CLUB MEETING JUN 9

The instructional topic for the June meeting was candle pruning. The young new growth of pines are called candles. Generally these candles can be pruned twice a year. Usually in the spring, and again in the fall. Cutting the candles at there base will force the tree to put out new candles which will sprout at the base of the previous years needles. This pruning will help to form smaller and more dense needles. The fall pruning candles are usually cut one third to half way down the candle. The pine trees below are all Japanese Black Pines.



This pine is in a large nursery container which helps it to matune faster. You can see some of the candles that have been removed.



Here in another nursery container pine. It has a fairly nice root structure already, and the pruning is almost complete.






This cascade style pine has a nice root structure with heavy radiating roots. The top half of the trunk has been stripped of all branches and is being formed as a JIN. The bark will be striped for this part of the treed and will be made to look as tough the tree had been struck by lighting or heavy winds. This makes the tree appear old and weathered.




Jeff brought in one of his Kingsford Boxwoods to work on. They have very small leaves and make terrific miniture bonsais. They are very slow growing, and not easy to find.

Here is a close up of the kingsford boxwood.

CLUB MEETING JAN 8

We had our traditional January grafting workshop. George did this one for me last year, and as usual the one I did died.

I tried doing one again this year and had George do one for me. I also picked up one Kanemi did (not pictured). My guess is I will have two survivals.

Kieth brought in two terrific Trident Maples which were given to him by a client. This one is planted over a petrified wood rock.

Kanemi restyled both trees.

This is the first tree completed.

The second tree before prunning.

Here is the final results.

CLUB MEETING DEC 11

Our Club always has a year end party on the second Sunday in December. We used to have a Santa Maria style Bar-B-Q, but we lost our BBQ organizer Henry last year. We all miss seeing him each month. We had our first pot-luck this year.

As you can see we had quite a selection of wonderful food. With another table filled with appetizers and desserts.

We had three tables of happy diners.

We had our customary gift/raffle after eating. Every one brings a gift. The Club and the Muranaka Nursery also provide some gifts. In the Japanese tradition gifts are not wrapped.

George conducting the raffle.

Since I am the Blog Master I get to feature my gift. Each year I create a 5x7 miniature oil painting. This year Kanemi won my painting. He was very pleased to receive it, but not any happier than I. He is a long time friend who has helped all of us with our trees, and continues to be an inspiration.