Minutes of the October 2, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study

Present:   

       Larry Benjamin, Claire Conner, Mary Conner, Mike Cope, John Deguara, Darren Demis, Mary Hesser,

               Bruce Kennedy, Jimmie Lyon and Kevin Mann, Bob Mortenson, Faye Mortenson, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield

Location:    Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, Indiana

Program:

              The theme of this meeting was tropical bonsai (since, with the changing of the seasons, our attention will be indoors

soon, if not already). Mike Cope brought three of his fine tropical bonsai for us to see: a Bougainvillea, a pomegranate and

a very nice (probably, "tiger bark") Ficus. Also, although not tropicals, Kevin Mann brought two great Linton's purchases:

a Juniper and a dwarf Hinoki Cypress.

      During the business portion of the meeting Larry informed members that he has been able to book a former member,

Cat Nelson, as well as an Indy bonsai professional, Scott Yelich, as our guest artists at our first 2023 meeting February 5.

Their topic will be tropical bonsai. Larry also let members know that plans are proceeding with the construction of a new

facility at Wellfield Botanic Garden in Elkhart. Larry was even given the opportunity to meet wth them to offer some

suggestions on its design. This will be able to serve as the location of a bonsai show again in Elkhart upon its completion

(scheduled for 2024 but, as these projects often go, more than likely, 2025).

     Two members brought guests with them to the meeting. Mary Conner brought her daughter, Claire, and Jimmie Lyon

brought a friend interested in bonsai, Darren Demis.

     One highlight of the meeting was a raffle from which members were able to get free tropicals: Portulacaria afra,

Bougainvillea and (one) small-leafed Natal Plum. Ten people got trees to take home.

     Lastly, those who were interested went on a walk along some of the trails that Larry maintains through the back,

wooded portion of his 65 acres. We took an approximately hour hike on this beautiful fall day before everyone departed.