Larry Mossey

Group Design Workshop Nov. 18

If a camel is a horse designed by a committee, wait till you see what MHBS members come up with on November 18 as we split into groups to style trees donated by club members, including azaleas and a small-leafed rhododendron. Trees will be raffled. The fun starts after lunch at PFM Bonsai. Bring wire,Continue reading “Group Design Workshop Nov. 18”

Martin Schmalenburg Does Pines

A packed house last weekend at PFM Bonsai for Martin Schmalenburg’s Pine Immersion Workshop wherein we learned the zen of pines from a recognized master. A thorough lesson on both the practical and spiritual sides of the species was followed by hands-on styling that went the whole day. Much lively discussion and debate. If youContinue reading “Martin Schmalenburg Does Pines”

Bill Valavanis and trunk/branch splitting

I got a pitch pine from Martin Schmalenburg last weekend and the trunk splits a couple inches up from the base so I might try splitting it down closer to the base in spring, if I don’t lose my nerve. I just found a neat video by Bill Valavanis where he uses this technique toContinue reading “Bill Valavanis and trunk/branch splitting”

Martin Schmalenberg Pine Immersion Workshop Nov. 4

Fall and winter are the time to work on pines and we know these trees demand a special skill set. Who better to learn from than a guy whose pines keep winning awards? Martin Schmalenberg’s pines win lots of them and during his all-day Pine Immersion Workshop on November 4, he’ll show us how heContinue reading “Martin Schmalenberg Pine Immersion Workshop Nov. 4”

Muck Recipes

Oh boy! Bonsai enthusiasts love muck recipes, so here are a couple more, shared with permission from Florida’s Lakeland Bonsai Society. If you’re not familiar, muck is used in slab and stone plantings where stronger support is needed, such as vertical swells or edging. It’s a self-adhering clay, like mud, that solidifies some after drying.Continue reading “Muck Recipes”

Tokonoma Workshop Results

David Knittle returned last weekend for the long awaited MHBS Tokonoma Workshop at PFM Bonsai. Two days of vigorous sanding, staining, sanding, finishing, sanding, assembly and sanding under David’s careful eye produced seven gorgeous lighted tokonomas suitable for shohin. David then gave a great Sunday afternoon presentation on tool sharpening. Thank you David!