AN ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION OF QUESTIONABLE LITERARY MERIT ~ SERVING THE BONSAI COMMUNITY SINCE 1999 ~
Edition V - September 3, 1999
ALWAYS FREE
SHOW PREPARATIONS
The September 1999 GENERAL MEETING featured presentations by three Midori
members on readying trees for display in preparation for the upcoming show Saturday, October 2, 1999. Judith Mathis
discussed accent plantings and display items; John Thompson discussed preparation of the pot, and Doug Philips provided
hands-on guidance in soil preparation and top dressing.
Judith Mathis discussed the potential of collected grasses and seasonal plants
as display accents at bonsai shows. One should be sure that the scale and quality of the material is appropriate to serve as an
accent to the bonsai display and not grab all the attention. "I've seen accent plantings that were simply stunning," Judith said,
"and while they were attractive in their own right, they drew attention from the trees."
Judith said she sometimes collects accent
materials from her own garden, depending on the season. "I've found weeds and grasses in my own backyard that make perfect accents."
She usually replaces her accent plants annually, but notes that some people maintain them year to year.
Doug Philips stressed the importance of top dressing in finishing a bonsai planting for
display. "We would like to see each tree displayed in the October show have top dressing." Doug brought a
variety of materials he collected from stream beds, desert and dig sites for members to use to prepare their trees. Doug said
"the general rule is to have the top dressing about 1/4 inch below the lip of the container at its edge, sloped up slightly to the root base, but
that rule is not hard and fast." He suggested that members oil their pots prior to applying the top dressing in
order to keep the dressing clean of oil.
See WHO'S WHO IN BONSAIat the LOST-OASIS
John Thompson discussed how the bonsai pot can be prepared for display.
"Start with a basic cleaning to remove the grime. You can use a rust eraser on some of the stubborn spots." The
idea is not to make the pot look new, but to make it look clean and presentable. John suggested a light layer of
mineral or vegetable be applied to the surface of the pot by first lightly soaking a rag, and then rubbing the pot with it. For best appearance he said,
"do it a couple of weeks before the show to give the oil some time to dissipate."
Roy Nagatoshi Workshop!
A record 23 Midori members attendedan all-day Master's Workshop with Roy Nagatoshi.
This event was funded by the Pat Gee Memorial fund as an educational event made available free-of-charge to all Midori Bonsai Club Members.
Your generous donations to the Pat Gee Fund make events like this one possible.
