Monthly Archives: May 2022

Normalcy  For two years, we have hoped to return to “normal,” and we are finally almost there, hoping it continues. For June, we are returning to one of our favorite types of PSBS meetings, the workshop. In the past, we have done crabapple and yew workshops. Here are the details: For many years the Society has maintained a Grow Plot with trees meant to be used for demonstrations and workshops. We have twelve boxwoods that were recovered from a hedge many years ago (urban yamadori) and are offered for…

ELEPHANT TREEThis month I have chosen the Elephant Tree. There are 4 species that are commonly referred to as the elephant tree because of their swollen stems/trunksBoswellia papyrifera, native to northeastern AfricaBursera microphylla, native to the southwestern United States and northern MexicoPachycormus discolor, native to Baja CaliforniaOperculicarya decaryi, are native to Madagascar. Specifically the Toliara Province of southwest Madagascar. This is the one we will be reviewing as it is used the most for bonsai. Also called Jabily, it is a succulent deciduous evergreen tree in the Sumac (Anacardiaceae)…

Outdoor: Place trees in a maximum sunlight location. Make sure to water as often as needed. The trees must be watered more frequently, often daily, as the weather warms. Be sure to provide enough water at each watering to saturate the soil thoroughly. Fertilize regularly to keep the trees growing and to support the new growth. Pinch new growth as needed to increase the fullness of the foliage pads. Wire the trees as required but be careful when working around the soft new growth as it is easily damaged.…