Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society
Dedicated to the art of bonsaiArchive for Pottery
2020 Happenings
The events are tentative but MHBS members have these things and guests to look for in 2020:
- Tree insect pests and diseases
- Finding the tree within with Martin Schmalenberg
- Forest and root over rock plantings
- Kathy Shaner and bonsai display
- Air layering and shohin with Frank Mihalic
- Jim Doyle and pines
- A Mark Arpag workshop
- Rock collecting in the river
- Turntable building
- Pottery making
- Choosing the right pot for your bonsai
- And don’t forget the 2020 US National Exhibition
It’s going to be a great 2020. Enjoy your holidays and a Happy New Year!
May TWIG Newsletter
Download the May TWIG newsletter to catch up on summer activities with the Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society, including a can’t miss weekend, May 21-22, with truckloads of bonsai stock from Mark Comstock and design assistance from bonsai master Jim Doyle of Nature’s Way Nursery. Jim will work with you and your trees on one or both days for a $50 fee, so register now.
Need new trees? Who doesn’t? Mark Comstock’s truck brings plenty of good new material and it’s first come, first served, so arrive early (but not before me). Club members may also bring trees, pots or whatever to sell. You never know when you’ll find the perfect pot.
This special weekend event is open to all, club members and curious newcomers alike, at pfm Bonsai in West Charlton, NY, May 21-22 from 9am to 5pm. Lunch both days is pot luck depending on what our members bring. For directions to pfm Bonsai, or to register for Jim Doyle design help, email Pauline at pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
April Workshops
As April nears, we face another busy spring of early wiring, repotting, and lugging trees in and out while nervously watching the night temperatures. To add to the excitement are April activities like:Bonsai Gatherings
Our official MHBS clubhouse, pfm bonsai in West Charlton, has announced some exciting upcoming events to soldier us through spring.
February features a Shitakusa/Kusomono Workshop on the 21st, an Art of Wiring lesson on the 27th, and Accent Pot Making at the monthly MHBS meeting on the 28th.
March brings out the trees with an Amur Maple Shohin Bonsai Workshop on the 5th, a Blended Tree Shohin Bonsai Workshop on the 6th, and a Father/Son Larch Bonsai Workshop on the 12th.
Also, Monday Night Bonsai get togethers will resume in March. Join club members at pfm bonsai for an evening with our two favorite food groups—bonsai and pizza. No cost, just a small contribution for the pizza. Please email Pauline by Monday morning so she has a food count.
Curious guests are always welcome at our club meetings and are also welcome to inquire about workshops. To learn more, contact Pauline at 518-882-1039 or by email at pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
Not the sharpest tool in the box?
David Knittle has the cure. Join MHBS for a November 22 Tool Sharpening Workshop with David Knittle at PFM Bonsai in West Charlton. Bring your dull tools and watch David make them sharp again. Visitors are welcome so it’s a great time to check out the club.
And there’s more! Larch wiring and pottery making workshops mark our march into 2016 and winter activities.
August 30 Club and Estate Sale
Bring your wallets to the August MHBS meeting at PFM Bonsai when our Club and Estate Sale starts at 10 AM. Three estates worth of bonsai pots and books will be on sale—cash, check or charge—along with member trees needing their next home. Club members, remember to bring your trees and other sale items by 9:30 AM, clearly priced.
After lunch Pauline will conduct a Shitakusa and Kusamono Workshop—work with Pauline’s hand made pottery and accent material or bring your own. It’s great timing for putting together your displays for the club show in October. It will help to bring a list of trees you hope to display. Register by email: pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
See you Sunday!
Big Bonsai Stock Sale August 23
The Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society invites you to a giant sale of bonsai material, pots, books and more on August 23 at PFM Bonsai in West Charlton. On hand to help you choose your next tree will be guest bonsai master Jim Doyle of Nature’s Way.
Mark Comstock is bringing a big selection of hardy bonsai stock and there will be pots, books and more on sale from the estate of MHBS founding member Josie Biondo.
Arrive early for the best selection. All are welcome to browse and shop from 9am to 5pm. For more details call Pauline Muth at 518-882-1039 or Pauline@pfmbonsai.com.
Big Doings for MHBS July 27
JULY 27 is an all day event for MHBS beginning at 9 am. Our monthly meeting will feature two great activities:
1- BONSAI STAND BUILDING
The club has chosen a spacious three-tier bench for this project. Myron has modified the plans to make it portable and storable, and it features three eight-foot shelves of treated wood for plenty of tree space. If you need better benching for your trees this is your chance.
RESERVE YOUR BENCH BY JULY 18
Only those who have paid by July 18 will have materials purchased for them. Send your $195 check made out to MHBS to Molly Beverage at 285 Hickory Hollow Road Pawlet VT 05761.
EXTRA HELPERS NEEDED!!
Volunteers are needed to pick up supplies, bring tools and food, help construct. Contact Pauline to volunteer.
2- BIONDO ESTATE SALE
Founding member Josie Biondo’s family have given us a large portion of her pots and bonsai items to sell. The club will receive 50% of the proceeds. Cash or check only. Pauline needs a small crew to help prepare pots for the sale. Email or call if you can help on Friday July 25 after lunch.
AND THERE’S STILL MORE!!!
Save the Date—August 22-24—for a giant stock sale with Mark Comstock and Jim Doyle.
Preview of 2012 programs
Suggestions for next year’s programs are being solicited from membership. The following list was compiled from suggestions taken at the fall show and September club meeting. Keep the ideas coming.
Suggested Topics:
- Displaying your bonsai
- Fertilizer Cakes
- Repotting
- Tropical workshop/repotting
- Wiring
- Kusamono Pots with Adriano
- Field Trip to Nick Lenz’s place
Possible Speakers:
- Suthin
- Ted Matson
- Michele Phaneuf
- David Easterbrook
- Jim Doyle
