Minutes of the March 5, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study

Present:      Larry Benjamin,  Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, Mary Conner, Mike Cope, John Deguara, John DeMaegd,

                       Darren Demis, Betty Foltz, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich and Wanda Walker

Location:    Linton's Enchanted Gardens

Program:

             The meeting began with a business meeting. Larry reported the current balance in our account - the highest ever at

this point in the calendar year. Next, Larry distributed a proposed revision to our club charter which John DeMaegd and

Mary Hesser had put together with Larry previously. After some discussion, it was moved and seconded that we adopt the

revised version of the club charter. The motion passed.

      We then turned to the topic at hand: bonsai technique planning - especially as it is related to this time of year. Larry

quoted advice from two sources. First, he turned to material in a "Bonsai Care and Maintance" guide which had been put

together from edited Fort Wayne Newsletter reports written by Ed Hake. Topics addressed included insect pests, repotting,

pruning and fertilization. Then, Larry quoted an article written by Ross Clark in the most recent issue of the American

 Bonsai Society Journal (Vol. 57, No. 1). Ross pointed out the use of dormant oil to control to control insect pests (before the

buds begin swelling). In addition, Ross noted that winter, when the structure of deciduous trees is most easily observed, is

the best time to trim them both to mintain compactness and create ramification.

rees to      Next we took a break to enjoy the delicious treats that both John DeMaegd and Wanda Walker had brought. This also

us to visit and discuss things - not all of which involved bonsai ! (Lots of comments were about the food.)

      Finally, the meeting concluded with a demonstration of wiring technique by John DeMaegd. And, everyone was

reminded to bring trees that need attention - especially repotting - to the April meeting at the home of Mike Cope in Bremen.