January 2021 Meeting this Sunday 17th at West End Hall, View St Castlemaine from 11am
Founded 2001 Incorporated 2002
Presidents Notes
Paul Showell President. 0429 016 729 Helen Wheeler Secretary 54 762286 David Rojo Treasurer 0458 811 205 Newsletter– GoldfieldsBonsaiSociety GBS Facebook page
Hello Members, Thank goodness 2020 is now behind us. Let us all hope 2021 is a new beginning and the world can get back to some form of normal. It was great to catch up with most of you at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens in December. A little water gun action and a bicycle mishap didn’t spoil a great day out. Thanks for everyone who came along and it was good to see you all after so long apart. I hope you and your trees are coping in this our first hot weather of the season. I know my trident maples are sulking and dropping some leaves. I am hoping this is only a temporary thing? Yvonne has her care notes on page 3 to remind us of what we should be doing to care for our trees at this hottest time of year. Yvonne would also like some suggestions for her piece given seasonal notes last for three months. We can finally get back to having our regular meetings. I see a few clubs managed to get one in before the end of the year and have kicked off 2021 as we will on Sunday. For our first meeting it will be just an informal get together to catch up and get some ideas around a program for 2021. Helen has suggested we all bring along a tree for show and tell as well. Something you have been working on over the last year, that you want to show the progress or something you want some help with, either in future direction or health wise. Don’t forget the AGM is next month look forward to a new group of leaders for the club. That’s enough from me for this newsletter, see you all Sunday. Paul
It was great to see Barry looking well in November.
Shades of Gray sculpture interesting low maint tree
Follow-up on David’s thread graft demo 2018 G'day Paul. This is the article I said I would do for the Newsletter Re David's Graft Project. Unfortunately none were taken when drilling the holes. David recently sent the most recent images. Root and Branch Thread Graft Project. MAPLE May 2018 David Rojo In mid 2018 David presented at the GBS monthly meeting with a Maple that had a number of very long branches. David was keen to Graft branches to balance the tree. He came well prepared. Young Maple, Soil Mix, Pot, General Bonsai Tools/Wire, Trimming Knife, Power Drill/selection of drill bits, Tree Paste, Graft Tape, Marker Pen, Camera and a spare set of hands. 1.
The tree was taken out of the pot to ensure the root base was suitable for the stressful procedure. Very little was done to disturb the roots and soil to prevent additional stress.
2.
David then examined the trunk and the branch formation. Branches were wired into position. (Do not cut the branch or root graft from the tree) To attach the limbs to the tree trunk David Drilled Holes just large enough (using a drill bit the size of the branch) to allow the stripped (foliage removed) branch to slide through the hole. Score the Cambium of the branch where the Cambium will meet at the hole.
3.
You can see clearly that the branch is still connected to the trunk looped around placed through the hole. Tree paste was used to create a firm seal then Graft Tape to hold in place. Note- The overall procedure needs to be done as quickly/safely as possible to prevent the exposed cambium from drying out.
4.
The tree was replaced into the pot and left until the graft is now a new root or branch or both. This procedure is always a gamble and success is not guaranteed but a worthwhile project with ultimately good results. Thanks David. Regards Glenn..
I believe the thread graft on the branch failed but the root graft was successful.. Paul
Yvonne’s Bonsai care notes
Mid to late summer This is usually the hottest part of the year, so watering is very important. When the weather is hot and dry you may need to water more than once per day. Watering early on the morning and early evening will be best. Native bonsai can be placed in a saucer filled with water. For small bonsai fill a dish with scoria all the way to the top, add water and place your small bonsai on top. With bigger bonsai you can soak sphagnum moss and put on top of the soil. On very hot days move your soft leaf bonsai, such as maples, beeches, quinces etc into the shade. Their leaves easily burn, especially if there is wind as well. Another thing that can be done is reduce the canopy of trees before a hot spell. Cut off any long shoots not needed and remove all the large leaves. This will help the tree in hot weather as it will reduce the rate of water needing transporting to parts of the tree. Hot, humid and stormy conditions encourage the spread of pests and can give rise to some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Inspect your trees regularly for signs of pests and fungal disease and treat accordingly. Regular watering is essential. The use of fertiliser can be reduced. Seasol is not a fertiliser and most trees enjoy after a hot spell. Keep pinching back young growth. You can repot your natives and it’s time to defoliate your figs. (see example below) Summer flowering trees have to be tidied up and young shoots have to be pinched out. Call for topics Are there any topics that members would like to learn about? The calendar is seasonal and doesn’t cover each month separately. This allows for other topics of interest being included.
Cheers Yvonne
2017
2020
Perth World Bonsai Convention 2021 postponed. We continue to hope you, your family and your communities are managing to keep well in these difficult times. Unfortunately, due to the continuing health concerns from COVID-19, which has affected our global community, we wish to advise that the 9th World Bonsai Convention has been postponed to 13 - 16 October 2022.
As negotiations with the venue, and later with the international demonstrators are finalised, we will update our website and social media pages. Please keep an eye out for regular updates and features and we look forward to “Coming Together” with you in Perth in October 2022. Kind regards The Organising Committee
https://www.facebook.com/Moongate-bonsai-specialising-in-Yama-dori-992620610873220/
Goldfields Bonsai Society Program 2021 January 17th– First meeting of the year, bring a tree to discuss/work on February 21st– Annual General Meeting to be held at 1pm Rest to be discussed during our first two meetings.
Meeting this Sunday 17th from 11am BYO Lunch and a snack for afternoon tea
See you Sunday for our first meeting in nearly a year. Helen has suggested we all bring along a tree we have been working on to discus it’s progress over the last year.