NEWSLETTER                                                                              February 2004

TIME:            Every third Wednesday of the month (except July, August and December)

PLACE:       Adult Recreation Centre - Corner of King and Allen Sts., Waterloo

SUBJECT:  Tropical Plant Workshop and Poinsettia Follow-up                 

President’s Message

We had quite a winter storm for the January meeting; I tried to make
it to the meeting, but the driving was just too bad. The brave souls who did
make it, trimmed up their Poinsettias into future bonsai. Thanks to all
who participated. I still have two Poinsettias that I will bring next week
for those who missed last month's meeting. Those people who missed the last
meeting are welcome to bring their Poinsettias this month to prune
them to shape, and those who did make the meeting can provide guidance and show their results from last month. I will bring the handouts on general maintenance and care of Poinsettias.

This month we will be doing our’ homework’; everyone is encouraged to
bring in some good books to pass around the table. These books can be photo
albums of trips, bonsai books, bonsai pot catalogs or general tree/
gardening books. Books and pictures will be a great way to inspire us
for the busy bonsai season ahead! As with all meetings try to bring in a
tree for advice or for just doing some general maintenance on, such as
weeding or pruning (and/or a tropical plant).

This is a good time of the year to buy all your supplies for spring,
such as pots and tools. If you have any bonsai related items for sale, put
them in the classified section of the newsletter. This is also a good time
to buy any tropical plants. The light is getting brighter every day and
they will have a good chance of survival until their first potting in spring-
which is not too far away!

The executive is busy putting together an interesting schedule of
events this year; we will keep you posted.

Nigel Saunders

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

We need a volunteer to organize a bus trip to somewhere nifty. Eldon would be willing to advise anyone who would like to take on this task. Please talk to Eldon for details of what is involved.

Monthly Meetings

We need some fresh ideas for workshops. Put on your thinking caps and think great thoughts! Also, consider taking on the responsibility of organizing one meeting. For instance, you could arrange for a guest speaker, or put together a hands-on workshop (e.g. making lazy susans for pruning).

Tips

Vintage bonsai – Marie Banderob suggests using a wine cork for gently spreading branches apart. No scarring will ensue. Don’t forget to take the wine bottle off the cork first.

Upcoming events

1. March Meeting -Grafting Workshop - Tony and Aida Costa from Sheffield Nursery who are professional grafters (50,000-60,000 trees a year!) will present a hands-on workshop. All the tree materials needed will be supplied by Sheffield Nursery –rootstock, flowering crabapples and possibly some Japanese maples. You need to purchase the materials to participate in the workshop (“not very expensive” assures Eldon). If you have a very sharp knife suitable for grafting please bring it. Tony will bring some knives as well. Jeannie has promised to bring the bandages. You can pump Eldon for details at the February meeting. More information will be posted in the next newsletter.

2. June 12-13 Toronto Bonsai Society’s Spring Show at the Civic Garden Centre in Toronto. Corner of Lawrence and Leslie Avenues. More details to come.

Reminders

*Return library materials.
*Society fees are due. - Doug Kuhn looks after the books for us. Give him a pat on the back.
*Bring poinsettias that you did not have a chance to work on or bring the pruned ones for bring and brag.
*Bring plastic to cover the table if you are going to be working on a plant.