Author: Rick Manning

Dear Members,Our general meeting on May 15, 2024, featuring world-renowned Bonsai Master Mauro Stemberger, was a tremendous success, with a great turnout from both Prairie State and Midwest Bonsai Society members. In a remarkably short time, Mauro styled two trees: Larry Magee and Mark Karczewski assisted by wiring the spruce tree, while Mauro focused on styling and wiring the Scots pine. Both trees turned out exceptionally well.For the raffle, the first winner had the option to choose between the two trees and opted for the Scots Pine.I extend my…

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. Keep…

Bonsai leaf reduction Just how much will leaf’s reduce in bonsai soil and a bonsai pot?These are both Dwarf Umbrella Trees/ Schefflera Arboricola from cuttings I was given a meeting a year and a half ago. Once rooted the cuttings on the left were planted in a 6” deep pot with potting soil, compost, and sand mixture. The plant on the right was potted in a 2” deep bonsai pot with bonsai soil from BC Bonsai. Significant reduction of leaf size and internodes can be seen on the plant…

Japanese Quince — (Choujubai) 長寿梅 / (Kusaboke) 草木瓜  Chouju 長寿 translating as longevity/long living and bai 梅 meaning Japanese plum (quince produce large seed pods similar to ume).  The Chaenomeles, commonly known as Flowering Quince or Japanese Quince, is a cherished species in bonsai cultivation known for its beautiful blossoms. Originating from East Asia, this species captivates bonsai enthusiasts with its exquisite flowers, ornamental fruits, and graceful form. The name of the plant genus has an interesting etymology. It is a reference to the shape of the fruit. Namely, the word Chaenomeles comes from…

Dear PSBS Members,I hope this letter finds you well and still basking in the camaraderie and knowledge shared at our recent General Meeting and Repotting Workshop. It was truly heartening to witness the collaboration and dedication among our members, especially in the nurturing and care of our beloved bonsai trees.I extend my sincere gratitude to Larry Magee for his insightful demonstration on repotting techniques, and to all those who participated in the workshop. Special thanks are also due to Linda Camp, Jim Beck, Phil Malhoit, and Larry Magee for…

 Once plants have leafed out it is time to start fertilizing. See the guide below that Larry Magee gave us last year and use a calendar to record when you fertilized and …  Wire cutting can happen very quickly during the spring, so check at least weekly.  The apex – it’s always growing much stronger than the rest of the tree and thus thickens much faster. Any place that you made sharp bends. The more the tissue is damaged, the more repair that is needed and that is where it…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgpYcxCAGeYOutdoor: 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…

Here is a photo from Page 15 of this ABS Journal. It shows Chris Baker's tree planted in a brake drum and the accent plant is in a pot made by Phil Malhiot.

Spring is the time for field collecting or what bonsai hobbyists generically call yamadori, which is technically trees collected from mountains  There is no calendar date to start collecting; the signs that it is time to start digging trees are bids swelling on deciduous trees and crocus and daffodils sprouting  The reason for this is the science of trees  I will give you the middle school version of this science lesson, but if you want a more in-depth version, check out one of the Ryan Oniel videos at the…

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…