We actually had two trees this month, both Japanese Black Pines. Doug Hawley picked his specimen up in Washington. It was a field-grown tree, which he had styled into a semi-cascade. He said that he will probably starting pinching candles about the last week of the month, doing it in layers from the bottom up, about 1/3 of the tree at a time. Doug noted that the pot he had the tree in was a 300-year old Chinese pot(!)

Tom Mounce picked his up at the White Elephant Sale (I know—I tried to buy this very same tree—Ed.). He just sort of grabbed it out of his cold frame, where he had it stored, because it was closest to the door. It’s about a 40-year old tree. Tom also discussed pinching buds—when and how on Japanese pines can have widely different effects on the length of the needles.

Congratulations and thanks to both for bringing in such great examples of the art of Bonsai. If you would like to bring in your favorite –or least favorite—tree, and share a tale or two about it, just sign up at the next meeting.

The Bonsai Society needs you! Actually, we just need your digital camera. Any member of the Society with a digital camera and the means to download the pictures for electronic transfer, please contact either myself or Don Shricker. In order to better serve the Society, we would like to begin including pictures of the tree of the month and "before" and "after" shots of the trees that are worked on by our visiting Masters. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated by us and your fellow members. We would like to start with the March meeting, so get in touch with us ASAP. Thanks.