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CBS Newsletter June 2008: Full Image Version

"A Pinch of this...."

Shows are busting out all over

Term of the month: LIGNIFICATION

If you ever wondered what makes bonsai woody on its branches and trunks, then lignification is the answer.
This factor allows the miniature trees to grow with a brown and rough surface; however this may vary according to the variety of tree.

Well here, we are in June and once again, it seems like everywhere you turn there is an ad for yet another bonsai show or conference. There is Dawes Arboretum, MABA in Indianapolis, ABS in San Antonio, Bonsai Societies of Florida’s Si-Diao, Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society in Colorado, Four Seasons Bonsai in Michigan; not to mention our own One-Day Bonsai Show on June 21. (See our ad on Page 7) This will be in place of our monthly meeting. Of course, this is just a bit of a shakedown cruise for our upcoming Ohio Bonsai Exhibition in October. We will set up at 8am, and the doors will open to the public at 10am. To help us all look to getting our trees ready we are including a few articles on getting your trees ready and accent plants. So, get out there and get those trees ready, then bring them out to the one-day show. Think of it as a pre-judging of what needs to happen before your tree is truly ready for the exhibition in the fall. Please also check out the “mascot” tree that is a donation of Keith Scott (page 5)

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CBS Newsletter May 2008: Full Image Version

"A Pinch of this..."

...bring May....

Term of the month: NEBARI

Commonly known in horticultural terms, as buttressing, Nebari is simply the
spreading of roots above the growing roots just beneath the bonsai base. It is this
characteristic actually, which makes bonsai well anchored and grounded. This is also,
what allows the trees to grow with a matured appearance.

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CBS Newsletter April 2008: Full Image Version

"A Pinch of this..."

Don't be foolish

Term of the month: GRAVITAS

Bonsai is generally known primarily for this property. Gravitas simply holds
everything about the physical weight, the maturity, sense of dignity and the illusion of
mass that are all unique to these miniature potted trees.

Well, as so many of us do at this time, I find myself with mentally crossed

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CBS Newsletter March 2008: Full Image Version

"A Pinch of this...."

In like a lamb...?

Term of the month: RAMIFICATION

This is simply the process of splitting the twigs and branches of bonsai to form smaller sizes and shapes. This is possible by pruning, but can also occur through leaf reduction.

This is one of the most interesting issues I have put together yet. Mostly due to the fact that we have so many contributors with valuable information to add to the "Let's Talk Dirty" section that begins on page 4. Last month we included a letter and information about the possible budget cuts and their effect on the National Arboretum and its Bonsai and Penjing collections. If you wish to see more about the possible ramifications of these cultural budget cuts please follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxMHF0jJ3i4

A PDF version of the newsletter complete with images is available for download at:

CBS Newsletter February 2008: Full Image Version

"A Pinch of this...."

New Features and Club Benefits

Term of the month: MINIATURIZATION

All bonsai conform to this characteristic. As a result, expect then to see a
bonsai in its smallest form, enough for it to grow in a pot or container. However, what
is truly interesting about the trees is that although they stay small, they feature an
appearance and look, that is mature.