The Bonsai News of Houston A Monthly Newsletter of the Houston Bonsai Society, Inc. Volume 42 Number 2 20122012 February 2013 IN THIS ISSUE Upcoming Events Soils and Growing Media Showcase of the Month Vietnamese Bonsai of Yesterday and Today A Vietnamese Hòn Non Bộ (Water and Land ) tray (photo: The Internet). HBS Monthly Meeting February Bonsai Care John Miller The President’s Message HBS Board Meeting Minutes January 2013 Chronicle of LSBF 2013 Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden Study Group Vietnamese Bonsai & Hòn Non Bô The next meeting of the Houston Bonsai Society will be on Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 at 7:30pm, at the Houston Garden Center in Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Drive. Refreshments at 7pm. Wednesday, February 6th, Bonsai Soil and Growing Mixtures presented by Scott Barboza and Ken Credeur. For Ray Gonzalez’ Show & Tell, please bring trees with beautiful silhouette, flowers and fruit. Upcoming Events We are starting a busy season with a lot of events and workshops. It’s the season to do major work on pines, junipers and deciduous trees. Some Saturdays will have morning and afternoon workshops taught by bonsai experts: Ken Credeur, Ray Gonzalez, Alex Leong, Eldon Branham, and Michael McCluskey. No workshop in April. Let’s plan on attending the Tree Ring Circus. Saturday, February 2nd, Azalea Workshop, Michael McCluskey and Ken Credeur, 9am – 1pm. Cost depends on medium or large Wakaebisu, a pink blooming variety. 5 spots. Saturday, February 9th, HBS Saturday Study Group at Timeless Trees, 9am – Noon. No charge. Refreshments provided… or Houston Bonsai Society Annual Dig with Ray Gonzalez, 9am– Noon at George Bush Park. More details and map at the meeting. Saturday, February 16th, Large Elm raft/ forest repotting demo, 9 am – Noon, artist: Ken Credeur. The repotted forest will be raffled at the end. $20 per person, 15 spots. and Juniper Workshop, 1 pm – 4 pm, artist: Michael McCluskey. $35.00 per person including tree, plastic pot, soil and wire. Literati style, using Procumbens Nana, Chinensis or Prostrata. Great yet inexpensive workshop for 8, 7 spots available. Saturday, February 23rd, Montezuma Cypress Workshop, 9am – Noon. Cost $75 includes tree, ceramic pot, soil and wire -10 spots, 9 available April 11-14, 2013: Tree Ring Circus: LSBF 2013 hosted by the San Antonio and Austin Bonsai Societies at the New Braunfels Convention Center (off I-35 between Austin and San Antonio) in New Braunfels, TX, USA - Featuring Walter Pall, Colin Lewis and Erik Wigert. Register early for discounted rate and the best workshops. February Bonsai Care The big event we are looking forward to is coming up: The Repotting Season. Normally the best time to repot is when the sap starts to flow and buds swell. In the real world, we usually need to fudge this a little because of constraints on our time, so we need to do it earlier. But never after the buds open! Deciduous trees repotted in January will need their new roots protected by setting on the ground and good mulching (think about the nursery trade planting yard trees in early winter). Vietnamese bonsai & famous Hòn Non Bộ landscapes Preparing a group of basic soil mixes can save time at the actual repotting.Mix your favorite recipes in 3 sizes, for small medium and large pots, and then modify them by adding some extra of one material or other to suit the particular tree you are repotting. There is no perfect mix. You must decide based on your backyard. The basics of good mixes: Permit free drainage: Use granular material like decomposed granite, lava gravel, pumice, haydite, Turface, etc. Provide water retention: Material like akadama, ground or decomposed bark (organic, should not break down too quickly) Provide air space: Use appropriately sized particles. Moisture retention is controlled by the type of material (e.g. akadama - good vs. granite - poor) and by particle size (finer particles retain more residual water). A good general mix for this part of the world is equal parts of akadama, lava gravel and pumice. Akadama is not magic. It is merely a soil native to Japan which is a volcanic island. After lava is broken down, it’s dug up and fire at low temperature to dry. Later on, it’s broken up and passed through a sieve to retain uniform size and used as part of bonsai soil. We do not have anything native comparable on the market in the USA. The advantages of akadama are the fact that it holds water uniformly and is soft enough for roots to penetrate easily. Having this source of moisture close to the trunk results in short fibrous roots. So I have started using it on my bonsai but I feel the pinch of dollars too much to utilize it on the pre-bonsai material, even though I am sure it would speed up their development. Check wire applied last year. During dormancy, the woody portions tend to lignify and swell. Remove any tight wire. Severe wire marks can occur. Early February is the end of the season for major pruning. You may be able to continue for a while on some late sprouting species such as the oaks. After the onset of sap flow, you should not try to make big cuts. Cut paste or pruning sealer cannot withstand the hydraulic pressure created by the urge to grow. If there is a significant warm streak, you could get some activity from overwintering pests. A dormant spray (horticultural oil or a very weak lime sulphur) should be used on outside plants. The lime sulphur should not be used on any green growth or after buds begin to swell. The lime sulphur will also serve to kill fungal spores and help control bacterial diseases. For the greenhouse, use the original organic spray mixture. I get good control of mites, aphids and even scale with it when used on a weekly basis. My original organic spray is 1 tablespoon each of Fish emulsion, liquid kelp, molasses, and apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water. Using organic fertilizer cakes on top of the soil is a better way to fertilize. You may make your own or buy one of the commercial versions from your local bonsai vendor. I would suggest that you also repot azaleas at this time. The roots will be reestablished by blooming time. This is much easier on the tree than waiting until after bloom when the temperature will be hot. An aside note: Later on, before blooming starts, you will be removing a lot of excess buds anyway which will reduce the stress on the tree at that time. If new growth appears, keep it pinched so you keep the internodes short and develop a compact set of twigs on the branches. On alternate leaved species (e.g. elms) pinch when the shoot gets 4 or 5 leaves. Fingernails or shears can be used. If the twig gets too long, it will be tough and you have to use shears. On opposite leaved trees (maples) pinch the central shoot as soon as it can be distinguished from the two leaves. To do this really right you need to use pointed tweezers. Spring flowering plants will have their buds set on last year’s growth, so pruning them will remove some flowers. Those that bloom later in the year will generally bloom on this year’s growth. Pruning them will reduce the amount of flowers. In some cases such as crepe myrtle, tip pruning of the branch will result in no flower at all. In these cases, you must decide which is most important, ramification or flowers. A compromise would be to prune the branch shorter than you normally would and then let it bloom on new growth which will be at the proper length. When the growth starts the tree will need fertilizer. However, use one that has only a small amount of nitrogen (the first number). The tree is naturally programmed to grow rapidly at this time, so you don’t need to encourage it further. Feed lightly to maintain healthy green foliage. Trace minerals should be added to help with both the foliage color and the color of blooms. John Miller John Miller, who writes a monthly column for the Bonsai Society of Dallas and Fort Worth Bonsai Society, has agreed to share his column with us. We need to make adjustments for our warmer and damper climate, with earlier springs, longer summers, late fall and erratic winters. President’s Message The New Year has started with a bang. Our Saturday Study Group met the first time at Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden and was well attended. We plan to rotate the Saturday Study Group between three facilities in an effort to make it more accessible to more members: Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden (January, April, July and October) Timeless Trees (February, May, August and November) Maas Garden Center (March, June, September and December). This month’s stated meeting (February 6th) will be a presentation by Scott Barboza and Ken Credeur about soils and components. You will be amazed at some of the experiments presented in the program. Also in February we will offer members a choice of activities on February 9th. Ray Gonzalez has a club dig planned near George Bush Park in west Houston, and at the same time, Timeless Trees will host a Saturday Study group meeting. The LSBF State Convention of 2013, “Tree Ring Circus” will be held April 11-14, 2013 in New Braunfels, Texas. The internationally recognized artists are Colin Lewis (England / Maine), Walter Pall (Germany) and Erik Wigert (Florida). A state convention is a great way to learn many new aspects of our hobby. Attend great workshops and meet many new friends. We always have a large contingent from Houston to share the fun. It’s time to get those registrations in to get the Early Bird Discount. Hope to see you there. HBS will also sponsor an entrant for the Texas Emerging Talent Contest, with details coming soon. For more details check out their website. http://lsbfconvention2013.com/home.html Hope to see you at the meeting on February 6th! Happy Re-potting! Hurley Johnson Houston Bonsai Society Board Meeting Minutes January 2, 2013, 6:30 pm I. Call to order Meeting was called to order by Hurley Johnson at 6:30 pm. II. Roll Call A. Present: Hurley Johnson, Keith Mc Nay, Raymond Gonzalez, John Edmonson, Pete Parker, Barbara Adams, Eldon Branham, A Hòn Non Bộ with ficus on a palatial terrace Donald Green, Jim Stone, Anthony Cutola, Craig Boone and Sandra Knight. B. Quorum present: Yes. III. Read and Approve Meeting Minutes Minutes for the meeting of December 5, 2012 were read. Raymond Gonzalez made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Pete Parker and approved. IV. Treasurer’s Report Anthony Cutola presented the December 2012 Treasurer’s Report. There was no payment and no deposit during the month. Pete Parker made a motion to accept the report, seconded by Ray Gonzalez and approved. Balance as of December 31, 2012 $23,241.17 Expenses incurred during December will be paid and the December Treasurer’s Report revised. V. Routine Business a. Outreach Committee – Upcoming lecture/demos to outside organizations: Dean Laumen Dean was not present to discuss b. Publicity Strategy Update: Eldon Branham No new business c. General HBS Budget: Committee chairs should finalize their budgets by February meeting. VI. LSBF Activities A. 2014 State Convention in Houston: Donald Green 1. Hurley handed out a list of committees for the 2014 convention. Everyone on the Board will participate as a chair or committee member. Volunteers from the general membership are urged to participate in a committee of their choice. 2. Committee chairs will have a meeting early in February for an in depth discussion on the convention budget. 3. The theme has been chosen. It is “East Meets West”. The convention will be held at the Marriott West Houston on April 10-14, 2014. 4. A logo is needed for the convention and a contest will be held for the design of the logo. A $50.00 gift certificate for vendors at the convention will be awarded for the winning entry. Entries should be submitted before the March 6, 2013 meeting. 5. There will be nine (9) workshops. Four (4) sets of trees have been purchased. B. LSBF State Meeting 6. Next meeting is January 19th in Wimberley. 7. Spring Tour Artists being considered are Cheryl Manning, Peter Warren and Owen Wright. The Texas Tour workshops will be held a little earlier than usual this year. 8. Eligible Emerging Talent contestants may have the experience extended to 7 years of experience from the current 5 year limit. VII. New Business a. Schedule Conflict: 2013 LSBF State Convention in New Braunfels being held April 11-13 conflicts with the Japanese b. c. d. e. Festival. Voted and approved cancellation of our participation in Japan Fest. HBS has been offered a free booth at the Houston Home Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Houston Garden Shows group has invited HBS to participate in their Spring show. They will provide us with free booth. We will furnish the signage, tables, etc. for our display. The February Study Group will be held at Timeless Trees. Maas Nursery will host a bonsai seminar/study group with our instructors at their nursery. Clyde, Anthony and Terry will handle the study group. VIII. Adjournment Motion was made to adjourn the meeting, seconded, and carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Minutes submitted by Sandra Knight. Convention Chronicle #8 Tree Ring Circus – April 11-14, 2013 New Braunfels TX www.lsbfconvention2013.com One of the workshops we're holding will be Texas Natives. This will actually be a variety, a smorgasbord if you like, of different trees native to the state. We will have species represented from the other native tree workshops as well as some species that will only appear in this one. Some of the material includes: Bald Cypress, Cedar Elm, Mustang Grape, Netleaf Hackberry, Mulberry, Fragrant Mimosa, Oaks, Texas Baccharis, Yaupon Holly, Texas Persimmon and more. Plant material will vary wildly in type and size. Everyone will choose their own material, but the order in which they choose will be by random drawing. We cannot guarantee the availability of a certain species, so come to this workshop with an open mind and a sense of adventure! The Vendor Room at this show is going to be huge. We will have sellers from Texas and other parts of the nation with a large selection of hand-made products (Bonsai, pottery, handmade stands and more). On Thursday evening, join us for the Early Bird Reception which will allow those who come early to get the first jump on the Vendors' tables. We will be hosting the Emerging Talent Competition at the same time, which should be a fun demonstration of our local skills. Early registration of only $125 runs until March 15th, so be sure to send your registration in early (when choosing, checks don't cost the convention, while credit cards always charge us a fee). Some workshops are already half full and others are going quickly. We hope you come to stay for the weekend, but there is also a daily registration available for $30, as well as a daily general admission of $5 (which will get you into the Exhibit, Raffle and the Vendor Room only). This is a time when our state Bonsai community comes together for the biggest party of the year, I hope to see everyone there! Joey McCoy Convention Chair Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden Saturday Study Group Buddy Allen and Alan Raymond held the first class at Mercer. The Saturday Study Group at Mercer Arboretum on January 5th started off slowly. The weather was cold and rainy, but one of the Mercer staff members unlocked the Volunteer Cottage so we could work indoors. At 9 am, I was the only one there, concerned that no one else would attend! But folks started to trickle in and before long, we had 10 people sharing, mentoring, learning and working on their trees. Several of the attendees were new members of HBS. Thanks to Buddy Allen for traveling all the way north to Mercer to provide very wise advice to the newbies among us on styling and care of our trees. Alan Raymond Logo Design Contest for 2014 State Convention The Houston Bonsai Society (HBS) will host the Lone Star Bonsai Federation (LSBF) 2014 state convention at the Marriott Westchase, April 10-13, 2014. In preparation for the convention, HBS will sponsor a contest for the design of a logo. The logo will be a graphic or symbol that represents the convention on its letterhead, flyers, posters, shirts, pin, etc. Members are invited to submit one or more suggestions for the logo design. Each submission (description and drawing) should be on separate cards. Submit drawing/graphics on a 4” by 6” cards containing any combinations of the convention theme (East Meets West), Bonsai, LSBF, HBS, 2014, etc. All submitted logo designs suggestions will remain the sole property of HBS. All suggestions should be given or sent to the Convention Chair (Donald Green) on or before our March 6, 2013 club meeting. The contest winner will receive a $50 gift certificate for use at any of the convention vendors. Vietnamese Bonsai and Hòn Non Bộ According to the Chinese philosophy, everything and everyone is influenced by The Five Elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth that make up all matter. As modifiers, they alter the quality of nature. Held in balance, they bring order and harmony to the universe. Understanding each year’s influence can help us adapt to changing circumstances. Legend goes that before The Buddha left this world, he invited all the animals to join him around his table for a feast. Of all the creatures in the land, only 12 arrived. For their loyalty, they were rewarded in perpetuity by having a year named after each of them, in the order of their arrival. The steadfast Ox led the way but at the last minute, the Rat, opportunistic and fleet of foot, hopped on the Ox’s back for an easy ride. So the 12- year cycle governed by a Zodiac animal begins with the Rat. Coupled with the Element that governs the year, each of these animals influences the worldly events of that year. Besides the sequence of the Five Elements and the 12 Animal Rulers, each year is also assigned a negative (Yin) or positive (Yang) polarity, which puts a subtle spin on the characteristics of that year. This coming Chinese or Lunar New Year of the Water Snake will start on February 10, 2013. The snake is a shy, cautious and low-key animal in the horoscope. The element Water is characterized by the color black represents Yin, mobility, fluidity, dynamism and changeability. Snake contains mainly Fire but may also contain some Metal and Earth. A Water Snake is Fire under Water. Water of 2013 and Fire of Snake are opposite elements, hence the Black Snake will bring people unexpected changes and instability. Most will experience mix of good and bad fortune. Snakes won't attack unless disturbed or starving, so feed your opponents well yet keep a watchful eye on them in case they get disturbed. It is important this year to plan everything beforehand and re-evaluate often before taking any action. Be more cautious than ever! Just don’t go digging for bonsai material in the swamp or along river banks (like my buddy Joey McCoy who invited them to come out and play). Our warm winter is confusing the snakes as well as alligators. Without adequate sleep and rest, hungry and cranky, they might not adhere to their normal habits and behavioral etiquette. Happy New 2013 and Happy New Year of the Snake, the Water Snake or Black Water Snake! Just about this time last year, when my family prepared for the Tết of the Dragon, I received a shocking photo from Ron Smith. That’s John Allison, dwarfed by a giant bonsai in a giant pot on the terrace of pagoda in Viet Nam. Can such a mammoth tree be classified as bonsai? The duo planned a trip to my motherland, from the Northern mountain ranges all the way South of the Mekong Delta, stopping by Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay, Hội An, Đà Nẵng and Sài Gòn. (Yes, to me and millions of displaced Vietnamese around the world, my home town will forever be called Sài Gòn!) At the last minute, due health conditions, Ron was unable to accompany John who embarked on this month long excursion solo, for the exception of 4 days, during which his son Jeff joined him. Our Big Day I met up with John midway between our homes, in the ChinaVina town, over a lavish Vietnamese 7-course beef feast to hear him reminisce about his journey to Viet Nam. It’s been almost 38 years since I’ve left my motherland, just a few hours before the Fall of Saigon. Clinging to the tiny window in the plane that took half of family away to unknown destinations, I caught my first glimpse of the Vietnamese countryside. I never did have a chance to visit the beautiful historical sites and the poetic landscapes John spoke of. Born during the war and escaping the tragic end in the nick of time ( just barely an hour before the airport was bombed), I spent my 19 years in relative safety in Saigon, except during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when both sides exchanged fire right in front our gate. While our food was getting cold, John showed me endless photographs taken during his life changing trip to my beloved homeland, still impoverished by the war, although the war scars have healed in the heart of the people. Dodging tours and avoiding tourist traps, John chose to trek up the red dirt mountains of the North and traveled down the muddy roads of the South. Most of those he spent time with were the common people, living off of the land and waterways. They possess almost nothing yet they were most generous with everything they got. Even his cyclo driver took him home to meet his family at their modest hut, and share the meager vegetable and fish meal. As John relived his adventures, his eyes lit up and a smile brightened his face. He came away from this experience of a life time, filled with the utmost respect and affection for the people. Nowhere was he greeted with the animosity for the American who caused us to lose the war. In contrary, the simple, dirt poor yet kind-hearted folks spoke to him in a language of peace and love. John is already planning for a return trip. I couldn’t help but wish that someday, I would have a chance to write a book about this American in Viet Nam. What a fantastic project to add to my Bucket List! A Buddhist monk tending to a Bodhi Tree (Ficus Religiosa)at a pagoda in the city of Huế. After meditating for 49 days under a Bodhi tree, Buddha reached enlightenment. Our climate is either dry or wet, with minimal fluctuations in temperature. It rarely gets cold or snows, for the exception of the highest peaks of the Trường Sơn mountain range. The rainy or Monsoon season lasts approximately 6 to 7 months. Every morning, the sky turns grey as the clouds form. In early afternoon, Ông Trời (God) pulls the plug on the heavy black clouds and the torrential rain falls on the sizzling hot asphalt of paved streets, steaming up the landscape. By the time the sun peaks through the thinning rain clouds, the heat has dissipated and everything green perks up with joy. John saw some average sized bonsai but the most memorable ones he classified as large, extra large and even gigantic. Some reach the height of 8 to 12 feet. The trees are shaped in many styles. Some reflect Chinese influence but the majority was left to Nature’s blue print. Since there is no kiln large enough to fire such large pots or trays, and since no heavy equipment could climb hundreds of crumbling steps to reach those elevated terraces, most of the enormous vessels were molded out of concrete or carved out of marble on location. Bonsai in Viet Nam Most of the bonsai in Viet Nam John saw displayed were in public places like pagodas, imperial palaces and mausoleums, not in private collections. Cây Cảnh ( tree and landscape), also pronounced Cây Kiểng in certain regions, have been very popular in Viet Nam. Most of the bonsai in a tropical land near the Equator are indigenous tropical plants that remain outdoors to enjoy an abundance of rain, heat and sunshine. Forests of evergreens in vessels of concrete filled with granite chips Hòn Non Bộ, miniature mountainous landscapes often depict island and mountain scenes in shallow containers surrounded by water, representing the lake or the sea. Hòn means island, Non means mountains and Bộ a combination of water, mountain range, plants and flowers. Miniature landscapes share the same origin as bonsai. In times of war, kings and generals had miniature replicas of trees or landscapes made to bring with them as a piece of home when away for extended periods. Over time, miniatures were kept by emperors, kings and the literati elite as mementos of their birth origins and cultural icons of their great dynasties. The inspiration for Hòn Non Bộ comes from either real vista or Chinese mythology. Carefully chosen rocks such as marble, granite and petrified wood are arranged to form spectacular mountain ranges and islands, adorned with miniature mud men, boats, birds, pagodas and huts. Lush green plants and tiny fish bring life to otherwise static rock formations. Continuous changes of the foliage and flowers add life to the sceneries and also remind us of the Buddhist concept of impermanence. Since the 18th century, along with the introduction of Industrial Revolution under the French colonization, a mass exodus from the rural regions to the metropolises brought bonsai and Hòn Non Bộ with them. They become the focal point of their courtyard homes. As the art Hòn Non Bộ or Tiểu Cảnh (miniature sceneries) evolves, certain calculated guidelines ensure that rock formations would look good from all angles, all sides and even from above. The three points, Heaven, Mankind and Earth, must form a triangle that confines rock and plant arrangements. Over millennia, this art form reaches such sophistication and perfection that the hobbyists pour most of their time, wealth and energy, heart and soul into lifelong projects to pass on to many generations of offspring. Some of these works were given utmost importance that the task of planning, executing and maintaining them is the patriarch’s honor and duty. John could not help but notice that most of the ancient bonsai are held in pots with Chinese calligraphy. Why are they so similar those made in China? He also observed in those with visible silhouettes that the number of branches was either 7, 9 or 11. Why such odd numbers? We all have read that the primary source of inspiration for bonsai is Nature. When in doubt whether a bonsai looks correct or not, the bonsai artist just returns to the very roots of this art. Nature tends to be imperfect and asymmetrical rather than even and symmetrical. Besides the number two (2) in twin trunked mother and daughter or father and son bonsai, odd numbers are recommended by bonsai masters as number of branches and number of trees in forests. In particular, the number four (4) which pronunciation may be confused with the word death in Chinese, should be avoided. Until the intervention of the Information Age, powered by the Internet, Vietnamese bonsai don’t seem to follow clear cut principles. This fact is very apparent to John in the hundred year old trees he observed. On the other hand, few of them comply with Chinese aesthetic rules. Why 2 different schools? One of the 1,500 bonsai displayed at the Year of the Snake bonsai exhibit in Hà Nội on January 23, 2013. This coiling snake bonsai has its own poem attached on the identification card with the author’s name in bold print. This new Vietnamese trend is gaining popularity amongst the artists who desire to make a big name for themselves. Chinese Influence and the Eternal Resistance From time immemorial, the long strip of land now called Viet Nam was fragmented and dominated by external threat of foreign attacks or colonization. Five thousands of years ago, the Viet tribes, which originated from the Yangtze River valley in middle China, migrated to the South (Nam means South) in search of independence from warring nomad tribes. They settled in the narrow plain in the valley of the Red River, protected on one side by high mountains, the other by thick forests. Their independence was short lived as the Chinese troops from the North soon discovered their hide-out. After over a millennium under the Chinese colonization, there is no longer a distinction between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures. The Chinese colonizers ruled Viet Nam, just like a state of their vast kingdom. Their calligraphic characters as well as religious beliefs, philosophies, organizational skills, literature and arts, as well as the teachings of Confucius, Tao and Zen Buddhism impregnated the soul of Viet Nam till this day. Although the Vietnamese fought the Chinese to preserve their national identity and independence, the scholars quietly study their enemies to find their strengths and weaknesses. A few millennia later, the elite intellects have assimilated the best the colonizers had to offer, yet kept that knowledge out of the reach of the common people for selfish gain. Unaware of guidelines or rules, the farmers and hunters continue to shape their bonsai and landscapes as Nature intended. John’s most fascinating day was in the mountain range, where he spent the day tagging along with the tribe of Hmong. Hiding in the remote regions in the mountains and forests, over 54 tribes of montagnards (French for mountain people) seem to have escaped the devastation inflicted on the South Vietnamese people by the Chinese, French, Japanese or An agglomeration of a thousand snakes greeting the New Year and bonsai lovers at the Thăng Long citadel in Hà Nội (1/23/2013) westerners. For millennia, they respect Nature, honor and worship all forces as deities and gods. They are the first true environmentalists before such name was coined. Au Naturel vs. Chinese rules Common were the people John prefers to study in his exploration. As he traveled the unbeaten paths, he discovered that they are uncommonly gentle, friendly and trusting. They spend their life growing food or catching game for the family, rather than keeping up with the latest artistic trends. Keeping trees alive and thriving, in the ground or in pots, was considered a huge agricultural and horticultural success. To the natives and ethnic groups, those of diverse races who for many centuries of intermingling became the Vietnamese race, an aesthetically pleasing tree in pot would be a healthy living one, with bright green foliage or loaded with fruit. The spiritual ascetics and Buddhist clergy are content to see their plants grow freely, untouched by human hands, like they would in the wilderness. Unrestricted by aggressive pruning, a lot of those potted trees end up developing into huge trees in courtyards and terraces. Bonsai and Feng Shui So, is a bonsai tree or landscape in tray good Feng Shui or bad Feng Shui? Most of us believe that plants are great decoration for homes or businesses because they bring vibrant Chi (energy). As long as the plants are healthy, happy and displayed in beautiful pots, they are good Feng Shui, right? Not always! Most love to care for their plants so they can bring joy, good health and good fortune, right? Not really, said the Feng Shui experts. For centuries, Asian cultures are still undecided whether to hate or love bonsai. Some Feng Shui authorities call them the mutilated and tortured plants. To others, they are clever miniature replicas of Nature that need clipping once in a while, no different than periodic grooming of hair. No crime is committed! When branches are wired to redirect growth, it’s no different than Geomancers redirecting the flow of Chi through spaces, creating harmony between the elements of nature and re-establishing peace as well as positive energy. In fact, plants and rocks are wood, earth and metal elements. Bonsai follows the same Five Elements theory as Feng Shui. A water feature added to a grove of trees (wood) grown in soil (earth) may generate energy (Chi) and serendipity at the same time. Geomancers or Feng Shui masters believe that landscapes in trays, just like the placement of homes, doors, gates or buildings can affect the family’s health, wealth and happiness. Correct positioning of these plants in certain correct Bagua’s corners, in certain years, depending on the stars that govern the astrology of the family’s patriarch is crucial. Built in the correct direction for the owners, these landscapes may bring on multi-generational good luck, power and wealth. If installed in the wrong places, bad luck may ensue, or in drastic cases, dynasties may suddenly come to an end. To err on the safe side, those unwilling or unable to seek the advice of Feng Shui masters can minimize possible adverse consequences by positioning the trays in their back yard, a far distance from the family home. The foremost virtues required of bonsai lovers are patience, wisdom, a deep understanding of each species of plants. It’s imperative that they love and respect Nature as they would their own body. That’s the only way to find serendipity through the connection of their soul to living plants that surround them. The Vietnamese poet Sơn Nam wrote: Like a gem that glows in darkness, a bonsai satisfies men’s hunger to harmonize with all beings. It’s a living poem, an intimate connection of the soul to the divine! A Medusa like oversized ficus In this Hà Nội exhibit 2013, the trend is indeed smaller. Surprisingly, only 10% of the bonsai are large, 20% average but 70% of bonsai was Mini (Shohin or smaller). Close to Đà Nẵng, John was taken through the rice paddies and the woods to pay a visit to a self-proclaimed Bonsai Queen whose name he couldn’t catch. On a post of her arbor, a poster with her photograph advertises her skills. John was amused by her insistence on giving him an impromptu demo on a ficus without him understanding a single word. A decade ago, when the Communist government could no longer prohibit access to the Internet, Bonsai in Viet Nam experienced an overwhelming Renaissance. With unrestricted access to the teachings of Bonsai masters of the free world beyond the communist walls, deprived bonsai artists embrace foreign styles and techniques. Still, the majority favors the Chinese style over Japanese which require more frequent rewiring or trimming. The low maintenance Lingnan Clip and Grow is certainly more fitting for trees that grow year round in abundant sunlight, rain and heat. A dancing fairy or coiling snake? (Hà Nội exhibit 1/23/2013) Kính lão đắc thọ (Revere the old, gain a long life) is the motto of the nation that worships ancestors. Age in people (the ancestors and elderly), monuments and plants, is revered as the most significant auspice. Many bonsai trees have been the heart of family homes for so long, they are believed to be the auspicious refuge of deceased ancestors’ spirits. More reasons for offspring to take good care of the family bonsai, talk to them and pray for the protection of the clan. It’s ironic that bonsai artists would turn many tricks to age their trees, carve shari or glue on thick bark on gnarled trunks, while their wives spend time with scheming plastic surgeons and spend a fortune on cosmetics to maintain a youthful and flawless skin. (To be continued in the March issue) Shawn Nguyen Calendar of Events 2013 FEB 2 Azalea Workshop, Michael McCluskey and Ken Credeur, 9am – 1pm. Cost $80-100, 5 spots. FEB 6 HBS monthly meeting - Bonsai Soil and Growing Mixtures with Scott Barboza and Ken Credeur FEB 9 HBS Saturday Study Group at Timeless Trees, 9am – Noon. Free. Refreshments provided… Houston Bonsai Society Annual Dig , 9am– Noon at George Bush Park. or FEB 16 Large Elm raft/ forest repotting demo, 9 am – Noon, Artist: Ken Credeur - $20, 15 spots. and Juniper Workshop, 1 pm – 4 pm. Artist: Michael McCluskey. $35 including tree, plastic pot, soil and wire. 7 spots available. FEB 23 Montezuma Cypress Workshop, 9am –Noon, Cost $75 includes tree, ceramic pot, soil and wire 9 spots available APR11-14 Tree Ring Circus: LSBF 2013 hosted by the San Antonio and Austin Bonsai Societies at the New Braunfels Convention Center
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