Marin Bonsai Club

Bob Shimon

Bob Shimon brought a few spectacular display trees in addition to the tree that was extensively trimmed and wired for the demo he did for us at October’s meeting. He also had time to discuss, and even lightly trim, trees brought in by Candace Key and Art Wasserman. Bob talked extensively about shaping Redwoods, their vigor, and collecting Redwoods and other trees. Apparently, Redwoods are so vigorous that when they are collected, all but a few feeder roots may be sacrificed, the foliage may be removed, and the trees survival chances will remain rather high. The best soil in which to place a newly collected Redwood is a sandy soil. Once the tree is ready to go into a regular bonsai pot, at least a year after collection, pure akadama soil works well. If you like using pumice and/or lava for increased drainage, one part of those elements may be added to two parts akadama.
Continue reading →

Peter Tea discusses a Trident Maple as TJ Williams and Adam Petras look on. Photo & caption courtesy Candace Key

 Attendees arriving to Peter Tea’s lecture in September were immediately greeted with Peter’s unique approach to the evening. He brought four trees and had them on four tables, which he moved among and incorporated into his discussion. His focus: what can be done now to junipers and deciduous trees, with two types of junipers, a Seiju Elm, and a Trident Maple as his subjects. He covered both the removal and cutting back of branches, and signs to look for to make sure a tree is ready for those procedures, like runners (or tip extensions on junipers) and the hardening off of the growth.
Continue reading →