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Live professional demonstrations are back! For the first time since the Covid pandemic forced the Conejo Valley Bonsai Society to suspend in-person meetings three years ago, the club will present a live, in-person demonstration by a bonsai expert. Mark the date and plan to be there: June 15.

Program Chair Nancy Smeets has confirmed that Peter Macasieb will be our June demonstrator. Peter specializes in shohin bonsai (small-sized), which we have all seen in various bonsai shows. (See page 2 for details.)

Tree-in-Pot Wiring
Ken Martin opened our March 16 meeting with a short discussion and mini demonstration of how to wire a tree into a bonsai pot. Ken covered many points on how to prepare the tree root system and the pot for planting, starting with how to wire in plastic screens over the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This is very important to prevent soil from falling out and bugs from getting in.

Then he demonstrated how to wire around the outside of the roots to tie the tree into the pot without crossing the wires next to the tree trunk. This is very important to protect the roots close to the tree trunk.

Huntington Guided Tour
Our first major field trip activity for 2023 will be a guided tour on April 22 of the bonsai nursery and work area at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. We will discuss the trip and possible carpooling at our April club meeting. There is still time to let Field Trips Chair Damon DuBois know that you want to join the tour.

Important reminder: This is a tour of the Bonsai area only. It does not include viewing any other part of the Garden.