June 2023 Bonsai Newsletter

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Dear Conejo Valley Bonsai Society,

It is with mixed feelings that I announce this is my last letter to you as president of CVBS. I am selling my Conejo Valley house and

downsizing to a condo in Wisconsin.

This is a major move for me and a change from sunny Southern California to four seasons with snow in at least one. I am looking forward to moving closer to my family.

I am a founding member of CVBS and very proud of the organization we have created for our community. I have discussed this change with our board of directors, and they are planning the necessary changes. Please help them in any way you can.

I always find members of the bonsai community to be generous in sharing their knowledge and time. I hope you can carry on your support of our horticultural art, the bonsai community, our club, our board, and my replacement.

The June 15, 2023 CVBS club meeting will be my last. I would like to thank everyone who has helped and been a part of our club over the years – I will miss you all.

The Show Goes On
Meanwhile, CVBS activities must continue. There are two demonstrations planned for our club this year—one in June and another in August.

At our June meeting, bonsai expert Peter Macasieb will enlighten us about shohin trees (small bonsai). Many of you no doubt are already familiar with Peter’s super-miniaturized bonsai. He teaches and demonstrates throughout the region and is a regular at many shows in Southern California, where he usually has a booth.

I am certain you will enjoy the evening seeing how Peter creates his shohin bonsai. Please make every effort to attend.

Next, CVBS’s August meeting will be with Debra Mauz-Melitz. Instead of doing our usual demonstration, the evening will be more like a workshop. Debra will teach us how to create Kusamono. “Kusamono” is a Japanese word that literally means “something made of/from grass.” The goal is to create a scene that evokes a particular season or a region. In traditional bonsai displays, the multiple grasses can be used as an accent plant. Kusamono is becoming more popular in the west, and some bonsai shows now are including Kusamono sections.

This will be a hands-on event: Debra will bring 10 pots and material for them. So 10 members will create their own Kusamono and take it home with them for a small fee covering the materials.
Remember the Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) Rendezvous coming up October 20 – 22 in Santa Nella, California. For details of this and other upcoming events, see page 7.
At our May meeting, Ken Martin led a brief discussion on fertilizers. Ken’s presentation included a handout on fertilizers. At Ken’s suggestion, members discussed what fertilizers they use and have had success with.

See you Thursday, June 15th.