Here we are approaching winter. Can’t believe it has come around so quickly. Beth has written some hints for the winter care of Bonsai, and this is very valuable advice.

Our Easter Exhibition was once again a great success, and I thank you all for your assistance. This is a time when we must all pull together, and I believe we did that. On the back page of this newsletter, are some photos taken of our Display, and I think you will all agree, that with 135 trees on show, from just under 50 members, it was a very worthy effort.

We are very fortunate to have obtained the services of John Rash for a demonstration in July. If you haven’t seen John before, do put this in your diary, as he is an excellent demonstrator.

In June, Jeff will be doing the demonstration, and August will be a potting night, with all our tutors available to give advice.

We were able to get a delivery of pots, and hopefully we are getting more tools, so there should be plenty available.

The Japanese Bonsai Master, Hirotoshi Saito, is visiting our Society on Thursday, June the 27^th. We have a full list of members doing a workshop with Hiro, 10 in the afternoon and 10 in the evening, but there is still room for more observers. Money should be in by the June meeting. These workshops are heavily subsidised, as they would normally cost hundreds of dollars, we only charge $20, and $10 to be an observer.

Watering: Despite the cool weather, trees can still dry out very quickly, especially during windy weather. Morning watering is preferable, and care should be taken not to over water. If, because of consistent and heavy rain our trees seem too wet, tilt to one side, so as to enable the excess water to drain out quicker.

Feeding: We usually don’t feed our trees after Autumn, but a light feeding in June and late August is a great way to start off new spring growth.

Pruning: Most of our trees, particularly deciduous trees, should be pruned over winter, and this is also a good time to wire them, as without their leaves, the branch structure can be more clearly seen. This is the best time for restyling and reshaping, and faults can be corrected.

Repotting: Winter is the perfect time to repot deciduous trees. New group plantings can be prepared. Do not feed newly potted trees, wait a few weeks until the roots have settled in, and take care to water, but not over water.

General Maintenance: Soil mixtures can be prepared, and shelves cleaned and re-arranged for display of trees. Make sure trees receive as much winter sun as possible. Trees can be mossed, and will benefit when the warm weather arrives. Very thick moss should be removed from trees to prevent rotting in very wet conditions. New plantings and delicate trees should be protected from strong winds during winter. If you live in an area which is subject to severe frosts, put small trees, and trees planted in ceramic pots, in a sheltered place, and if necessary, wrap pots in newspaper, in order to prevent the roots from freezing. Enjoy your Bonsais, and remember, like us, they thrive on attention.