Bonsai basic

Beginners

Bonsai beginners should join local bonsai groups to gain hands-on experience in choosing plants, pots and tools. The Inland Empire Bonsai Society meets the third Sunday of the month at the Manito Education Center. Call (509) 455-9576 or visit: www.inlandbonsai.com

See good bonsai

On Sundaythe Inland Empire Bonsai Society will host its annual show at the Manito Park Education Center just east of the Gaiser Conservatory from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along with a number of trees displayed, experienced bonsai growers will have plants, pots and other bonsai supplies for sale.

The Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection in Federal Way, Wash., was established in 1989 by the Weyerhaeuser Company as a Washington State Bicentennial project celebrating ties the company has with trading partners in Japan and China. The collection of around 100 trees is on the grounds of the company’s headquarters, and it is considered one of the best in the world outside Asia.

The exhibit is near the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 18. Visit www.weyerhaeuser.com for opening hours and directions.

Reads and References

•”Bonsai, Illustrated Guide to an Ancient Art”, Sunset Books, Lane Publishing Co. This is a good beginner’s book which covers all the basics one needs to know to get started.

•”The Art of Bonsai” (formerly “The Japanese Art of Miniature Trees andLandscapes”) by Yuji Yoshimura & G. Halford. This was probably the first good English language book on bonsai, and it is still an excellent resource.

•”Basic Bonsai Design” by David De Groot. Published by the American Bonsai Society, this book is available from their online service at http://www.absbonsai.org/. De Groot’s book strictly deals with the artistic element of bonsai design; it does not discuss any seasonal care or other horticultural requirements.