Author: Rick Manning

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.…

MAURO STEMBURGERS BONSAI DREAM SCHOOLI recently had the pleasure of being in the first class to graduate from the Mauro Stemburger Bonsai Dream program here in the States. What a wonderful learning experience! This was the first time Mauro offered the program in the United States, and I was very excited to see it was happening at the Hidden Gardens bonsai nursery in the Chicago suburb of Willowbrook.The program was a three-year commitment consisting of two intensive three-day sessions each year. It started with some of the basics, such…

Wigert’s Bonsai Nurseryhttps://www.wigertsbonsai.com/Fort Myers, FLI will review some different bonsai nurseries outside the Chicago land area for something new. I have been to this nursery several times, and club member Jennifer Price apprenticed with Eric at Wigerts. The nursery is only open during weekdays but is a must-stop if you are in Southern FL. Wigert specializes in tropical trees. They offer everything from large quantities of starter material to high-quality large show-ready trees. Their website also has a wide offering and an excellent virtual tour of their impressive show-ready…

If you ever see a weird orange gummy bear-like thing growing on your juniper, you likely have apple trees nearby and apple rust. The first time I saw this I had no idea what I was dealing with! Cedar-apple rust is a common plant disease caused by the fungal pathogen Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae. It infects members of the Rosaceae and Cupressaceae families, primarily apple, crabapple, eastern redcedar, and other juniper species. Cedar-apple rust is a widespread disease across the continental U.S. and is a common issue for apple producers due…

Outdoor: All outdoor trees should have been removed from winter protection and placed on their growing benches. The trees should be receiving as much sun as possible. Watering needs will be high, and all trees will need watering at least once daily. Be sure to saturate the soil thoroughly during each watering session.  It is good to send a blast of water through the foliage now and then to help dislodge any insects lurking. Keep an eye out for possible insect infestations. The soft new growth on the trees…

President's Letter – April 2025Prairie State Bonsai SocietyDear Members,We had an engaging and hands-on mini-workshop led by Linda Camp, where members had the opportunity to review and rearrange existing forest plantings created by various members over the years. Under Linda’s expert guidance, a couple of members even took on the challenge of creating new forest compositions, making it a rewarding experience for all involved.Looking ahead, we’re excited about our upcoming program, which will focus on the art of wiring. This session will include both a tutorial and hands-on practice,…

.2025 Silhouette ShowCraig CronquistThe Prairie State Bonsai Society presented its fifth annual Silhouette Show on Saturday, February 22nd, and Sunday, February 23rd, at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL.The show included thirty-three trees and forests, primarily deciduous, in their leaf-free winter splendor, but also a handful of coniferous trees, displaying their internal structure in the spirit of a bonsai silhouette show.  As usual, the Society included trees categorized as “Trees in Training” so the viewers could understand the effort and interim steps needed to prepare a bonsai.  The show…

photo by Larry Magee Arakawa Rough Bark Maple 粗皮 Katlin Mulligan The Rough bark Japanese maple, Acer palmatum‘Arakawa,’ is a beautiful cultivar that exhibits rough bark, which adds impact to a bonsai. The rough bark is interesting and creates a focal point to the total aesthetic impact the bonsai presents. But, this cultivar does not present a quiet refined image characteristic of Japanese maples with beautiful bark which becomes gray when mature. Fine twigs are difficult to develop and a coarse feeling is usually presented. True Rough bark Japanese maples, Acer palmatum ‘Arakawa,’ must be…

Outdoor:           This is the busiest month in bonsai.Once the danger of temperatures in the low twenties or less has passed, it is time to bring your trees out of winter protection and into their summer homes. For trees in mulch beds, be sure that the mulch has thawed below the pots before lifting the trees out of it. Do not force trees from a frozen mulch bed, as significant damage can result.Watering requirements will increase, so be prepared to water more frequently. Fertilization can begin…

President's Letter – March 2025 Prairie State Bonsai Society Dear Members, One of the major highlights of 2025 was the Silhouette Show, held on February 22-23 at the Morton Arboretum. The event was well attended, aided in part by favorable weather. The Arboretum also hosted a Train Show that weekend, bringing in model train enthusiasts—many of whom stopped by to admire our bonsai display. Our Special Events Chair, Craig Cronquist, may share more details about the show. Given its success, we anticipate hosting future Silhouette Shows at the Morton…