BC Bonsai Society's Past Meetings

October 2, 2008, Meeting/Workshop

1. We received $600.00 from the Langley Arts Council supporting last years exhibition and have booked three rooms at the George Preston Rec. Centre for next year.

2. Our Christmas dinner will be on Dec. 4/08 same place as last year. Jim M. will email the membership.

3. Tak did a demo on Pines. Now is the time to pluck needles and reduce the new candles to two. Now is the time to spray azaleas & pyracantha with funginex or fixed copper.

4. Bob K provided an overview of the recent Pacific Northwest Bonsai Assoc. in Spokane.

5. Now is the time to start your winter fertilizer program with bonemeal. Many new members attended, lots of items in the raffle and lots of advice to the members in attendance.

June 5, 2008, Meeting/Workshop

1. Jim indicated we had a good show on June 1, and expressed appreciation to the 15 volunteers, acknowledging Roger, Tak, Phil, Marg, and Bryan. Four new members joined at the show.

2. Jim also indicated that he, Bryan, and Phil put on a demo at the Langley Library on May 9.

3. We've been invited to set up a booth at the Langley Township Arts and Wine Festival.

4. Tak gave a demonstration of shaping an Azalea, but limited pruning and shaping as the tree was about to bloom, emphasizing that this should be done once the flowers have dropped off.

5. For the remainder of the evening members worked on their trees with Tak joining various members and giving hands-on advice.

May 1, 2008,Meeting/Workshop

1. Jim encouraged members to take the June 1 show ad and ask retailers to display it.

2. Langley Arts Council are considering donating a grant to help fund the show.

3. Jim asked for volunteers to demonstrate in the Langley library Friday, May 9.

4. Bryan is seeking volunteer trees for the show.

5. Tree owners are requested to prepare a card for their display identifying tree variety, age, and years in training.

6. Bob and Tak talked about how to prepare trees for the show.

7. Tak demonstrated how to cut pine candles and spruce buds emphasizing this is a June task.

8. As usual, Master Yamaura offered advice on members' trees, including hands-on attention.

April 3, 2008,Meeting/Workshop

1. Review memberships for 2008.

2. Reminder of our Annual Show at the George Preston Recreation Center 42nd Ave & 208th in Langley on Sunday June 1st 10:00am - 4pm. The show will also include exhibits and sales of the Fraser Valley Potter's Guild and the Langley Photography Club. (See details below.)

3. Bob discussed soil ingredients (inorganic) and mixtures. Brian pointed out the site now has a Resources page that identifies suppliers and encouraged members to submit supplier info. Bob also mentioned March this year has been one of the coldest on record and expressed caution with exposure after re-potting.

4. Tak re-potted a tree while discussing fertilizers.

5. Ross brought some trees in for a silent auction.

6. A number of trees and a tray of moss were raffled.

7. Enough money was raised to cover the cost of the hall this night.

8. Members brought trees in for re-potting and pruning. As usual, Master Yamaura offered advice on members' trees, including hands-on attention.

9. A brief discussion ensued about an open house at Tak's Japan Bonsai nursery soon. Details will be posted on the site.

10. Peter and Brian discussed the design of a new logo. The executive has determined the need for a business card and the header on the site needs to be updated. A designer is needed. Someone suggested a logo contest. More to follow.

March 6, 2008 Annual General Meeting & Workshop 

- Secretary's and Treasurer's Report given

- Report on 2007 events, including the show at the Langley Civic Center on May 27, increased membership to 64 persons, monthly workshop meetings, and Christmas dinner on December 6th.

- Report on the 2008 annual show on Sunday June 1.  

- Elections for 2008:

• President, Tak Yamaura

• 1st Vice President, Bryan Baillie

• 2nd Vice President, Jim Mason

• Secretary, Kathy Lacey

• Treasurer, Marg Osborne

• Director, Peter Brolese

• Director, Bob King

• Director, Darren Melhus

• Director, Jim McAusland

• Director, Phil Vetra

- Recognition given to the following for their contributions in 2007:

• Marc DeRosier, Website Server

• Brian Wood, Webmaster

• Kevin Liesbscher, Librarian

- Workshop

1. Calendar report: This is the ideal time to transplant and repot your plants. Fertilize with organic fertilizers (bone meal, fish meal etc.). In your garden prune your maples, birch, flowering plum trees in the cold weather prior to February or in the summer semi dormancy of late July to early August. The latter time gives your trees the chance to callous over the cut and lessen entry to disease and pests.

2. Grafting demonstration by Tak - Cork Bark Pine onto a Japanese Black Pine.

3. Air layering demonstration by Phil Vetra on Bob King's Chinese Elm.