Bonsai Review 30

For your delectation. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Dat’s it Folks ............. for 2009!!!

Last night saw our last Club of the year. This was a very well attended evening once again with everybody in high Festive spirits (although none were partaken on the night). Andy organised a fiendishly difficult quiz, on a broad spectrum of subjects not just bonsai, which got the old grey matter working overtime. Much fun was had by all although I think that some of the answers offered were better than the real ones!!! Marking took place over our now customary Fish'n'Chip supper and a winner prevailed and went home with a lovely set of 3 Stone Monkey Shohin pots kindly donated by Andy. And the winner was.… Me!!! Congratulations to everyone who took part and made the evening a nice way to end the year.

Although this was traditionaly a social event Chris F did manage to get some 1-2-1 tuition from Dean on his Japanese White Pine. I'm really looking forward to seeing the end results Chris!!

The Tree of the Month, Evergreens, was another highly contested event. Dean’s lovely Juniper narrowly taking top honours from Keith D's equally nice Juniper .

Unfortunately Dean saw his tree as the star of the show and hid behind it when the photos were being taken. Suffice to say his tree didn’t fall into the Shohin category!!!

On behalf of the Committee I would like to wish all our members a Happy & Joyful Christmas break and a Peaceful New Year. I look forward to seeing you all refreshed(?) for our January Workshop.

Website of the Month

This month's website of the month is from Kevin Bailey a good friend and the Cheif Moderator of the IBC. Check it out

http://www.acerbonsai.co.uk/

Is this Global Warming?

As we enter the grips of Winter it seems that I have a very confused tree lurking in my collection. Whilst organising some protection for my more delicate Shohin trees I noticed a very unusual sight for this time of year. My Chuhin Lonicera nitida, resting in my outhouse whilst the wood hardener I applied to the deadwood was drying, had decided to flower!!!
Strange and a little alarming but a cheerful sight at this time of year.

Demolishing Dean’s Donated Juniper

Early last year Dean M kindly gave me this Juniper. Although overgrown it was decided that this would make a nice Shohin tree. Here’s the tree as I received it in all its shaggy glory!

The tree lost its “tail” at the Bearsted show but no further work was done as I decided to take it to Burrs in November. After much ribbing about the Juniper being over potted in a Victorian umbrella stand the initial styling took place. Below is the tree now resting at home.

Once potted next year I think that I will look at putting some movement into the straight part of the trunk (thanks for the suggestion Dean) which will make the tree more compact and interesting!

Watch this space!!

Next Club Meeting Monday 7th December

Next Monday is the Annual Xmas bash with a hearty fish and chip supper and a quiz to test the grey matter. So get you thinking caps on and swot up as the person with the highest score will get 3 unglazed shohin pots as a prize.

See you all there

Noelanders Trophy XI 23rd to 24th Jan 2010

The annual Noelanders trophy is held every year in Heusden Zolder in Belgium. Definately worth a visit. Simon and I will be making the trip this year and I will be trading as usual

More info here http://www.bonsaiassociation.be/en/trophy.php