Author: Rick Manning

Depending on when you are reading this, repotting season is just starting or is in full swing. The choice of which bonsai soil to use is an often hotly debated topic. This article is not meant to solve the question of what is the “best” bonsai soil/substrate, but rather meant to give newcomers to the hobby a basic understanding of the different options available and to partially explain why there are so many choices. The first thing to consider when choosing a bonsai soil is what species you are…

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…

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…

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…