Editor’s Notes
In this month’s Editor’s Notes, I want to share a few guest articles and a small update from my life as a Newsletter Editor.
Since moving up to Marin, I’ve been attending the Marin Bonsai Club’s meetings. It’s quite nice to see how the two clubs do things, and especially nice because now I get twice the bonsai action.
The Marin club had an opening for Newsletter Editor, so I said, “Hey, right up my alley!” Next thing you know, I’m also the Newsletter Editor there as well.
Below is a link to the newsletter I prepared for them. I might be able to make a printable one like theirs if we desire! Would take a little extra time, so that’s why I have a call for an Assistant Editor below.
Otherwise, we have a short note from our very own Ray Stagner who will be leading the October First Thursday program, and a special Trees in the Wild feature from our president. 🌳
October First Thursday Program
By Ray Stagner
Hey Midori members, this is Ray Stagner and I'll be presenting the program for this evening.
We will be taking a relatively young stock of Shimpaku whips and start their transformation into becoming old collected Yamadori trees.
This presentation will be for our new members. There will be no charge to the participants.
Nine trees will be available first come first serve. Only one tree per couple.
If you have tools, please bring them. Basic supplies, trees, raffia and wire will be supplied by the club. Senior members will be present to help with the presentation.
Social distancing will be set up for participating members. So please join us for this evening of fun. See you all there. 🌳
Looking for a Newsletter Editor’s Assistant
By Tung X. Dao
Things are getting very busy on my end!
I am looking for an Assistant Newsletter Editor to assist in the preparation of the Newsletter. It should be a pretty simple monthly commitment involving some proofreading and maybe some Squarespace. Nothing too advanced.
If you know nothing about typography or typesetting, no worries. I’ll introduce you to the wonderful world of all that.
Please message me if you are interested. 🌳
Trees in the Wild
By Jack Christiansen
This past August 2020, Gerry Fields and myself traveled to an area just south of Lake Tahoe near Silver Lake and Kirkwood region of the Sierras. We were originally to meet up with Peter Tea who was planning a hiking trip to see many of the old Sierra juniper that reside and live in that high elevation.
However, because of the threat of fire in that area last year Peter Tea canceled the trip for himself. So Gerry and myself decided to go out into the area and see what we could find since we had stayed up in that area the night before.
The photo that is included with this article was a tree I came across after hiking in the area and couldn't imagine how such a small juniper could have such a huge trunk size. This tree must have been over 500 years old, growing simply out of a small amount of soil surrounded by nothing but granite rock as its nourishment. Winter conditions in that high elevation is severe, plus a lack of nourishment and high winds that chisels away old living vegetation each year helps maintains its miniature size.
This year that area was severely hit again by uncontrollable forest fires that may have devastated this forest and old junipers that thousands of years have survived. I am deeply concerned about that possibility with the loss of so many old surviving juniper trees. I have my finger crossed that they remain! 🌳
Upcoming Midori Events
Upcoming First Thursday topics
October: Beginner’s Tree Workshop
Members are welcome to participate in a tree workshop lead by experienced members. A tree will be given free of charge — a great opportunity to get your first tree and work on it if you have never had a tree before!
November: How to Select Great Bonsai Material
A surprise presenter will be teaching us what to look for when selecting bonsai material. A great program for beginners and experienced members alike.
As always, the Third Thursdays are our general workshop. Bring in some trees to work on or get feedback. 🌳
Upcoming Northern California (and Beyond) Bonsai Events
GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous
October 2-3, 2021 — Hotel Mission de Oro
Golden State Bonsai Federation
Get ready and plan for attending the 2021 GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous. The event theme is Bonsai Rendezvous. A two-day event for renewal and celebration for the love of bonsai. No registration fee. Open to the public. Free bonsai demonstrations both days. Free professional bonsai critiques, Bring Your Own Bonsai and Do It Yourself Bonsai settings. Vendors from Northern and Southern California in one huge location. There will be silent auctions for quality bonsai and related items. There will be no banquet dinners. Additional information and schedule of activities forthcoming shortly. See the "Convention" section of the GSBF website for further updates.
Marin Bonsai Club Silent Auction and Sale
November 6, 2021 — Terra Linda Community Center
Marin Bonsai Club
The Marin Bonsai Club will be having its Annual Silent Auction and Sale from 10am-3pm. 🌳
