SOLENT BONSAI SOCIETY Keith's News
JULY 2020
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.5
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, It is with great regret that although the Wallington Village Hall
is opening there are many restrictions, the committee representing the Solent Bonsai
Society have decided to suspend our monthly meetings for the rest of 2020 due to the
difficulty of complying to the many, ever changing, Covid-19 restrictions that the
government and hall have imposed on the use of the hall for the foreseeable future.
The decision was made after the hall sent the list of restrictions that had to be complied
to and whether we would be using the hall for the rest of the year but it was felt
impossible for us to commit to having meetings with the imposed restrictions.
Having already booked for 2021, we hope that we will be able to resume our meetings
on Friday 29th January 2021 and that by then the situation regarding covid-19 will
have settled down.
When we resumed our meetings, hopefully on 29th January 2021, we will have to have
an emergency AGM to elect a committee and decide on the way forward for 2021.
I will continue to send out the monthly newsletters to try and keep you all updated on the
Bonsai situation both with Solent and the rest of the UK as best I can.
At the present time, I have been informed that it is not definite, even into 2021, that the Swindon
show on 14th February 2021 will be held?
Important Note.
The committee would like to let all Solent Bonsai members know that
renewal of subscription, for 2020 paid up members, will next be in January
2022.
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.5
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, It is with great regret that although the Wallington Village Hall
is opening there are many restrictions, the committee representing the Solent Bonsai
Society have decided to suspend our monthly meetings for the rest of 2020 due to the
difficulty of complying to the many, ever changing, Covid-19 restrictions that the
government and hall have imposed on the use of the hall for the foreseeable future.
The decision was made after the hall sent the list of restrictions that had to be complied
to and whether we would be using the hall for the rest of the year but it was felt
impossible for us to commit to having meetings with the imposed restrictions.
Having already booked for 2021, we hope that we will be able to resume our meetings
on Friday 29th January 2021 and that by then the situation regarding covid-19 will
have settled down.
When we resumed our meetings, hopefully on 29th January 2021, we will have to have
an emergency AGM to elect a committee and decide on the way forward for 2021.
I will continue to send out the monthly newsletters to try and keep you all updated on the
Bonsai situation both with Solent and the rest of the UK as best I can.
At the present time, I have been informed that it is not definite, even into 2021, that the Swindon
show on 14th February 2021 will be held?
Important Note.
The committee would like to let all Solent Bonsai members know that
renewal of subscription, for 2020 paid up members, will next be in January
2022.
Secretary’s Report
Tasks for August
1. Growth will be slowing down in August, start to reduce your feeding schedule, use low or zero nitrogen fertiliser, especially on pines.
2. Keep watering daily.
3. Protect delicate trees and rock plantings from extreme heat.
4. Trim back this year’s growth on pines where candles were not pinched earlier.
5. Trim back overlong new growth on all trees, be carefully trimming flowering trees, leave areas that may produce flowers the following year.
6. Remove some or all fruit from overladen trees such as crab apple and cones from coniferous trees such as pines and Larches, this is done because producing fruit and cones draws a great deal of energy from the tree. 7. Remove any wires cutting into bark.
I received an email from a past member of Solent who is selling part of his collection, he has had an interesting journey in Bonsai.
Email as follows.
Dear Keith In the dim distant past, about 1985, I was a member of Solent. The sec then was called Mac, I believe. I have put below my bonsai journey and this is prompted by my wish to pass on some of my collection to younger hands. My health now is not as good as when I started my collection back in the 1970's! I have more photos and a website, which is currently private, though I can grant viewer rights by person. If I make sales through this I'm more than happy to donate 10% to club funds, which I'm sure will be most welcome. I hope you can use this in your newsletters.
Regards Nigel Heath 07775 706801
Tasks for August
1. Growth will be slowing down in August, start to reduce your feeding schedule, use low or zero nitrogen fertiliser, especially on pines.
2. Keep watering daily.
3. Protect delicate trees and rock plantings from extreme heat.
4. Trim back this year’s growth on pines where candles were not pinched earlier.
5. Trim back overlong new growth on all trees, be carefully trimming flowering trees, leave areas that may produce flowers the following year.
6. Remove some or all fruit from overladen trees such as crab apple and cones from coniferous trees such as pines and Larches, this is done because producing fruit and cones draws a great deal of energy from the tree. 7. Remove any wires cutting into bark.
I received an email from a past member of Solent who is selling part of his collection, he has had an interesting journey in Bonsai.
Email as follows.
Dear Keith In the dim distant past, about 1985, I was a member of Solent. The sec then was called Mac, I believe. I have put below my bonsai journey and this is prompted by my wish to pass on some of my collection to younger hands. My health now is not as good as when I started my collection back in the 1970's! I have more photos and a website, which is currently private, though I can grant viewer rights by person. If I make sales through this I'm more than happy to donate 10% to club funds, which I'm sure will be most welcome. I hope you can use this in your newsletters.
Regards Nigel Heath 07775 706801
Nigel's bonsai journey.
Hi I'm Nigel and I started growing bonsai trees in 1975! I was 25 then and had been given a very simple book by my mother for my birthday.
I read the 45 pages or so in no time at all and concluded this would be a great hobby to start now, and really enjoy when I got to retirement. By which time my trees would hopefully be more than just twigs in pots.
Armed with the simple bonsai book I started my search for material to work on, or potensai as it is officially known. I didn't have to look far. In my own back garden, which was just outside Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, there were seedlings of cherry, ash, birch and even I think an acorn just sprouting!
These got planted into whatever pot like object I had to hand, and my early collection of twigs lived in catering cans! They grew a bit rusty on the outside, I guess a bit of paint before I left them to the elements may have improved their outside appearance, but would have made no difference to their usefulness as starter pots for no cost.
The important thing for anyone just starting out is to choose pots or receptacles that will hold enough soil and enough water to keep your twig growing happily. Drainage holes are also a necessity to avoid drowning the tree. Willows will survive this as may Alders, but most trees like some air around their roots.
I also discovered early on that roots will happily grow through drainage holes and into the soil beneath! This can make it tricky to root prune your trees if you discover they have developed a tap root two foot long anchoring tree and pot to the ground.
For many years I have used various forms of tray beneath my collection, filled with pea shingle of various sizes. This has always had a useful side benefit of acting as a water reservoir beneath the pots and provided a micro-climate for them in hot weather. Plus you can easily prune off any roots that have escaped the pot.
Having quite quickly amassed 20 or so potential trees in my tin cans my next task was just to keep them watered and wait for them to give me some clue as to their preferred direction of growth. Would they like to be 'windswept?', 'broom?', 'root over rock?' Or just natural? While I waited, somewhat impatiently (callow youth) I kept my eyes open for further material, which I found in friend's gardens, by the roadside, in woods, on disused ground, in fact just about everywhere. All my collection is sourced from gardens, roadsides, the occasional wood, cuttings or seeds. Mostly deciduous and all species which grow happily in our climate all year round.
I kept a simple exercise book, in which I wrote the date and place of acquisition, the species, if known, and anything else relevant or possibly not. I still have the book with many of the entries crossed through as my early experiments refused to put up with me and died off.
It was quite early in my hobby when a new magazine came out just for bonsai enthusiasts like me, Bonsai magazine, published by Colin Lewis. It was a quarterly publication and I devoured it avidly. Full of pictures of proper bonsai trees and with stories on collecting, training and even exhibiting trees. I have every copy of this. from the very first one, now out of print, through to number 56, when the magazine got taken over by European publishers and its character changed.
Well all too soon retirement arrived and as I considered what I want to do in retirement the prospect of playing with my tree collection was no longer as appealing as it was from 40 years ago. True some of my trees are much more than twigs in pots. Many of them, if not all of them still have plenty of work left in them for someone with more appetite and energy than me.
I am therefore selling part of my collection (about 20 pots worth, some single trees, some multiple or groups). Some 40 - 60 years old, some younger. Not only trees, but bonsai magazines and books, pots and trays.
I want to do this in a personal way, matching the tree to its next custodian/artist. Some of them I won't part with unless the money is right. So some are expensive, some are cheap and some are in the middle. A percentage of sales revenue will go to the club funds.
I have photos, origin when I can remember where I found them, and a potted history, as befits all potted trees! These are collated on a private website, to which I can grant viewer access by person. I live in Totton and the trees can be viewed safely in my garden.
My email is nigelrheath@gmail.com
Hi I'm Nigel and I started growing bonsai trees in 1975! I was 25 then and had been given a very simple book by my mother for my birthday.
I read the 45 pages or so in no time at all and concluded this would be a great hobby to start now, and really enjoy when I got to retirement. By which time my trees would hopefully be more than just twigs in pots.
Armed with the simple bonsai book I started my search for material to work on, or potensai as it is officially known. I didn't have to look far. In my own back garden, which was just outside Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, there were seedlings of cherry, ash, birch and even I think an acorn just sprouting!
These got planted into whatever pot like object I had to hand, and my early collection of twigs lived in catering cans! They grew a bit rusty on the outside, I guess a bit of paint before I left them to the elements may have improved their outside appearance, but would have made no difference to their usefulness as starter pots for no cost.
The important thing for anyone just starting out is to choose pots or receptacles that will hold enough soil and enough water to keep your twig growing happily. Drainage holes are also a necessity to avoid drowning the tree. Willows will survive this as may Alders, but most trees like some air around their roots.
I also discovered early on that roots will happily grow through drainage holes and into the soil beneath! This can make it tricky to root prune your trees if you discover they have developed a tap root two foot long anchoring tree and pot to the ground.
For many years I have used various forms of tray beneath my collection, filled with pea shingle of various sizes. This has always had a useful side benefit of acting as a water reservoir beneath the pots and provided a micro-climate for them in hot weather. Plus you can easily prune off any roots that have escaped the pot.
Having quite quickly amassed 20 or so potential trees in my tin cans my next task was just to keep them watered and wait for them to give me some clue as to their preferred direction of growth. Would they like to be 'windswept?', 'broom?', 'root over rock?' Or just natural? While I waited, somewhat impatiently (callow youth) I kept my eyes open for further material, which I found in friend's gardens, by the roadside, in woods, on disused ground, in fact just about everywhere. All my collection is sourced from gardens, roadsides, the occasional wood, cuttings or seeds. Mostly deciduous and all species which grow happily in our climate all year round.
I kept a simple exercise book, in which I wrote the date and place of acquisition, the species, if known, and anything else relevant or possibly not. I still have the book with many of the entries crossed through as my early experiments refused to put up with me and died off.
It was quite early in my hobby when a new magazine came out just for bonsai enthusiasts like me, Bonsai magazine, published by Colin Lewis. It was a quarterly publication and I devoured it avidly. Full of pictures of proper bonsai trees and with stories on collecting, training and even exhibiting trees. I have every copy of this. from the very first one, now out of print, through to number 56, when the magazine got taken over by European publishers and its character changed.
Well all too soon retirement arrived and as I considered what I want to do in retirement the prospect of playing with my tree collection was no longer as appealing as it was from 40 years ago. True some of my trees are much more than twigs in pots. Many of them, if not all of them still have plenty of work left in them for someone with more appetite and energy than me.
I am therefore selling part of my collection (about 20 pots worth, some single trees, some multiple or groups). Some 40 - 60 years old, some younger. Not only trees, but bonsai magazines and books, pots and trays.
I want to do this in a personal way, matching the tree to its next custodian/artist. Some of them I won't part with unless the money is right. So some are expensive, some are cheap and some are in the middle. A percentage of sales revenue will go to the club funds.
I have photos, origin when I can remember where I found them, and a potted history, as befits all potted trees! These are collated on a private website, to which I can grant viewer access by person. I live in Totton and the trees can be viewed safely in my garden.
My email is nigelrheath@gmail.com
As an example:-
English Oak, aquired from a garden in early 2001.
Probably 10 years old at acquisition.
In a composite pot:- length 385mm, width 280mm, depth 110mm.
Tree height 540mm, girth 200mm, spread 340mm.
Nigel
If you are interested in his Bonsai trees please contact him.
English Oak, aquired from a garden in early 2001.
Probably 10 years old at acquisition.
In a composite pot:- length 385mm, width 280mm, depth 110mm.
Tree height 540mm, girth 200mm, spread 340mm.
Nigel
If you are interested in his Bonsai trees please contact him.
I am repeating the following on behalf of the UK Bonsai Association in case you missed or want to enter the Virtual Bonsai Show.
This is an appeal from the UK Bonsai Association for Bonsai Enthusiasts to Enter the Virtual Bonsai Show 2020.
The following is from the UK Bonsai Association Website.
Virtual UK Bonsai Association Show 2020
Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic we are immediately launching this Virtual Bonsai Show.
Please send us your entries, pictures can be taken in your back garden or at a show anytime between 1Jan19 and 20Sep20., as we receive the entries they will be posted on the monthly bulletin and added to the website immediately.
All UKBA members can vote for their favourite trees from 1st Oct till 11th Oct 20.
Guidelines for the Virtual UK Bonsai Association Show
Entries anytime between 1Jan19 and 20Sep20.
Be a UK resident and a UKBA member.
Three entries per member per year only.
Have owned the tree for at least 2 years.
Colour photo with neutral uncluttered background with jpg format.
Please email your photo with the details below to markmoreland@live.co.uk
Details to accompany photo:
Species: common name and (Latin name).
Owner: name (your name won’t be mentioned, we will replace your name with a reference number)
Origin: Country
Style:
Height: of tree (Top of the pot to apex): cm / inches. both please!
Pot: Name of pot maker
Stand: Name of stand maker
History: In no more than 100 words explain journey and history of tree.
Date of picture taken:
More information can be found on www.ukbonsaiassoc.org/uk-virtual-bonsai-show
Shows in 2020,
All Cancelled
Shows in 2021
Auction Run by the UK Bonsai Association will take place on Sunday 31st January 2021
In conjunction with a Suiseki / Saikei / Mame show, it will be held at:- The Harlington sports centre, Pinkwell Lane, Harlington, Middlesex. UB3 1PB
The show/auction is from 1000-1600hrs, Entrance fees are, adults £5, children under 16 go Free. (Exhibitors & Sellers close off date 10 Jan 21). No Traders stands at this event, just the auction. Auction contact: ukbonsaiassociation@gmail.com.
Swindon Winter Image Show 14th February 2021
Solent Bonsai Society will be showing at the 2021 Swindon Winter Image show on 14th February 2021, it is one of the best shows of the year at:- Grange Leisure Centre, Grange Drive, Stratton St. Margaret, Swindon, Wiltshire. SN3 4JY
It is open from 10am to 4pm. It is a good opportunity to buy those elusive pots, trees etc. as there are many traders at the show.
More information can be found on their website www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk.
Expo Bonsai UK 11th April 2021 The Harlington sports centre, Pinkwell Lane, Harlington, Middlesex. UB3 1PB The show open to public 1000-1600, Admission £5. Approximately 100 show quality trees along with support from a number of well known bonsai traders. If you are interested in submitting a tree for consideration please contact ebuk18@gmail.com (Exhibitors close off date 31 Jan 21). For more details see the website www.expobonsaiuk.weebly.com.
The British International Bonsai Show 9th to 11th July 2021
The British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire. CV35 0BJ Many British & International guest artists and demonstrators will be in attendance.
For more information visit www.bibsevents.com
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 10th August 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 13th August 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
This year, with the pandemic, it is a right off for bonsai clubs meetings and shows so I hope the newsletters are a reminder about bonsai and that there will be life after coronavirus and
as Captain Tom would say ‘Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day’
and the late great Vera Lynn song ‘We’ll meet again, but We know Where, but don’t know when’,
hopefully soon. Stay Strong, Stay Alert, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
Shows in 2021
Auction Run by the UK Bonsai Association will take place on Sunday 31st January 2021
In conjunction with a Suiseki / Saikei / Mame show, it will be held at:- The Harlington sports centre, Pinkwell Lane, Harlington, Middlesex. UB3 1PB
The show/auction is from 1000-1600hrs, Entrance fees are, adults £5, children under 16 go Free. (Exhibitors & Sellers close off date 10 Jan 21). No Traders stands at this event, just the auction. Auction contact: ukbonsaiassociation@gmail.com.
Swindon Winter Image Show 14th February 2021
Solent Bonsai Society will be showing at the 2021 Swindon Winter Image show on 14th February 2021, it is one of the best shows of the year at:- Grange Leisure Centre, Grange Drive, Stratton St. Margaret, Swindon, Wiltshire. SN3 4JY
It is open from 10am to 4pm. It is a good opportunity to buy those elusive pots, trees etc. as there are many traders at the show.
More information can be found on their website www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk.
Expo Bonsai UK 11th April 2021 The Harlington sports centre, Pinkwell Lane, Harlington, Middlesex. UB3 1PB The show open to public 1000-1600, Admission £5. Approximately 100 show quality trees along with support from a number of well known bonsai traders. If you are interested in submitting a tree for consideration please contact ebuk18@gmail.com (Exhibitors close off date 31 Jan 21). For more details see the website www.expobonsaiuk.weebly.com.
The British International Bonsai Show 9th to 11th July 2021
The British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire. CV35 0BJ Many British & International guest artists and demonstrators will be in attendance.
For more information visit www.bibsevents.com
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 10th August 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 13th August 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
This year, with the pandemic, it is a right off for bonsai clubs meetings and shows so I hope the newsletters are a reminder about bonsai and that there will be life after coronavirus and
as Captain Tom would say ‘Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day’
and the late great Vera Lynn song ‘We’ll meet again, but We know Where, but don’t know when’,
hopefully soon. Stay Strong, Stay Alert, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
JUNE 2020
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.4
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, as we are now in our fourteenth week of semi lockdown,
although the guidelines are slowly being eased; we are still unable to hold our
meetings for the foreseeable future. I hope you are all well and managing to
cope in these strange and difficult times.
Tonight’s meeting, 26th June, is Cancelled
Solent Bonsai Society Summer Show Friday 31st July 2020, The show is cancelled
(if there are any changes to the lockdown guidelines it will be a casual meeting only).
Important Note.
The committee would like to let all Solent Bonsai members know that renewal of
subscription, for 2020 paid up members, will next be in January 2022.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government instructions we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until further
notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with anyone you
know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will try to
give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for this
year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the program
throughout the year.
Keith
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.4
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, as we are now in our fourteenth week of semi lockdown,
although the guidelines are slowly being eased; we are still unable to hold our
meetings for the foreseeable future. I hope you are all well and managing to
cope in these strange and difficult times.
Tonight’s meeting, 26th June, is Cancelled
Solent Bonsai Society Summer Show Friday 31st July 2020, The show is cancelled
(if there are any changes to the lockdown guidelines it will be a casual meeting only).
Important Note.
The committee would like to let all Solent Bonsai members know that renewal of
subscription, for 2020 paid up members, will next be in January 2022.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government instructions we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until further
notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with anyone you
know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will try to
give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for this
year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the program
throughout the year.
Keith
Secretary’s Report
Tasks for June
1. Protect delicate trees from hot sun.
2. Continue feeding with balanced fertiliser.
3. Thin out and reduce overcrowding on dense evergreens branches.
4. Trim deciduous trees, (I usually remove over large leafs).
5. Check for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
6. Rotate trees for even light.
7. Water all trees thoroughly each day, don’t allow trees to dry out completely.
My Bubble family
The Fox Imitation of the Sphinx.
What a big mouth you have I said to the fox’,
‘the better to eat you with said the fox’
‘the better to eat you with said the fox’
Junior is nearly as big as dad
Always on the alert
This is an appeal from the UK Bonsai Association for Bonsai Enthusiasts to Enter
the Virtual Bonsai Show 2020.
The following is from the UK Bonsai Association Website.
Virtual UK Bonsai Association Show 2020
Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic we are immediately launching this Virtual Bonsai Show. Please send us your entries, pictures can be taken in your back garden or at a show anytime between 1Jan19 and 20Sep20., as we receive the entries they will be posted on the monthly bulletin and added to the website immediately. All UKBA members can vote for their favourite trees from 1st Oct till 11th Oct 20.
Guidelines for the Virtual UK Bonsai Association Show
Entries anytime between 1Jan19 and 20Sep20.
Be a UK resident and a UKBA member.
Three entries per member per year only.
Have owned the tree for at least 2 years.
Colour photo with neutral uncluttered background with jpg format.
Please email your photo with the details below to markmoreland@live.co.uk
Details to accompany photo:
Species: common name and (Latin name).
Owner: name (your name won’t be mentioned, we will replace your name with a reference number)
Origin: Country
Style:
Height: of tree (Top of the pot to apex): cm / inches. both please!
Pot: Name of pot maker
Stand: Name of stand maker
History: In no more than 100 words explain journey and history of tree.
Date of picture taken:
More information can be found on www.ukbonsaiassoc.org/uk-virtual-bonsai-show
the Virtual Bonsai Show 2020.
The following is from the UK Bonsai Association Website.
Virtual UK Bonsai Association Show 2020
Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic we are immediately launching this Virtual Bonsai Show. Please send us your entries, pictures can be taken in your back garden or at a show anytime between 1Jan19 and 20Sep20., as we receive the entries they will be posted on the monthly bulletin and added to the website immediately. All UKBA members can vote for their favourite trees from 1st Oct till 11th Oct 20.
Guidelines for the Virtual UK Bonsai Association Show
Entries anytime between 1Jan19 and 20Sep20.
Be a UK resident and a UKBA member.
Three entries per member per year only.
Have owned the tree for at least 2 years.
Colour photo with neutral uncluttered background with jpg format.
Please email your photo with the details below to markmoreland@live.co.uk
Details to accompany photo:
Species: common name and (Latin name).
Owner: name (your name won’t be mentioned, we will replace your name with a reference number)
Origin: Country
Style:
Height: of tree (Top of the pot to apex): cm / inches. both please!
Pot: Name of pot maker
Stand: Name of stand maker
History: In no more than 100 words explain journey and history of tree.
Date of picture taken:
More information can be found on www.ukbonsaiassoc.org/uk-virtual-bonsai-show
Other Local Club Meetings in our area
.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm;
the next meeting is on 13th July 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm;
the next meeting is on 9th July 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
This year, with the pandemic, it is virtually a right off for bonsai clubs meetings and shows so I hope the newsletters are a reminder about bonsai and that there will be life after coronavirus
and as Captain Tom would say ‘Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day’ and the late great Vera Lynn song
‘We’ll meet again, but We know Where, but don’t know when’, hopefully soon.
Stay Strong, Stay Alert, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm;
the next meeting is on 13th July 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm;
the next meeting is on 9th July 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
This year, with the pandemic, it is virtually a right off for bonsai clubs meetings and shows so I hope the newsletters are a reminder about bonsai and that there will be life after coronavirus
and as Captain Tom would say ‘Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day’ and the late great Vera Lynn song
‘We’ll meet again, but We know Where, but don’t know when’, hopefully soon.
Stay Strong, Stay Alert, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
MAY 2020
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.3
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, as we are now in our tenth week of lockdown, although
some of the guidelines are slowly being eased; we are still unable to hold our
meetings for the foreseeable future. I hope you are all well and managing to
cope in these strange and difficult times.
Tonight’s meeting, 29th May, is Cancelled
Solent Bonsai Society Summer Show Friday 31st July 2020, The show is cancelled
(if there are any changes to the lockdown guidelines it will be a casual meeting only).
Important Note.
The committee would like to let all Solent Bonsai members know that renewal of
subscription, for 2020 paid up members, will next be in January 2022.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government instructions we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until further
notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with anyone you
know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will try to
give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for this
year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the program
throughout the year.
Keith
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.3
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, as we are now in our tenth week of lockdown, although
some of the guidelines are slowly being eased; we are still unable to hold our
meetings for the foreseeable future. I hope you are all well and managing to
cope in these strange and difficult times.
Tonight’s meeting, 29th May, is Cancelled
Solent Bonsai Society Summer Show Friday 31st July 2020, The show is cancelled
(if there are any changes to the lockdown guidelines it will be a casual meeting only).
Important Note.
The committee would like to let all Solent Bonsai members know that renewal of
subscription, for 2020 paid up members, will next be in January 2022.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government instructions we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until further
notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with anyone you
know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will try to
give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for this
year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the program
throughout the year.
Keith
Secretary’s Report
Tasks for June
1. Selectively pinch out pine candles.
2. Feed trees with balanced fertiliser (see Chairman’s chat).
3. Trim long growth on deciduous trees.
4. Pinch out extending shoots on evergreens.
5. Defoliate or carry out leaf removal on appropriate deciduous trees, (I usually remove over large leafs).
6. Check for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
7. Protect delicate trees from hot sun.
8. Remove any old azalea flowers along with all seed pods that were at the base of the flowers.
9. Prune trees which flowered earlier.
10. Water all trees thoroughly each day, don’t allow trees to dry out completely.
Tasks for June
1. Selectively pinch out pine candles.
2. Feed trees with balanced fertiliser (see Chairman’s chat).
3. Trim long growth on deciduous trees.
4. Pinch out extending shoots on evergreens.
5. Defoliate or carry out leaf removal on appropriate deciduous trees, (I usually remove over large leafs).
6. Check for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
7. Protect delicate trees from hot sun.
8. Remove any old azalea flowers along with all seed pods that were at the base of the flowers.
9. Prune trees which flowered earlier.
10. Water all trees thoroughly each day, don’t allow trees to dry out completely.
Steve Gainey, His Journey in the Art of Bonsai
BONSAI JOURNEY
Hi everyone, hope you are staying safe and well and coping in these challenging times. I thought I would share some of my idle musings on my state of mind as a Bonsai enthusiast (its surprising how lock- down affects the mind).
Being in the Merchant Navy I have been an off/on member of the club for about 25 years. During this time I have accumulated 40 trees (and lost a fair few along the way!) and read numerous books, listened to countless lectures and tried to follow the wise words from other collectors. But as you know in the end it’s the “doing” that counts.
And this is where I have to own up and say as far as Bonsai is concerned, I’ve been a wimp!
That doesn’t mean I’ve not split trunks, produced jins, bleached, defoliated, experimented with soil types, fertilisers, air layering, moss seeding, and various other techniques.
When I say wimp, its all about properly pruning and shaping and wiring a tree. I bought my first Bonsai from Chelsea Flower show some 35 years ago (little acer) and that got me hooked. But as with most beginners I was really worried about doing the right thing and above all, not to kill the expensive little thing.
I purchased a few more trees and had a small collection but I still had that mind set to do as little damage as possible. I’ve now realised that this is a dangerous and limiting way to be a Bonsai devotee.
Over the last few years I’ve decided this approach has been handicap and the enjoyment of Bonsai comes with experimentation and taking bold decisions. So, I’ve pruned harder and instead of mulling over if that branch needs to be wired, chopped, removed, I’ve taken the decision (sometimes taking a deep breath). And on the whole my trees have definitely benefited from this less cowardly approach. As long as the tree is healthy it can survive almost anything you throw at it (don’t throw things at your bonsai, that’s silly).
Anyway you get my point, I know bonsai can be expensive to source and I’m not advocating a
gung-ho approach but instead just enjoy the decisions you make, whatever they are. Things can grow back (sort of).
I’ve include a few pictures of my trees. The Hawthorn has been an informal upright, a windswept, a semi cascade and now a cascade!
Stay Safe, regards
Steve
BONSAI JOURNEY
Hi everyone, hope you are staying safe and well and coping in these challenging times. I thought I would share some of my idle musings on my state of mind as a Bonsai enthusiast (its surprising how lock- down affects the mind).
Being in the Merchant Navy I have been an off/on member of the club for about 25 years. During this time I have accumulated 40 trees (and lost a fair few along the way!) and read numerous books, listened to countless lectures and tried to follow the wise words from other collectors. But as you know in the end it’s the “doing” that counts.
And this is where I have to own up and say as far as Bonsai is concerned, I’ve been a wimp!
That doesn’t mean I’ve not split trunks, produced jins, bleached, defoliated, experimented with soil types, fertilisers, air layering, moss seeding, and various other techniques.
When I say wimp, its all about properly pruning and shaping and wiring a tree. I bought my first Bonsai from Chelsea Flower show some 35 years ago (little acer) and that got me hooked. But as with most beginners I was really worried about doing the right thing and above all, not to kill the expensive little thing.
I purchased a few more trees and had a small collection but I still had that mind set to do as little damage as possible. I’ve now realised that this is a dangerous and limiting way to be a Bonsai devotee.
Over the last few years I’ve decided this approach has been handicap and the enjoyment of Bonsai comes with experimentation and taking bold decisions. So, I’ve pruned harder and instead of mulling over if that branch needs to be wired, chopped, removed, I’ve taken the decision (sometimes taking a deep breath). And on the whole my trees have definitely benefited from this less cowardly approach. As long as the tree is healthy it can survive almost anything you throw at it (don’t throw things at your bonsai, that’s silly).
Anyway you get my point, I know bonsai can be expensive to source and I’m not advocating a
gung-ho approach but instead just enjoy the decisions you make, whatever they are. Things can grow back (sort of).
I’ve include a few pictures of my trees. The Hawthorn has been an informal upright, a windswept, a semi cascade and now a cascade!
Stay Safe, regards
Steve
Many Thanks Steve, trees look great, it is always interesting to hear other members Bonsai journey.
With these difficult time if any member would like to send me a photo or photos of their trees, even with a write up on the photo and possibly your journey in bonsai or if there is a topic that you would like some information on, I will try and put them into future newsletters.
Don’t forget Bonsai is not just a plant in a pot, it’s a living art and unlike paintings and sculpture it’s a forever changing canvas.
Keith
With these difficult time if any member would like to send me a photo or photos of their trees, even with a write up on the photo and possibly your journey in bonsai or if there is a topic that you would like some information on, I will try and put them into future newsletters.
Don’t forget Bonsai is not just a plant in a pot, it’s a living art and unlike paintings and sculpture it’s a forever changing canvas.
Keith
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 8th June 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 11th June 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
So from one isolationist to all our other isolationist members and once again in these strange and difficult times, hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Look forward to seeing you all sometime.
Stay Strong, Stay Alert, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 8th June 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm; the next meeting is on 11th June 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
So from one isolationist to all our other isolationist members and once again in these strange and difficult times, hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Look forward to seeing you all sometime.
Stay Strong, Stay Alert, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
My lockdown companion family has grown; there are now nine cubs + mum and dad.
APRIL 2020
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.2
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, as we are now in our fifth week of lockdown I hope
you are all well and managing to cope in these strange and difficult times.
This month’s meeting on the 24th April, should have been a Talk on Acers
by Malcolm Driffield. But as we all know is Cancelled
Cancelled The next Meeting, on 29th May, is a Talk by Paul Eslinger.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government instructions we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until
further notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with
anyone you know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are
suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will
try to give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for
this year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the
program throughout the year.
Keith
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends.
Coronavirus Newsletter No.2
Hi fellow Bonsai lovers, as we are now in our fifth week of lockdown I hope
you are all well and managing to cope in these strange and difficult times.
This month’s meeting on the 24th April, should have been a Talk on Acers
by Malcolm Driffield. But as we all know is Cancelled
Cancelled The next Meeting, on 29th May, is a Talk by Paul Eslinger.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government instructions we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until
further notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with
anyone you know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are
suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will
try to give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for
this year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the
program throughout the year.
Keith
Secretary’s Report
Tasks for May
1. Late frost can still be a problem during May, protect delicate trees if frost is forecast.
2. With the prolonged period of full sun and windy days that we have experienced, this can be a
problematical to our bonsai, particularly for maples, scorched leaves look unsightly.
3. Water regularly, they need water most days with the sun and wind we have experienced.
Pines may need regulating to avoid long needles.
4. Feed trees regularly, at least twice a month for trees not repotted or root pruned.
5. Keep an eye on trees that are wired, the wire may be cutting in due to rapid spring growth, carefully
remove wire if necessary.
6. Remove dead flowers from flowering Bonsai.
7. Once the flowers have died the flowering bonsai may be repotted.
8. Trim or pinch Long shoots on deciduous Bonsai, see Chairman’s chat.
9. Finger pinch or cut soft growth on larches, if you pinch out the rosette from the new growth early
this prevents brown tips which you get when cutting longer extensions.
10. Finger pinch Vigorous junipers to keep new growth compact.
11. Clean bonsai trunks carefully.
12. Check for pests and diseases and treat accordingly, aphids are already a problem on my maples.
May is Always a busy month looking after your Bonsai.
Tasks for May
1. Late frost can still be a problem during May, protect delicate trees if frost is forecast.
2. With the prolonged period of full sun and windy days that we have experienced, this can be a
problematical to our bonsai, particularly for maples, scorched leaves look unsightly.
3. Water regularly, they need water most days with the sun and wind we have experienced.
Pines may need regulating to avoid long needles.
4. Feed trees regularly, at least twice a month for trees not repotted or root pruned.
5. Keep an eye on trees that are wired, the wire may be cutting in due to rapid spring growth, carefully
remove wire if necessary.
6. Remove dead flowers from flowering Bonsai.
7. Once the flowers have died the flowering bonsai may be repotted.
8. Trim or pinch Long shoots on deciduous Bonsai, see Chairman’s chat.
9. Finger pinch or cut soft growth on larches, if you pinch out the rosette from the new growth early
this prevents brown tips which you get when cutting longer extensions.
10. Finger pinch Vigorous junipers to keep new growth compact.
11. Clean bonsai trunks carefully.
12. Check for pests and diseases and treat accordingly, aphids are already a problem on my maples.
May is Always a busy month looking after your Bonsai.
With these difficult times if any member would like to send me a photo or photos of their trees, even with a write up on the photo or if there is a topic that you would like some information on, I will try and put them into future newsletters.
To start the ball rolling Clive has sent me some photos of some of his trees.
To start the ball rolling Clive has sent me some photos of some of his trees.
Crabapple
Elm
Silver Birch Raft
Japanese Hazel
My Experience repotting a White Pine
This year due to the lockdown and the good weather, over the last few weeks, I have repotted many of my trees, some of which should have been repotted some years ago. One in particular took my attention and started me thinking. It was this Japanese Cascade White Pine.
It took me over an hour to get the pine out of the pot (good example of repotting more frequently)
Photo1. When I finally got the pine out, it amazed me how much Mycelium there was and in the roots
Photo2, you may also note that the top 3 inches of akadama was very compacted so water was not getting much below the first 3 inches, although the root structure looked fine. The dry roots were packed with Mycelium.
Mycelium is what I have always called the white fungi that you see but in fact Mycelium is the fungus filaments of Mycorrhiza. Please note, this is only a brief look at what is a very complex subject, I hope it will give a small insight into the relationship between bonsai trees and Mycorrhizas and why it is so important to all bonsai trees
This year due to the lockdown and the good weather, over the last few weeks, I have repotted many of my trees, some of which should have been repotted some years ago. One in particular took my attention and started me thinking. It was this Japanese Cascade White Pine.
It took me over an hour to get the pine out of the pot (good example of repotting more frequently)
Photo1. When I finally got the pine out, it amazed me how much Mycelium there was and in the roots
Photo2, you may also note that the top 3 inches of akadama was very compacted so water was not getting much below the first 3 inches, although the root structure looked fine. The dry roots were packed with Mycelium.
Mycelium is what I have always called the white fungi that you see but in fact Mycelium is the fungus filaments of Mycorrhiza. Please note, this is only a brief look at what is a very complex subject, I hope it will give a small insight into the relationship between bonsai trees and Mycorrhizas and why it is so important to all bonsai trees
Why are Mycorrhiza so important to bonsai?
Mycorrhiza (mykes = fungus, rhiza = root) is a partnership (symbiosis) between fungi and the roots of plants. Most bonsai live in symbiosis with several mycorrhizal fungi (ectomycorrhiza, endomycorrhiza, VAM mycorrhiza). Such a symbiosis is vital for most bonsai tree species. The mycorrhizal fungus provides the bonsai tree with nutrients and water better and strengthens its resistance against wood-destroying fungi. In return, the tree provides the fungi with sugar. Mycorrhiza develops automatically after repotting a bonsai into a mineral bonsai soil such as Akadama, Kanuma or Kiryu.
Mycorrhiza Basics
Most people don't know about Mycorrhiza and the important role they play in a tree's ability to feed itself. Here's a quick introduction.
Some 70-90% of plants on earth will form a symbiotic relationship with Mycorrhiza fungi. The fungi colonize plant roots and act as an extension to the roots to search out and absorb water and nutrients from the soil - especially nitrogen and phosphorus. In exchange the tree provides sugars to the fungus that it uses to grow. The area covered by the fungus filaments (Mycelium) is much larger than the tree's roots -which may be 3-4 times as large. This means a much larger area of soil can be searched for nutrients than if only the tree's roots were involved.
The fungus filaments (Mycelium) first penetrate the roots as shown in Fig1. Or they may grow sheaths that wrap around the outside of the tree's roots Fig2.
Mycorrhiza (mykes = fungus, rhiza = root) is a partnership (symbiosis) between fungi and the roots of plants. Most bonsai live in symbiosis with several mycorrhizal fungi (ectomycorrhiza, endomycorrhiza, VAM mycorrhiza). Such a symbiosis is vital for most bonsai tree species. The mycorrhizal fungus provides the bonsai tree with nutrients and water better and strengthens its resistance against wood-destroying fungi. In return, the tree provides the fungi with sugar. Mycorrhiza develops automatically after repotting a bonsai into a mineral bonsai soil such as Akadama, Kanuma or Kiryu.
Mycorrhiza Basics
Most people don't know about Mycorrhiza and the important role they play in a tree's ability to feed itself. Here's a quick introduction.
Some 70-90% of plants on earth will form a symbiotic relationship with Mycorrhiza fungi. The fungi colonize plant roots and act as an extension to the roots to search out and absorb water and nutrients from the soil - especially nitrogen and phosphorus. In exchange the tree provides sugars to the fungus that it uses to grow. The area covered by the fungus filaments (Mycelium) is much larger than the tree's roots -which may be 3-4 times as large. This means a much larger area of soil can be searched for nutrients than if only the tree's roots were involved.
The fungus filaments (Mycelium) first penetrate the roots as shown in Fig1. Or they may grow sheaths that wrap around the outside of the tree's roots Fig2.
Fig.1 – How the Mycelium attach to roots.
Fig.2 Example of fungal sheath around roots
The other end of the Mycelium filaments absorb water directly. When it encounters mineral salts, or rocks it can produce enzymes and even acids to turn those minerals into water soluble versions that can be transported back to the tree roots. Some mycorrhizal fungi attack dead plant material, such as leaf litter in a forest - or the fir bark sometime use in our bonsai soil mix, the fungi are directly causing decay in this case.
The green parts of the tree use the water and minerals plus photosynthesis to produce sugar and more growth in the tree.
As much as 30% of the sugars produced by the green leaves, needles etc. are delivered to the mycorrhiza for its growth.
Fig. 3 Flow of sugars (small dashes) from root to fungus and water and nutrient (larger dashes) from fungus to the root.
Fig.4 is what roots and mycorrhiza actually look like. You can see the roots as the tan lines. The much finer, while lines are the mycorrhiza filaments (Mycelium).
The green parts of the tree use the water and minerals plus photosynthesis to produce sugar and more growth in the tree.
As much as 30% of the sugars produced by the green leaves, needles etc. are delivered to the mycorrhiza for its growth.
Fig. 3 Flow of sugars (small dashes) from root to fungus and water and nutrient (larger dashes) from fungus to the root.
Fig.4 is what roots and mycorrhiza actually look like. You can see the roots as the tan lines. The much finer, while lines are the mycorrhiza filaments (Mycelium).
Figure 3 Flow of sugars
Figure 4 – Roots and mycorrhiza filaments.
Figure 5 – Mycelium filaments, magnified 500X.
Fig.5 is a magnified view of the Mycelium tips, which search for and break down the nutrients. The very fine filaments connect to larger ones, which are often cross-connected to other filaments so that if one breaks the nutrients will continue to flow.
How This Works in Bonsai Soil
When we apply organic granular fertilizers to the top of our bonsai soil small amounts are dissolved every time we water. When we use a liquid fertilizer we are applying mineral salts that are dissolved in the water that we water with. Much of these salts will be lost as the water drains out the bottom, but some will be retained by the Bonsai soil used such as akadama, Kanuma, fir bark, even within the space between the soil particles the Mycelium can collect these nutrients.
Because our bonsai soil often contains fir bark, nutrients within the bark can be accessed via decay and, as in the soil of your garden, the soil and rocks can be broken down, although that will be slower than grabbing nutrients from the fertilizer salts. That's why it's important to fertilizer constantly, so that minerals are available for the Mycelium to collect and exchange with the roots and so the tree can grow.
Things to Watch For
Mycorrhiza can grow very rapidly. Over time there can be so many filaments that the flow of water through the soil is impeded. This seems to happen a lot with pine trees. Sometimes the soil has broken down into fine particles, but other times it's simply that there's too much mycorrhiza. In either case the tree will need to be repotted. Reuse some of the old soil when repotting. Also, collect some of the mycorrhiza filaments from the old soil and add it to the new pot.
If you have a tree that isn't growing as well as you think it should, maybe it needs more mycorrhiza. Transfer some soil from a healthy tree of the same species, e.g. pine to pine, juniper to juniper.
Adding Mycorrhiza to Your Soil
Some mycorrhiza spores will simply find your tree as they drift thru the air. You may also "seed" your soil by transplanting some mycorrhiza from another tree of the same species. This is especially easy to do with pines because the mycorrhiza is very visible.
I think with my pine, the Mycorrhizas in Photo 2 and 3 must still provide the roots with food, even though the roots did not seem to be getting much water. Photo 4 after repotting.
This is only a brief look at what is a very complex subject, I hope, as it did for me, gives a small insight into the relationship between the bonsai tree and Mycorrhizas and why it is so important to trees root systems, and why it also so important to wire in all repotted bonsai, to stop any movement of the tree, when you realize how dependant on and how fragile the Mycelium that are attached to the root structure of all bonsai is whether it is a pine, maple, oak, beach etc. in fact all bonsai rely on Mycorrhizas with very few exceptions.
Much More information on this complex subject can be found on the internet such as https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycorrhiza and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycelium
Figures 1, 3 and 4 - The Magic of Mushrooms, first shown on BBC TV Four, can be found on YouTube, in which Professor Richard Fortey delves into the fascinating and normally hidden kingdom of fungi, it reveals a remarkable world that few understand or even realise exists - yet all life on Earth depends on it. Figure 2 - Fungal Biology, 4th Edition (textbook) by J.W. Deacon, University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences. See chapter MYCORRHIZAS
Keith
How This Works in Bonsai Soil
When we apply organic granular fertilizers to the top of our bonsai soil small amounts are dissolved every time we water. When we use a liquid fertilizer we are applying mineral salts that are dissolved in the water that we water with. Much of these salts will be lost as the water drains out the bottom, but some will be retained by the Bonsai soil used such as akadama, Kanuma, fir bark, even within the space between the soil particles the Mycelium can collect these nutrients.
Because our bonsai soil often contains fir bark, nutrients within the bark can be accessed via decay and, as in the soil of your garden, the soil and rocks can be broken down, although that will be slower than grabbing nutrients from the fertilizer salts. That's why it's important to fertilizer constantly, so that minerals are available for the Mycelium to collect and exchange with the roots and so the tree can grow.
Things to Watch For
Mycorrhiza can grow very rapidly. Over time there can be so many filaments that the flow of water through the soil is impeded. This seems to happen a lot with pine trees. Sometimes the soil has broken down into fine particles, but other times it's simply that there's too much mycorrhiza. In either case the tree will need to be repotted. Reuse some of the old soil when repotting. Also, collect some of the mycorrhiza filaments from the old soil and add it to the new pot.
If you have a tree that isn't growing as well as you think it should, maybe it needs more mycorrhiza. Transfer some soil from a healthy tree of the same species, e.g. pine to pine, juniper to juniper.
Adding Mycorrhiza to Your Soil
Some mycorrhiza spores will simply find your tree as they drift thru the air. You may also "seed" your soil by transplanting some mycorrhiza from another tree of the same species. This is especially easy to do with pines because the mycorrhiza is very visible.
I think with my pine, the Mycorrhizas in Photo 2 and 3 must still provide the roots with food, even though the roots did not seem to be getting much water. Photo 4 after repotting.
This is only a brief look at what is a very complex subject, I hope, as it did for me, gives a small insight into the relationship between the bonsai tree and Mycorrhizas and why it is so important to trees root systems, and why it also so important to wire in all repotted bonsai, to stop any movement of the tree, when you realize how dependant on and how fragile the Mycelium that are attached to the root structure of all bonsai is whether it is a pine, maple, oak, beach etc. in fact all bonsai rely on Mycorrhizas with very few exceptions.
Much More information on this complex subject can be found on the internet such as https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycorrhiza and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycelium
Figures 1, 3 and 4 - The Magic of Mushrooms, first shown on BBC TV Four, can be found on YouTube, in which Professor Richard Fortey delves into the fascinating and normally hidden kingdom of fungi, it reveals a remarkable world that few understand or even realise exists - yet all life on Earth depends on it. Figure 2 - Fungal Biology, 4th Edition (textbook) by J.W. Deacon, University of Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences. See chapter MYCORRHIZAS
Keith
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 11th May 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 14th May 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
So from one isolationist to all our other isolationist members and once again in these strange and difficult times, hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Look forward to seeing you all sometime.
Stay Strong, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 11th May 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 14th May 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
So from one isolationist to all our other isolationist members and once again in these strange and difficult times, hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Look forward to seeing you all sometime.
Stay Strong, Stay Safe.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
My lockdown companion
MARCH 2020
CORONAVIRUS
Hi all members and friends of Solent Bonsai Society.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government advice, from this month, including the 27th March meeting, we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until further notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with anyone you know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will try to give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for this year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the program throughout the year.
The Expo Bonsai Show scheduled for 5th April is cancelled. It is possible, if not probable, that other bonsai shows that have been promoted for this year may be cancelled, so if you were planning to attend a show then it would be worth checking it is taking place, a good source of information is the UK Bonsai Association website ukbonsaiassoc.org .
I hope at the present moment that you are all well and if you are self isolating yourself then it is an ideal time to get out into the garden, weather permitting, and look after your Bonsai, repotting, weeding the pots, don’t forget watering if the sun actually shines (they soon dry out even with all the rain we’re having), so plenty to do and next year our trees should show the benefit of our self isolation.
So in these strange and difficult times expect change and hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile:- 07847487435
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
CORONAVIRUS
Hi all members and friends of Solent Bonsai Society.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its effect it has on Solent Bonsai Society.
As per the government advice, from this month, including the 27th March meeting, we have suspended meetings of the Solent Bonsai Society until further notice and hopefully more settled times. Just in case I miss someone if you are in touch with anyone you know is not on the internet can you please let them know that SBS meetings are suspended.
I am still hoping to send out our monthly newsletter to keep you updated on our situation, and we will try to give some advice on what you should be doing with your bonsais each month.
The knock on affect, even if we manage to have our meetings later in the year is that the program for this year will inevitably be changed i.e. speakers will not be able to come so expect changes to the program throughout the year.
The Expo Bonsai Show scheduled for 5th April is cancelled. It is possible, if not probable, that other bonsai shows that have been promoted for this year may be cancelled, so if you were planning to attend a show then it would be worth checking it is taking place, a good source of information is the UK Bonsai Association website ukbonsaiassoc.org .
I hope at the present moment that you are all well and if you are self isolating yourself then it is an ideal time to get out into the garden, weather permitting, and look after your Bonsai, repotting, weeding the pots, don’t forget watering if the sun actually shines (they soon dry out even with all the rain we’re having), so plenty to do and next year our trees should show the benefit of our self isolation.
So in these strange and difficult times expect change and hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile:- 07847487435
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Secretary's Report
April Tasks
1. It is too late to repot most deciduous trees in April except for some beech, hornbeam and oak trees.
2. It is now time to start repotting pine trees.
3. Shelter newly potted trees and protect from frost if possible.
4. Feeding schedules may commence it’s a good time to add a sprinkling of bone meal to your pots but do not feed newly potted or flowering trees. Leave newly potted trees for about three weeks then add a sprinkling of bone meal.
5. Try to avoid rain or water contact on flowers.
6. Don’t forget to water, in the last few days it has been warm and windy I have had to water every day.
7. Rotate trees for even light
8.
April Tasks
1. It is too late to repot most deciduous trees in April except for some beech, hornbeam and oak trees.
2. It is now time to start repotting pine trees.
3. Shelter newly potted trees and protect from frost if possible.
4. Feeding schedules may commence it’s a good time to add a sprinkling of bone meal to your pots but do not feed newly potted or flowering trees. Leave newly potted trees for about three weeks then add a sprinkling of bone meal.
5. Try to avoid rain or water contact on flowers.
6. Don’t forget to water, in the last few days it has been warm and windy I have had to water every day.
7. Rotate trees for even light
8.
Solent Bonsai Society club show report
Despite the bad weather on the evening of our Winter Image Show, we had a good 25 members to display their trees. It was very nice that this year one of our oldest members, Jock, won the Chairman’s Cup and one of the newer, younger members, Kathryn, won the cup for the Best Group. The standard and presentation of the trees was good. Club shows are a good time for all standards to be shown and enjoyed. It is only by taking part that we really learn how to do things.
See results and pictures at 2020 Gallery Winter Show
Despite the bad weather on the evening of our Winter Image Show, we had a good 25 members to display their trees. It was very nice that this year one of our oldest members, Jock, won the Chairman’s Cup and one of the newer, younger members, Kathryn, won the cup for the Best Group. The standard and presentation of the trees was good. Club shows are a good time for all standards to be shown and enjoyed. It is only by taking part that we really learn how to do things.
See results and pictures at 2020 Gallery Winter Show
Swindon Show Report
As usual the Swindon Winter image show was a terrific show to attend, with many outstanding trees some of which are probably the best in the country and possibly the last show for the foreseeable future.
Some of the show winners
As usual the Swindon Winter image show was a terrific show to attend, with many outstanding trees some of which are probably the best in the country and possibly the last show for the foreseeable future.
Some of the show winners
Best Native Tree - Hawthorn
Best Mame Display
Best Evergreen Tree - White Pine
Best Deciduous - Chinese Elm
Best Tree/Pot Combination
Acer Palmatum 'Kiyohime'
Acer Palmatum 'Kiyohime'
Best Accent - Fungus
Best Shohin Display
Best Club Display - Bristol Bonsai Society
Best Shohin Tree - Silverberry
RHS Banksian Medal - Juniper
It was a very well attended show with at least a dozen traders selling pots, trees, etc., by the end of the show most of the traders had very little left, especially the pot traders, it seemed that nearly every pot in the show had been sold. I think I only brought ten pots this year?
Although Solent were not showing this year we were well represented by our Chairman Robert who had been asked to put on an Shohin display
If you would like to see many more pictures of the fantastic trees on show at the Swindon 2020 Winter Image show go to www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk
Although Solent were not showing this year we were well represented by our Chairman Robert who had been asked to put on an Shohin display
If you would like to see many more pictures of the fantastic trees on show at the Swindon 2020 Winter Image show go to www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk
Robert's Individual Display
Eastleigh's Club Display
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 13th April 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 9th April 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
So from one isolationist to all our other isolationist members and once again in these strange and difficult times, hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Look forward to seeing you all sometime.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 13th April 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 9th April 2020. Cancelled
For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
So from one isolationist to all our other isolationist members and once again in these strange and difficult times, hopefully we can get back to normal in the near future.
Look forward to seeing you all sometime.
Keith
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
FEBRUARY 2020
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends .
February 28th, Meeting is the Solent Bonsai Winter Image Show , this gives
members a chance to show other members some of the trees that they have, discuss and get
advice on their trees, so please bring them along, it's always a great evening that everyone
enjoys. This is a free evening so don’t forget bring along family and friends,
all are welcome.
23rd February is the first show of the year , The Swindon Winter Image show, Solent are
not showing this year, but it is always a good show to start the Bonsai year with many
traders selling trees, pots, etc.
The meeting on the 27th March is a repotting evening , so bring those trees along that you
would like to repot at the club evening, or get some advice on.
Secretary's Report
January Meeting Auction Report
Once again the January auction was a great success, there were 69 lots. We all had some fun and plenty of laughs. Our thanks go to Clive our auctioneer who as usual gave us a master class in how to conduct an auction with the able assistance of Robert, also thanks to the hard-working Eddie and Arthur and thanks to Alison for listing all the sellers and Richard who once again kept an eagle eye on me, making sure there were no mistakes during the auction on the spreadsheet. I hope all who bought trees, tables, pots, books etc. were happy with their purchases. Thanks to all who contributed to club funds and all those selling items, there was over £1180 total sales and the club, with the 10% of sales and donations, added an amazing £120 to club funds.
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends .
February 28th, Meeting is the Solent Bonsai Winter Image Show , this gives
members a chance to show other members some of the trees that they have, discuss and get
advice on their trees, so please bring them along, it's always a great evening that everyone
enjoys. This is a free evening so don’t forget bring along family and friends,
all are welcome.
23rd February is the first show of the year , The Swindon Winter Image show, Solent are
not showing this year, but it is always a good show to start the Bonsai year with many
traders selling trees, pots, etc.
The meeting on the 27th March is a repotting evening , so bring those trees along that you
would like to repot at the club evening, or get some advice on.
Secretary's Report
January Meeting Auction Report
Once again the January auction was a great success, there were 69 lots. We all had some fun and plenty of laughs. Our thanks go to Clive our auctioneer who as usual gave us a master class in how to conduct an auction with the able assistance of Robert, also thanks to the hard-working Eddie and Arthur and thanks to Alison for listing all the sellers and Richard who once again kept an eagle eye on me, making sure there were no mistakes during the auction on the spreadsheet. I hope all who bought trees, tables, pots, books etc. were happy with their purchases. Thanks to all who contributed to club funds and all those selling items, there was over £1180 total sales and the club, with the 10% of sales and donations, added an amazing £120 to club funds.
UK Bonsai Association Auction Report
On Sunday 31st January 2020, at the Auction Run by the UK Bonsai Association. At the auction there was also a side show of Mame (very small bonsai), Suiseki (viewing stones) and Saikei (Japanese Tray Landscapes). Robert displayed Mame , Arthur and I Suiseki, Paul Saikei.
Robert's MAME display
Arthur's Suiseki
Keith's Suiseki
Along with Paul's Saikei was David Penny who will be speaking at our September meeting.
We look forward to David’s talk . Below two examples of his Saikei
The auction run by UK Bonsai Association was well attended with over 100 lots. There are many pictures from the auction on the UK Bonsai Association website (ukbonsaiassoc.org )
Keith
On Sunday 31st January 2020, at the Auction Run by the UK Bonsai Association. At the auction there was also a side show of Mame (very small bonsai), Suiseki (viewing stones) and Saikei (Japanese Tray Landscapes). Robert displayed Mame , Arthur and I Suiseki, Paul Saikei.
Robert's MAME display
Arthur's Suiseki
Keith's Suiseki
Along with Paul's Saikei was David Penny who will be speaking at our September meeting.
We look forward to David’s talk . Below two examples of his Saikei
The auction run by UK Bonsai Association was well attended with over 100 lots. There are many pictures from the auction on the UK Bonsai Association website (ukbonsaiassoc.org )
Keith
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 9th March 2020. Workshop. Eastleigh Bonsai Society meet at:-
United Reformed Church Hedge End, 14 St John's Rd, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4AB
If you need any more information about Eastleigh BS please talk to Robert or myself.
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society go to www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 12th March 2020. Re-potting- For all Experienced members to assist beginners. Bring your trees along for help and advice. For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
Look forward to seeing you all on Friday 28th February ,
At the Solent Bonsai Winter Image Show
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 9th March 2020. Workshop. Eastleigh Bonsai Society meet at:-
United Reformed Church Hedge End, 14 St John's Rd, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4AB
If you need any more information about Eastleigh BS please talk to Robert or myself.
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society go to www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on 12th March 2020. Re-potting- For all Experienced members to assist beginners. Bring your trees along for help and advice. For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
Look forward to seeing you all on Friday 28th February ,
At the Solent Bonsai Winter Image Show
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
JANUARY 2020
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends .
The 2020 Bonsai Year starts with our yearly auction on 31st January 2020, so any trees, pots, books etc. you wish to move on please bring them along. There should be a good selection of plants, pots, books, etc. to choose from, so don't forget to bring your money, 10% of the sales goes to club funds. Don’t forget there is a Tree of the Month competition for January.
Please Note, Sunday 26th January 2020 is the Auction Run by the UK Bonsai Association which is before our first meeting of 2020, and is in conjunction with a Suiseki / Saikei / Mame show. Robert will have a display of Mame and Arthur, Eddie and myself will be showing some of our Suiseki stones.
Next month’s meeting, on February 28th, Solent Bonsai Winter Image Show , this gives members a chance to show other members some of the trees that they have, discuss and get advice on their trees, so please bring them along, it's always a great evening that everyone enjoys. This is a free evening so don’t forget bring along family and friends, all are welcome.
Secretary's Report
Well here we are starting the 2020’s. We at the Solent Bonsai Society, look forward to an exciting year and it will not be long before spring, when we start to see the new buds springing into life again on our Bonsai's, which for me is the best time of the Bonsai year when you can start to plan the next stage for each of our bonsai trees.
This year's Committee >>go to Contacts>>
This year's Meetings >>go to Program>>
This year's Shows >>go to Shows>>
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on
Monday 10th February 202 0. Repotting Workshop.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meet at:-United Reformed Church Hedge End, 14 St John's Rd, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4AB
If you need any more information about Eastleigh BS please talk to Robert or myself.
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society go to www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on Thursday 13th February 2020 .
Enrolment & Re-potting workshop – tips for beginners from Senior Members. For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
Look forward to seeing you all on Friday 31st January, at the Auction.
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435
Hi all Solent Bonsai Society members and friends .
The 2020 Bonsai Year starts with our yearly auction on 31st January 2020, so any trees, pots, books etc. you wish to move on please bring them along. There should be a good selection of plants, pots, books, etc. to choose from, so don't forget to bring your money, 10% of the sales goes to club funds. Don’t forget there is a Tree of the Month competition for January.
Please Note, Sunday 26th January 2020 is the Auction Run by the UK Bonsai Association which is before our first meeting of 2020, and is in conjunction with a Suiseki / Saikei / Mame show. Robert will have a display of Mame and Arthur, Eddie and myself will be showing some of our Suiseki stones.
Next month’s meeting, on February 28th, Solent Bonsai Winter Image Show , this gives members a chance to show other members some of the trees that they have, discuss and get advice on their trees, so please bring them along, it's always a great evening that everyone enjoys. This is a free evening so don’t forget bring along family and friends, all are welcome.
Secretary's Report
Well here we are starting the 2020’s. We at the Solent Bonsai Society, look forward to an exciting year and it will not be long before spring, when we start to see the new buds springing into life again on our Bonsai's, which for me is the best time of the Bonsai year when you can start to plan the next stage for each of our bonsai trees.
This year's Committee >>go to Contacts>>
This year's Meetings >>go to Program>>
This year's Shows >>go to Shows>>
Other Local Club Meetings in our area.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meets on second Monday of the month start at 7:30pm, the next meeting is on
Monday 10th February 202 0. Repotting Workshop.
Eastleigh Bonsai Society meet at:-United Reformed Church Hedge End, 14 St John's Rd, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4AB
If you need any more information about Eastleigh BS please talk to Robert or myself.
For more information on Eastleigh Bonsai Society go to www.eastleighbonsai.co.uk
Chichester Bonsai Society meet on second Thursday of the month start 7:30pm, the next meeting is on Thursday 13th February 2020 .
Enrolment & Re-potting workshop – tips for beginners from Senior Members. For more information on Chichester Bonsai Club go to www.chichesterbonsai.co.uk
All the clubs in the area support each other. If anyone would like more information on other local clubs please let me know.
Look forward to seeing you all on Friday 31st January, at the Auction.
Keith Hartley
Secretary Solent Bonsai Society
www.solentbonsai.co.uk
Email kb.hartley@ntlworld.com
Mobile: - 07847487435