| Bonsai Basics Class 2009 Unless stated otherwise, Class meets at 7 PM on the third Tuesday of each month at St. Christopher's Church in Roseville. No sessions in December or January. All MBS members are welcome at Class! FEBRUARY 17 – THE BASICS OF BONSAI We will review the monthly care schedule that identifies when specific tree activities are best done to guard the health of the tree and minimize tree limb loss. Watering (either over or under) is probably the single biggest cause of tree loss, we will go over tree watering. We will also go over the various potting mixes and fertilizing the various potting mixes. Sources of bonsai supplies will also be discussed. MARCH 17 – POTTING BONSAI Session is very hands on. Club members work with participants potting trees. Participants are welcome to bring their own trees needing potting, potting mix and pot they would like to use. APRIL 21 – WIRING AND SHAPING TECHNIQUES There are artistic and technical aspects of bonsai. Wiring is very technical and probably the most difficult thing for enthusiasts to master. Good wiring not only holds the branches in place but is attractive to look at. Participants will learn the basics of wiring and practice wiring – either on their own trees or on artificial practice material. Participants will use aluminum wire in this exercise. Copper wire is more difficult to use and better mastered after learning the basics of wiring. MAY 19 – DECIDUOUS TREES The May session will concentrate on deciduous trees as bonsai. Participants are encouraged to bring deciduous trees to this session for shaping, trimming, air layering, etc. JUNE 16 – SUMMER ACTIVITIES June is a busy month for bonsai. Pine decandling, azalea trimming, wiring, and other aspects of June care will be the focus of this session. More seasoned members are encouraged to attend this session to go over the difference in care for the various types of pines – ponderosa, five needle, black, red, mugo, shore, etc. JULY 21 – OPEN WORKSHOP This will be an open workshop where participants can bring in trees and we will critique design and provide styling and care assistance. AUGUST 18 – ACCENT PLANTS This is a fun session where we make accent plants that can be used for the state fair show. SEPTEMBER 15 – WINTERING Storing and care during the winter months is important in the Midwest where the temperatures fall below the acceptable range for a number of the bonsai species. This will be the topic for September with a visit to a winter care facility. OCTOBER 20 – FALL CARE/MORE WINTERING INFORMATION Removing leaves, needles, cleaning the soil surface and wiring certain species are all part of fall bonsai care. This session will be focused on fall care with participants encouraged to bring trees to get them ready for winter storage. NOVEMBER 17 – INDOOR BONSAI Trees are in winter storage at this time. The November session will discuss species that can be kept indoors during the winter. HOME PAGE |