearing from members what they like and what they dislike about this newsletter. If you have a complaint or disagree with something in this newsletter, let me know - my feelings won't be hurt.

This brings to mind that I only had one comment, and that was from another newsletter editor, about the new/different format of last month's newsletter. We will continue to experiment with the layout/fonts, in order to find space saving ways of printing the newsletter.

April was certainly a strange month. On April 3 the high temperature was 83 oF, and on April 7 the low was 25oF with a high of 40oF. Trees were put out in the sun, and then brought back in to protect their delicate new growth. Another month for the bonsai shuffle! It's good to remember that the last "official" frost date is May 10th. I imagine in August we will be wishing for a little of this April cold to moderate the high temperatures we normally get during that time of year.

There is an effort to get the US Postal Service to issue a bonsai stamp. Carol Carpenter of the Sakura Bonsai Society of Northern Michigan is leading the effort. She is soliciting signatures on a petition. If you are interested (there is no cost to you), background information and a copy of the petition can be found at http://freeplone2.openia.com/abs/bonsai-postage-stamp.

We have a lot of new events scheduled this year. The Art in the Arbor show is one for this month. In July we will be exhibiting at the Old Louisville Garden Club Tour. We will need a number of trees to set up our exhibit for this event, so mark your calendar for July 7 and 8. This will be an informational event where we want to show the public what bonsai are and how to take care of them. We will have more information in next month's newsletter.

We also have a field trip scheduled for July to go to Cass Bonsai Nursery. The nursery is located outside St. Louis and will be a fairly long day; but once you see the Cass nursery, I think you will understand why this trip was scheduled. Cass has a large variety of trees, from starter to finished specimens, as well as pots, tools, wire, and soil. Their prices are reasonable for the quality of materials they offer. John and I visited their establishment last year in a field trip with the Evansville club. Of course we came away with several nice trees and some other supplies. Milt and Brian Cass also offer Japanese garden design. It should be a fun day.