Monthly Archives: May 2025

Littleleaf LindenLittleleaf linden is a European relative of American basswood (Tilia americana) that is widely planted in the United States. Leaves are simple, alternate, and dark green. They are smaller than the leaves of American basswood, but are also heart-shaped with finely toothed margins. Flowers are very similar to American basswood, with clusters of 5-11 small, yellow-green blooms and similar colored bracts. Female flowers develop into winged nutlets that fall from the tree midsummer.Honey bees are very attracted to littleleaf linden flowers, and linden honey can be high value.…

Dear Members,I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the beauty of spring with your trees.At our recent meeting, we were treated to a fantastic demonstration by Elle Nieto-Brodnick on styling a Shimpaku Juniper. In just 90 minutes, Elle transformed an untamed tree into a beautifully styled bonsai. It was both inspiring and educational. A heartfelt thank-you to Elle for sharing her time, expertise, and passion with us.To top it off, the styled tree was raffled off—and congratulations to Annie Krzysko, who won it!Looking ahead, we’re excited about…

Why is my bonsai suffering?It could be your water! Is your tree suddenly turning brown, wilting just looking sad? There could be all sorts of causes but a new one we have discovered here at BC Bonsai is our water.We learned several years ago from a water plant administrator that here in the mid-west we have an aging water pipe system and there are several ways to keep the lead from sluffing off the pipes, so we do not get poisoned. Water plants use Chemicals that coat the pipes…

Outdoor: Place trees in a maximum sunlight location. Make certain to water as often as needed. As the weather warms, the trees will need to be watered more frequently, often daily. Be sure to provide enough water at each watering to thoroughly saturate the soil. 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 as needed, but be careful when working around the soft new growth as it is easily damaged.…