PFM Bonsai – Page 7 – Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society

Schmalenberg Tour

An August 3 field trip to Martin Schmalenberg’s Stillwater Studio revealed a master in his element. Marty offered a program on rock planting and conducted a personal tour of his bonsai garden and studio. Here are some photos.

New Open Workshops at PFM Bonsai

Meet club members, wander the nursery and discover the world of bonsai at the latest PFM Bonsai open house weekend, May 18-19. It’s a great way to dip a toe into this fascinating hobby. Bonsai master Pauline Muth will be on hand to answer your questions, and you can view some of her beautiful specimenContinue reading “New Open Workshops at PFM Bonsai”

Spring events

While the big April event for many club members is MABS, April 19-21 in Grantville, PA, there are a couple of great home base MHBS activities to look forward to this spring. On May 12, Ted Matson will come to hold a demo and lecture, followed by a workshop using some great trees the clubContinue reading “Spring events”

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”

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!

Sharpen Tools with David Knittle September 30

Whoever says David Knittle is not the sharpest tool in the box doesn’t know David Knittle. On Sunday, September 30, Mr. Knittle, a master wood carver and woodworker, is back to teach us how to keep our tools sharp and well-maintained. Good bonsai requires good tools. MHBS club members, be sure to bring your toolsContinue reading “Sharpen Tools with David Knittle September 30”