Monthly Archives: November 2023

The ginkgo is a deciduous tree with fan shaped leaves and a columnar silhouette in younger years, getting broader with age. The tree is indigenous to China and is considered a living fossil, dating back 270 million years. On young trees the bark is light grey and on old trees dark grey and furrowed. Some old trees produce so-called „Chichi“, hanging swellings reminding of stalactites. The largest and oldest ginkgo trees are found in China, some of them are more than 40 m (130ft) tall and approximately 4,000 years old.…

Outdoor: All trees should now be tucked away in their winter housing.  Be sure to water as needed while in winter storage.  Do not fertilize.  Wiring should be checked carefully and tight wires removed if not yet done.  Many trees seem to have put on an exceptional amount of girth this season, so be sure to thoroughly check the wires. Do not repot at this time. Indoor:  All indoor trees should now be indoors. Be sure to water as needed.  The watering needs may differ from when the trees were outdoors,…

It is Party Time! On Wednesday, December 6th, we will have our Christmas Party at the usual time but at a new venue.  Larry Magee has volunteered to host the party at his home in Wayne, located just south of Army Trail Road, West of IL Route 59 and East of IL Route 25.  More details about the location are elsewhere in the newsletter. As we have for decades, we will have a White Elephant exchange for those who bring a wrapped present, preferably related to bonsai and still in usable…

Just how much better do plants grown in the ground than other methods? Initial plants were air layered maples purchased from the Midwest August show that were approximately 20 inches tall at the start with a trunk circumference of 4cm to 4.5cm . Sample one was grown in a wide plastic pot grown with a combination of compost and bonsai soil in partial shade. Tree had 4 new upright growths. Sample two was grown in a wide plastic seed tray with a combination of compost and bonsai soil in…

If you get caught off guard by a quick freeze and do not have enough time to get your plants to their winter quarters or only need protection for a day or two, simply lower bonsai under there summer stands and if needed drape plastic or a tarp over the stand.  ConifersI store my conifers in two different locations.  Trees that are in development are in my garden in a layer of mulch. A building blocks the wind from the north, and I planted asparagus to act as a…