Minutes
2012 Minutes
Minutes of the January 15, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Bruce Kennedy, John Demaegd Mary Morgan, Cat Nelson, Sue Salach and Ruth Yeomans
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Snacks: Ruth Yeomans (Quite a a spread. Thank you Ruth !)
Program: Video (DVD) on bonsai repotting
Business: We discussed plans for upcoming Michiana Bonsai Study meetings.
Feb.: Larry reported that he had been in contact with Paul Weishaar in Indianapolis (a former member of the Wellfield club) who has presented programs on choosing a pot for your bonsai. Those present agreed that bringing Paul up for our Feb. meeting would be an appropriate use of our funds. Larry will go ahead and contact Paul.
March: We are still on track to make hypertufa pots (at Linton's). A list of materials to bring will be sent out in February.
April: John reported that he had been able to get the go-ahead for specimen collecting in April (the 15th) the site of an old nursery near North Liberty. To respect the privacy of the owners, we will meet in North Liberty (the site will be disclosed later) and drive in a "caravan" to the collection site. Also, we will each need to bring our own snack and/or beverage choices.
May - November: No changes to what is posted on our "Local Events" web page .. as yet. (Larry will be checking with the Ft. Wyne club to see if we can co-sponsor a workshop by Andy Smith dealing with conifers in June.)
See "Photos from Past Events" for pictures !
Minutes of the February 12, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: My-Shaun Beam, Larry Benjamin, Maggie DeMaegd, John DeMaegd, Bruce Kennady,Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Faye Mortenson, Bob Mortenson, Cheryl Owens, David Rogers, Marcia Rogers, Erik Runyon, Logan Runyon, Sue Salach, Bob Trimmer, Thelma Trimmer, Paul Weishaar and Ruth Yeomans
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Snacks: Kathy Lee (Lots of good food for lots of people! Thank you Kathy.)
Program: Paul Weishaar, a long-time bonsai enthusiast with an extensive résumé, presented a program on "Choosing a Pot For Your Bonsai". He started out with a history of bonsai pots, beginning in ancient China long before the term "bonsai" was coined in Japan. Although there are pots for training bonsai, Paul's information was confined to display pots. Although he listed different materials from which bonsai pots can be made, Paul listed several basic traits which they should adhere to:
1) All bonsai pots must have one or mre drainage holes - and no low points points where water can collect.
(2) All feet should touch the (flat) supporting surface.
(3) Pots should not be glazed on the inside.
(4) Ceramic pots should be high fired.
Paul then proceeded to show us, using a beautiful collection of live, potted bonsai specimens as well as diagrams, how different style bonsai should be potted. Paul then related pot color to specific plant types (conifers, evergreens, deciduous, flowering and tropical specimens. He finished by giving tips on how to select the side that should be considered the front.
PS
Indiana locations at which you can buy bonsai pots:
Bonsai by Fields, Indianapolis, (317) 439-0678 (by appt. only)
Eagle Creek Bonsai, Indianapolis, (317) 471-7696
Bending Branch Bonsai, Winona Lake, (574) 377-9156
See "Photos from Past Events" for pictures !
Minutes of the March 11, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: My-Shaun Beam, Larry Benjamin, Michele Curtis, Maggie DeMaegd, John DeMaegd, Bruce Kennady, Mary Morgan, Cat Nelson, Erik Runyon (& sons), and Sue Salach
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Snacks: Sue Salach (Thank you for the delicious treats!)
Program: Hypertufa pot construction. Most of us made hypertufa pots from Portland cement, peat moss, Perlite, reinforcing fibers and acrylic concrete fortifier. Erik Runyon took honors with the most pots and Bruce Kennedy the biggest! (We will have to wait to hear how well they survive the process of extraction from their molds.)
PS
Indiana locations at which you can buy bonsai pots:
Bonsai by Fields, Indianapolis, (317) 439-0678 (by appt. only)
Eagle Creek Bonsai, Indianapolis, (317) 471-7696
Bending Branch Bonsai, Winona Lake, (574) 377-9156
Minutes of the April 15, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Bruce Kennady, and Cat Nelson
Location: Old nursery, west of North Liberty, Indiana
Program: We hiked throughout the old nursery seeking trees suitable to transform into bonsai specimens. Three of us were successful, dug and took home trees.
Minutes of the June 10, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Dave Bechtold, Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, Bruce Kennedy, Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Bill Osborne, Norma Osborne, Cheryl Owens, David Rogers, Marcia Rogers, Rick Rogers, and Sue Salach
Location: The home of Cheryl Owens, Elkhart
Refreshments: Beverage, Cheryl Owens; fruit and sweets, Sue Salach
Program: Cheryl demonstrated the initial crafting of both a (windswept)Shimpaku juniper and a pair of dwarf Alberta spruces. Along the way she gave us some valuable hints. For example, she has found that rotating feeding solutions applied once every week in the summer avoids the problem of missing nutrients specifically required by individual species. In addition, Cheryl had photo albums available for those interested in checking out some of the sights she witnessed on several of her trips to Japan.
Minutes of the September 9, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Dave Bechtold, Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Bruce Kennedy, Cat Nelson, Cheryl Owens, Sue Salach, Ruth Yeomans
Location: Home of John DeMaegd, South Bend
Refreshments: John DeMaegd's brownies, coffee & iced tea
Program: We started off with a discussion of various bonsai concerns and then turned our attention to crafting bonsai specimens from (mostly) "raw" stock. We began with a small-leaved crepe myrtle that Larry had purchased at the Chicago show last month. We then tackled a juniper that John had done some work on but which needed (& got) a "master plan" for future development. We finished by giving Bruce some ideas for a crepe myrtle and a juniper that he had brought.
Minutes of the October 14, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Dave Bechtold, Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Bruce Kennedy, Kathy Lee
Location: Brentwood Senior Living Center
Refreshments: Kathy Lee (incl. her great Apple-Rhubarb Dump Cake!)
Program: Larry narrated his pictures of the 2012 Chicago Show - including Cat's Award of Merit winning Natal plum, while Dave operated the (old) DVD player. After a break to enjoy "seconds" of Kathy's treats, Larry then ran his slide show of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington DC. John also ran a raffle where two bonsai gifts from Cheryl were won by Dave and Larry. (Thanks Cheryl.)
Before everyone left Larry made two announcements regarding next month's meeting. First, he said that he'd have enough to eat to make it unnecessary for you to eat lunch before coming on November 11. So, we'll meet at 1:00, lest you get too hungry. Secondly, he asked that we all think of meeting topics for 2013 and bring them to discuss when we meet. Both Dave and John had some good ideas already. Be sure to bring yours so we can discuss them in November.
Minutes of the November 11, 2012 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Bruce Kennedy, Mary Morgan, Cat Nelson, Cheryl Owens, Sue Salach
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol
Refreshments: (Lunch) Rose & Larry Benjamin
Program: We started with a discussion of plans for 2013. The (somewhat tentative) schedule we came up with is as follows:
| Month | Location | Program |
|---|---|---|
| * January | Lintons | Shohin bonsai (by Cat Nelson) |
| * February | Lintons | Japanese Gardens (by Cheryl Owens) |
| * March | Lintons | ? (by Paul Weishaar) |
| April | Potawamini Park | Bonsai Exhibition (by our club) |
| May | Meijer Gardens | Michigan All-State Show |
| * June | ? | Repotting (BYOT - bring your own tree) |
| July | Kittles (Huntertown) | Ft. Wayne auction & picnic |
| August | Chicago Botanic Gardens | Chicago Show |
| * September | ? | Bonsai Styling (BYOT) |
| * October | ? | Video from Larry's Bonsai Tour of America |
| * November | Home of Larry Benjamin | Wiring (BYOT) |
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* NOTE: We need people to volunteer to bring snacks for these meetings. Please email Larry. Next, we held our annual election of officers. It was moved, seconded and approved that we retain the same officers for 2013 as those in office in 2012. Finally, it was announced that Cat Nelson had authored a book: Introduction to Bonsai Pots. Cat passed around several copies for us to see (and, buy). Cheryl then guided us as we worked on the day's activity: needle pruning. It was pointed out that, after needle pruning, wiring may be done. Also, we learned that needle pruning should commence from the top. (If you don't get the job completed, the bottom could experience die-off if only it has been pruned.) Cheryl demonstrated on the Ponderossa Pine that she had brought while Cat worked on a fairly large Scotts Pine which she had brought. Meanwhile, Larry did a little work on a Mugho Pine he had purchased at Cheryl's sale.
2013 Minutes
Minutes of the January 11, 20113 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Dave Bechtold, Larry Benjamin, David Demaegd, Bruce Kennedy, Mary Morgan, and Cat Nelson
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Program: Cat presented a program on Shoin bonsai. Throughout, she contrasted Shoin with Mame bonsai. For those who could not attend, she recommended the book, Majesty in Minature , Shoin Bonsai, Unlocking the Secrets of Small Trees, by Morten Albek.
Minutes of the February 10, 20113 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Dave Bechtold, Larry Benjamin, Greg Campbell, Sylvia Campbell, Bruce Kennedy, Kathy Lee, MaryMorgan, Cat Nelson, and Emma Wynn
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Program: American Bonsai Society (Power Point) Presentation:
"Tips of the Trade"
— fertilizing
— watering
— moss / roots
— Shari / Jin
— soil
"Wiring Basics"
Minutes of the March 10, 20113 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, Greg Campbell, John DeMaegd, Mark Fields, Ken Fisher Ed Hake, Bruce Kennedy, Darlene Kittle, Jerry Kittle, Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Sue Salach, and Paul Weishaar
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Refreshments: Kathy Lee
Program: Mark Fields presented a program on the repotting of decidious bonsai (assisted by Paul Weishaar). Mark brought a Chinese elm at least 30 inches high with an impressive trunk which he repotted to demonstrate. After removing the tree from the pot, Mark showed how to angle the root scissors about 45° downward so that the new roots would tend to grow down, instead of upward. Mark used his favorite potting material, akadama, in repotting - mounding it up in the center where he had removed much of the roots. He reminded us to pot the tree off-center, with the branches centered over the pot. (An exception would be a slanted or cascaded tree.) As he used a stick to pack in the akadama, Mark emphasized the need to insert the stick and rotate it, not just poke and poke it in at many locations, thus doing unnecessary damage to the roots. After the akadama had been compacted, Mark watered the tree until the water draining from the pot no longer contained "silt" from the potting material. He cautioned us to be sure that we didn't place newly repotted trees where the water would freeze (for at least three weeks). After his demonstration, Mark offered trees, pots, wire and potting "soil" for sale.
Minutes of the April 28, 20113 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Bruce Kennedy, and Cheryl Owens ( with guest appearances prior to the meeting by Dave Bechtold and Cat Nelson)
Location: Home of Cheryl Owens
Refreshments: Cheryl
Program: This was a do-it-yourself, BYOT (bring your own tree) workshop. Everyone brought trees and worked on them . Larry brough a Chinese elm (which Rose, his wife, worked on) as well as a juniper. (Larry wants to thank John for his valuable help in resurecting this unattended tree and helping to make it respectable.) Bruce worked on a big Schefflera, Cheryl re-potted a Ponderosa pine and a boxwood, and John got some work done (when he wasn't helping others) on one of two Shimpaku junipers he brought.
Minutes of the September 8, 2013 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Greg & Sylvia Campbell, John Deguara, David Demaegd, Cat Nelson and Cheryl Owens
Location: Home of John DeMaegd
Program: Each participant brought at least one specimen to get ideas for and / or work on. Everyone seemed to go away with some valuable improvements as well as the opinion that this kind of activity should become a regular one for our club.
Minutes of the October 20, 2013 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Brade Davis, Erik Franko, Bruce Kennedy, and Bill & Norma Osborne
Location: East Lake Terrace Senior Living Center, Bristol Street, Elkhart
Program: Larry showed the video he had made of Bill Valavanis' International Bonsai Arboretum in Rochester, New York. In addition, we discussed methods of storing bonsai for the winter as well as several other topics brought up in the video. Brad and Erik each brought their Ficus and sought advice for their development as bonsai.
See photo at bottom of page!
Minutes of the November 17, 2013 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Jason Bittle, John Deguara, Bruce Kennedy, Cat Nelson and Bill & Norma Osborne
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol , Indiana
Program: We started out "visiting" as we ate lunch: assorted veggies with Beau Monde dip, crackers with cheese spread, sloppy joes, butternut squash soup, black bean chili, fudge and lemon bars - all washed down with fresh apple cider. Then, for those who had not been able to attend the October meeting, Larry showed the video he had made of Bill Valavanis' International Bonsai Arboretum in Rochester, New York. This was followed by a short business meeting in which the the motion to maintain the present officers in 2014 was passed. Cat Nelson then provided us with a wealth of information on wiring bonsai. She stressed that knowing the characteristics of of what you are working with (the wire as well as the plant) is essential. Following strict "rules" is neither necessary nor prudent. Cat demonstrated techniques using a Scots pine that she is beginning to train. The suggestion was made that we do BYOT wiring program next November, an ideal time to wire bonsai.
2015 Minutes
Minutes of the January 11, 2015 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, David Demaegd, Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Bill Osborne and Norma Osborne
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Program: The meeting began with some hot mulled cider while we talked, paid dues and perused our club library to check out books and magazines to read over the next couple of winter months. The first order of business was just that - some needed club business. Larry had gone over our club charter and found a number of places he suggested we edit it to bring it in line with current practice. After a short discussion, those present voted to incorporate those changes in an ammended charter. Since our charter requires that changes be approved at two consecutive meetings, we will vote on this again in February. Next, we voted to retain our past dues assessment amounts in 2015. Finally, we decided to make our February topic bonsai maintenance, including factors such as watering, fertilizing, rotation, and other practices necessary to keep our trees healthy.
The topic of the day was bonsai wiring. We viewed and discussed an ABS Power Point presentation on wiring, which covered the basics. Both John and Kathy cited website locations (blogs) which gave tips on wiring technique. So, for those of you who missed the meeting and want information on wiring, do a Goggle search and see what you cn find.
Minutes of the February 8, 2015 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Vicki Boyle, Tori Fehr, Suzanne Gray, Mary Hesser, Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Bill Osborne and Norma Osborne, Cheryl Owens and Sue Salach
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Program: The meeting began with several orders of business. First, changes to the club's charter passed at the January meeting were passed again. In accordance with the charter, these changes now take effect. (The revised charter can now be reviewed on this website. See the "Club Charter" button on the home page.) Essentially, the changes approved eliminate the office of treasurer and add the treasurer's responsibilities to those of the president. An additional change to the charter was moved and passed. It states, "On the seconded motion by any two members, an independent audit of the club's finances will be taken." This change will also go into effect when passed at the March meeting.
As there were several new potential members present (two of whom, Vicki Boyle and Mary Hesser, became members), Larry reviewed the general schedule of events the club follows. These include outside events in which the club participates. He stressed the special opportunity offered by one such event this year: the 2015 convention of the Mid-America Bonsai Alliance (MABA), July 10 - 12 in Indianapolis. He strongly recommended that members check the website MABA2015.com to keep abreast of the details so that they have a chance to take in this rare chance to enhance their knowledge of the art of bonsai.
The topic of this meeting was the care and maintenance of bonsai. Rather than offer verbage, Larry presented a 20 page booklet he had printed up which gives month-by-month tips on what to do to care for your bonsai. These were excerpts from a column carried in the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club newsletter written by Ed Hake which Larry edited. Copies are now available to members on a first come, first served basis until the supply runs out. (Eight copies remain !)
Finally, we must thank Kathy Lee for the refreshments which she brought to the meeting. They were scrumptous!!! If you would be willing to take a turn and bring refreshments at a future meeting, please email Larry ([email protected]).
Minutes of the March 8, 2015 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Vicki Boyle, John DeMaegd, Tori Fehr, Betty & Jack Foltz, Suzanne Gray, Rita Henehan, Bruce Kennedy, Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Bill & Norma Osborne, Cheryl Owens, Susan Safford, Sue Salach, Paul Weishaar and Al Wesley
Location: Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, County Road 17, Elkhart
Program: President Larry Benjamin began the meeting with a short business meeting. He reported the current balance in the club's treasury as $735.31. Following the second passage of a change of our club charter consolidating responsibilities to a single officer (the president), an additional change was passed for the second consecutive meeting, as provided in the charter to amnend it. As passed, the change states that, "On the seconded motion by any two members, an independent audit of the club's finances will be taken." (See "Club Charter" for the complete and current version of the charter.)
Next, Sue Salach moved and Kathy Lee seconded the following resolution, which passed unanimously: "Be it resolved that on this 8th day of March, 2015, the members of the Michiana Bonsai Study, in recognition of her years of support of the art of bonsai for those in Michiana, do hereby confer upon Cheryl Owens the title and honor of Michiana Bonsai Study Sensei Emeritus, entitling her to lifelong membership in our club." Larry then presented Cheryl with a framed copy of the resolution along with two pictures, one of Cheryl working on a tree at one of our meetings and another of one of Cheryl's bonsai trees.
During the the remainder of the meeting Paul Weishaar, a bonsai artist from Indianapolis, demonstrated how he chose to develop a Chinese elm which he had collected several years ago. Paul included considerations such as the choice of a front, which branches to remove and which to retain, and the creation of carved dead wood, which he demonstrated using his die grinder. He hopes to bring the tree back in a couple of years to let us see how it has grown and developed according to his vision.
Minutes of the April 12, 2015 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Bill Osborne and Norma Osborne, and Sue Salach
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol
Refreshments: Rose Benjamin
Program: The focus of this meeting was bonsai soil. Larry had researched the topic and provided members with five sources of information, including various formulations of ingredients. He encouraged participants to peruse the options and choose the recipe(s) that they wanted to put together. The following materials were available to create the chosen mixtures: Akadama, black lava rock, turkey grit, pine bark mulch and milled sphagam peat moss. The previously unsorted akadama was sifted to obtain the desired size particles. The bag of pine bark mulch (purchased at Meijers) was composed of primarily large pieces. In order to get the smaller size needed, Larry use his lawn mower, collecting the chopped up pine bark in the bag. Then, we used the screen sets again to remove the particles that were either too small or too large. With all of the ingredients in hand, members created the mixture(s) they had chosen and put them in one gallon zip loc bags to take home.
Photos from the meeting (courtesy of Mary Morgan):
Minutes of the June 14, 2015 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Bill Osborne, Norma Osborne, and Cheryl Owens
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol
Refreshments: Larry Benjamin
Program: This was a "BYOT" ( bring your own tree ) event. So, we all brought trees to work on. Cheryl worked on a Mexican pine that she has had since 1975. Bill and Norma got help from John working on their junipers. Larry did a little work on his trident maple, shimpaku juniper and crape myrtle. Although it was quite humid, the rain held off and we took a break a little over half way through the meeting to have some "brownie brittle" and lemonade. Larry reminded everyone of next month's MABA convention in Indianapolis and encouraged everyone to try to attend - even if just for one day. (Go to "www.MABA2015.com". In addition, Larry reminded everyone that our club activity for July is to join the Fort Wayne club for their auction and picnic at the home of their president, Darlene Kittle, on July 18.
Minutes of the September 13, 2015 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Bill Osborne, Norma Osborne, and Susan Salach
Location: Home of John DeMaegd, South Bend
Refreshments: John DeMaegd
Program: This was a "BYOT" ( bring your own tree ) event. John had a nice size, collected juniper which he pruned. Larry brought what he thought were two trees he had purchased from Weigerts last winter: a tiger bark Ficus as well as a Bougainvillea. Both were in plastic nursery pots. Larry had brought several pots from which to choose and the first task was to pick which pot for which plant. It turned out that the Bougainvillea was actually two trees, so three pots were needed. When the choices were made, the Ficus and two Bougainvilleas were potted (with help from John).
In addition to the work on trees, John showed everyone his trees. And, those present got a chance to borrow some of the bonsai magazines that Larry had brought to the meeting. All in all, the meeting turned into an educational, as well as productive, event - certainly in keeping with our club's name.
Minutes of the November 15, 2015 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, Greg Campbell, Sylvia Campbell, John DeMaegd, Kathy Lee, Jeff Moore, Bill Osborne, and Norma Osborne
Location & Refreshments: Larry & Rose Benjamin, Bristol
Program: After socializing and taking a look at Larry's collection of exotic animals and bonsai, we took time to eat lunch. The menu included: appetizers of bacon-wrapped stuffed dates, cheese-topped potato skins, a veggie plate with Beau Monde dip, and a fruit plate. Main course items included pulled pork sandwiches, tomato bisque soup, and Rose's homemade chili and butternut squash soup. Desserts offered choices of rosemary-chocolate cookies from Kathy Lee and Larry's fudge and lemon bars. Following lunch we viewed a ~ 40 minute video that Larry made of the Merritt Lake bonsai collection in Oakland, California. Before leaving Larry pointed out the unique opportunity available to members this coming spring (May 12 - 15): the American Bonsai Society / Michigan All State Show at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan, encouraging everyone to reserve these dates on their calendars.
2016 Minutes
Minutes of the February 7, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Justin Jay, Christy Koch, Mike Koch, Emma Koch, Julia Koch, Ethan Koch, Kathy Lee, Jeremy Obenchain, Stephanie Obenchain, Joe Piscione & Kyong Piscione
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Refreshments: Kathy Lee
Program: After enjoying Kathy's treats and getting to know each other, we took care of some club business. Larry Benjamin was re-elected president. He gave a report of the current balance in the club's treasury. Larry also presented a proposed schedule of activities for 2016. He suggested adding a field trip to Benedict's Nursery near Nappanee, which features a wide selection of dwarf & unusual conifers. Larry had several possible dates which Benedict's had said would work. From these we chose May 7 for the field trip.
Larry reported that a reporter had contacted him about doing an article and distrbuted copies of "The Paper" which published the story. He also showed everyone the booklet covering bonsai care & maintenance which he had published last year. Larry then distributed excerpts from that booklet covering January - April in order to provide attendees with a winter care & maintenance reference (the meeting's topic). The bulk of the meeting was spent discussing that topic as well as addressing some concerns that were brought up.
During the meeting Larry emphasized that everyone should try to attend our two premier events this year: next month's meeting, where Mark Fields from Indianapolis will give us a demonstration on trident maple styling and, the American Bonsai Convention which will be held at Meijer Gardens May 13 - 15 this year.
Minutes of the March 13, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Dave Bechtold, Larry Benjamin, Marcia Chambers, John DeMaegd, Mark Fields, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kenned, Christy Koch, Mike Koch, Kathy Lee, Mary Morgan, Jeremy Obenchain, Stephanie Obenchain, Bill Osborne, Norma Osborne, Katherine Radican, Ted VanderBeek and Paul Weishaar
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Refreshments: Larry Benjamin and Kathy Lee
Program: Mark Fields, bonsai artist from Indianapolis, demonstrated how to repot and style trident maples. In addition, as he worked, Mark answered a variety of questions concerning the care of bonsai in general. The trident maple that Mark primarily worked on was a fairly large maple that Larry had acquired this past summer. (See photos below.)
Minutes of the April 10, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Andrew Hurst, Justin Jay and Bruce Kennedy
Location: Abandoned nursery near North Liberty, Indiana
Program: After meeting at a bank in North Liberty, five of us proceeded to go to an abandoned nursery outside of town. We scouted the area and four of us found trees to dig and bring home to style into yamadori. It rained all afternoon! Below is a photo of the four hearty souls with their prizes.
Minutes of the May 7, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John Deguara, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Andrew Hurst, Norma Osborne, Paul Weishaar, and Deanna Young
Location: Benedict's Nursery near Nappanee, Indiana
Refreshments: Rose Benjamin
Program: We were welcomed by Esther from Benedict's who showed us around before setting us free to examine the many miniature plants that they had for sale. Some bought dwarf conifers, one a Hokkaido elm, with its tiny leaves, several purchased accent plants, but everyone bought something to take home. Half of us had to get somewhere else but John Deguara, Jack & Betty Foltz and Larry met at a Mexican restuarant in Nappanee for lunch.
Minutes of the June 12, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Justin Joy, Steve Moore and Mary Morgan
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin near Bristol, Indiana
Program: We worked on our trees.. Justin brought several "urban yamadori" which he needed to start transforming into bonsai. Mary repotted her ponytail palm. John DeMaegd helped John Deguara wire a nice shimpaku juniper. And, John again provided his wiring skill as he and Larry worked on Larry's shimpaku phoenix graft.
Minutes of the September 18, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Justin Joy
Location: Home of John DeMaegd
Program: Although a very small group, we each had a chance to either plan for or actually work on the development of our trees. And, before leaving, we enjoyed the chocolate brownies that John had made.
Minutes of the October 9, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Kathy Lee, Gail Monroe and Ginger Thorne
Program: The meeting started with a discussion of the opportunity for our club to have an exhibit at the Master Gardeners garden tour in Middlebury July 8, 2017. Although this falls on the weekend of the MABA (Mid-America Bonsai Alliance) Cenvention, which Larry strongly recommended all of those interested in bonsai attend, John said that, since the convention will be held July 7 and 8, and he will only be attending the first day, he would be avilable to man the exhibit. Thus, it was agreed that we would participate in the garden tour.
The dicussion then turned to Fall care and winter storage of our specimens. Watering, fertilization (or, lack thereof) and protection from wind and low temperatures was discussed. In addition, Larry offered all attendees a handout covering bonsai care from October through December.
Before departing everyone had some local apple cider and a Krispy Creme donut and was reminded that next month's meeting (November 13) at Larry's home will start at 1:00 with lunch served.
Minutes of the November 13, 2016 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry & Rose Benjamin, John & Gwen DeMaegd, Andrew Hurst and Paul & Judy Weishaar
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin
Program: Larry played a video of Elandan Gardens, the collection of bonsai artist Dan Robinson, in Bremerton, Washington. Dan was gracious enough to give us a narrated tour of his wonderful collection of trees in 2014 when Larry & Rose visited after the Golden State convention in Sacramento, CA. In addition, we all enjoyed visiting and sharing a meal.
2018 Minutes
Minutes of the February 4, 2018 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Valerie Golden, Mary Hesser, Sofia Ivanova, Justin Joy, Kathy Lee and Mark Rennis
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Program: Displayed on the tables in the meeting area were four Juniper bonsai trees. Larry described the conditions of the 2018 club giveaway program through which those trees will be awarded to club members. Basically, the trees will be awarded to previous members who attend club meetings via random drawings.
The first part of the educational portion of the meeting consisted of a discussion of bonsai soil. Samples of six common components of bonsai soil were available for examination and the contribution of each was discussed. Attention was focused upon the relative values of Turface and akadama.
After a break for refreshments and an opportunity for attendees to become members (which, all did !), John DeMaegd demonstrated the improvement of his Korean spruce through the selective pruning of its branches. (See photo below.)
Minutes of the March 4, 2018 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Cody Chilson, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Valerie Golden, Suzanne Gray, Mary Hesser, Sofia Ivanova, Bruce Kennedy, Kathy Lee, Mark Rennis, Wanda Walker, and, our presenter, John Cerovski
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Refreshments: Mary Hesser
Program: At the outset we held a brief business meeting at which we voted to purchase potting media as well as a white board. Members were reminded that these will be available for their use at any of our next three BYOT meetings.
Our guest presenter, John Cerovski, started by demonstrating how to remove wire from a tree using an American larch from Larry which was due to have its wire removed. Then, John turned his attention to some styling suggestions. He used trees that he had brought to illustrate principals such as trunk development, nebari and branch development.
During a break in John's presentatrion we held a drawing for the first of four trees which will be awarded to m embers this year. The winner of the first tree was Valerie Golden. (See photo below.)
Minutes of the April 8, 2018 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Cody Chilson, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, and Mary Hesser
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol
Refreshments: Betty Foltz
Program: Before starting to work on our trees we enjoyed Betty's refreshments and "visited". Larry exhibited his suiseki with the diaza he made for it. Then, we moved from the dining room into the garage and worked on our trees - mainly repotting them.
Midway through our endeavors Larry held two drawings. The first was to determine whether this would be a meeting at which one of the three remaining 2018 giveaway trees was to be awarded. By this means it was decided that a tree was indeed to be given away. The second drawing, to determine the winner, resulted in the name of the lucky recipient: Cody Chilson. Cody picked one of the junipers (see the photo by clicking on Trees on the home page) and, with John's guidance, did some pruning and wiring on it.
We all had lot to do and it was well after 4:00 when we decided to call it a day. With the late spring we agreed that we will have plenty to do as we continue our work next month. And, as everyone was about to depart, Larry reminded everyone that he will report on his trip to the ABS convention in Collinsville, Illinois, at the May meeting.
Minutes of the May 6, 2018 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John Cerovski, Cody Chilson, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Mary Hesser, Kathy Lee, and Wanda Walker
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol
Refreshments: Mary Hesser
Program: Upon arrival, attendees were given a look at Larry's garden planting of 31 trees, most over china plates, to enhance their growth, increasing trunk girth while keeping their roots shallow. He also exhibited the three trees he worked on in workshops at the April Collinsville, IL, ABS convention.
Then, everyone had a chance to get some spring work done on their trees. Kathy repotted a Bougainvillea with nice small leaves. John Cerovski trimmed back some of the vigorous growth in a very nice Amur maple. Mary repotted and pruned her little shohin and others did a variety of things to their trees.
Midway through our work Larry had his five year old granddaughter draw to determine if one of the two remaining 2018 giveaway trees was to be awarded at this meeting. The result was, "no".
Eventually, we took a break to eat the fine refreshments that Mary had brought. These were enhanced by cheese and crackers which Wanda had brought as well. It was quite a feast! And, while we ate we had a chance to carry on some interesting and informative discussions. By the time we finished "dining", it was almost 4:00. A few of us did some final work on our trees and then said "goodbye".
Minutes of the June 3, 2018 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Cody Chilson, John DeMaegd, and Mary Hesser
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol
Refreshments: Rose & Larry Benjamin
Program: This was a BYOT event. Mary arrived a little late after coming all the way from the Bloomington area where her son had just gotten married. (Congratulations !) The other three of us worked on trees. Cody re-potted the tree that he won in April. John re-potted a variegated Ficus while Larry worked on his American larch and a trunk-over-rock trident maple. Later, we stopped for refreshments and flipped a coin to determine whether a tree was to be awarded that day. (With 2 trees remaining and 4 meetings, the chances were 50-50.) Unfortunately for John and Mary (those eligible), the call was heads but it came up tails. So, with only three remaining meetings, there will be a 2 out of 3 chances that a tree will be awarded in September!
Minutes of the September 2, 2018 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Cody Chilson, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Tatyana Troutman, and Paul Weishaar
Location: Home of John DeMaegd, South Bend
Refreshments: Gwen DeMaegd
Program: Before doing some (limited) work on our trees John gave us a "tour" of his bonsai collection. This included a look at the (3) trees that he will exhibit at the Hidden Lake Gardens "Art of Bonsai" exhibition on September 16. We then proceded to have a drawing to see who would get one of our 2018 giveaway trees. John was the lucky winner. (See the photo by clicking "Trees" on our home page.) Tree work included some initial work (pruning) on a winter hazel which Larry had purchased from Bill Valavanis at this spring's Michigan All State show. Soon we were happy to go inside to the air conditioning on this hot afternoon for some delicious (and, healthy) snacks prepared by John's wife, Gwen. Conversation included the showing of bonsai at both the Elkhart County Fair and the Indiana State Fair.
Minutes of the November 11, 2018 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Betty & Jack Foltz,, Mary Hesser, Sofia Ivanova, Kathy Lee, J. D. Nafziger, Mark Rennie,Wanda and Dave Walker, and Judy & Paul Weishaar
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, Indiana
Refreshments: Rose & Larry Benjamin
Program: The focus of this meeting was food and socialization. We did take time to re-elect Larry as president for 2019. Also, Larry reported that he has been in touch with Jack Sustic, former direstor of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington, DC, to be our guest presenter in 2019. He also is negotiating with Lintons Enchanted Gardens to hold our February and March 3 meetings there. One last tree from our 2018 tree giveaway remained. It was won by Betty Foltz.
2022 Minutes
Minutes of the February 2, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Lisa Chilik, Mike Cope, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Craig Kirkwood, Bill Lee, Sue Lee, Kevin Mann, and Dave Taber
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Program: We discussed several points of business during this meeting. Larry announced that our club's bank account is at an all-time high going into the 2022 year. He also noted that anyone who needs a bonsai pot can get one at our March meeting where our guest presenter, Mark Fields, will bring pots for those who need them. In order for Mark to bring pots to fill our needs, anyone who is interested should send Larry the specifications (size, preferred shape, glazed or unglazed, color, if glazed, etc.) of what they are looking for within the next week. Larry will tabulate and forward this info to Mark who will then bring appropriate pots to the March meeting.
Larry also let members know that there is still a question of whether or not there will be a Wellfield Botanic Garden bonsai show this summer. Thor RV Corporation has been approached for the needed financial support. We should get some feedback on this in February.
There was also a discussion of how our website could be improved. It was suggested that the background color for the pages be tan. And, yellow print was reported to be hard to read. (Larry has tried to change the yellow print and background color of the pages - except on the Minutes pages, like this, where too many pages would have had to be changed.)
In addition to discussing pots, the program included demonstrations of the pruning of junipers by both John and Larry as well as a little pruning of a 'Chojubai" Japanese flowering quince by Larry to help it develop. (In terms of bonsai pot selection, it should be noted that the Journal of the American Bonsai Society is addressing this with the first of a series of articles in Volume 55, No. 4, which came out at the end of last year.)
Minutes of the March 6, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Lisa Chilik, Mary Conner, Mike Cope, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Mark Fields, Pat Guido, Mary Hesser, Andrew Hsu, Eddie Hsu, Rebecca Hsu, Bruce Kennedy, Craig Kirkwood, Bill Lee, Sue Lee, Kevin Mann, Steve Moore, Bob Mortenson, Jim Short, Kathy Sproatt, Dave Tabor, Wanda Walker and Paul Weishaar
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Program: The meeting started with a brief business meeting in which Larry announced that the club's treasury now contains the highest balance ever. He also asked for volunteers to bring refreshments to future meetings (a plea that was met by Al Whitfield, who said that he would supply them for the next meeting, April 3, at Larry's house). Larry reported that he has solicited local businesses for help to fund a tent for a 2022 Wellfield bonsai show. While he has had no luck to date, he said that he was still looking. The suggestion was made that Amazon be contacted (since they will be building a large distribution in Elkhart in the months ahead). Larry said that he would try to find a person to contact at Amazon.
Before Mark Fields began his demonstration we took a break for refreshments. Then, Mark began by showing how the potted trident maples Larry had been growing were taken out of the pot, cleared of soil and root pruned. This provided Mark with a thirteenth tree with which to work. He then showed how the large forest pot had been prepared with mesh over the drainage holes and tie-down wires inserted where they could hold the trees in place. He then covered the bottom of the pot with acadama bonsai soil and started to place the trees where he wanted them in the pot. He started with the largest, placing it toward the front and off to one side a bit. He then plced the others, from largest to smallest, where they could grow without interferring with one another and create a taper toward the sides (approximating a scalene triangle). Mark then used the wires to secure the trees in place, being sure to attach the two ends of each wire to one another. After adding more "soil" to the pot, Mark began the process of pruning off unwanted branches - especially those in the interior where their leaves would not get adequate light. He also removed any low branches that might obscure the visibility of the trunks of trees to the rear. The photo below shows the finished product (in fron of Larry & Mark).
Minutes of the April 3, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, David Bohn, Lisa Chilik, Mike Cope, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Pat Guido, Mary Hesser, Craig Kirkwood, Bill Lee, Sue Lee, Kevin Mann, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, Indiana
Program: Although the temperature had rebounded to around 50 degrees, we met in Larry's garage, where it was a little warmer. Larry began with some announcements as part of club business. First, he announced that, due to the inability to get needed financial support, the Wellfield Botanic Garden bonsai show will not be held this year. Instead, Larry will meet with Wellfield in the near future to begin making plans for a 2023 show that, hopefully, will be held in the middle of July, 2023, and be similar to the first-rate 2021 show. Larry did mention that 2022 will include a number good opportunities for bonsai enthusiasts, including both spring and fall Fort Wayne shows, the Michigan All-State Show at Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, May 14 / 15, the American Bonsai Society Rendezevous on the River in Olive Branch, Mississippi, May 26-29, the Mid-America Bonsai Alliance show in Milwaukee, June 23-26, the Fort Wayne auction & picnic, July 16, and the Chicago show at the Chicago Botanic Garden, August 19-21. He reminded everyone to check our club website to keep up with all local as well as mid-west activities.
This was re-potting season and that was the focus of our activity. Mary Hesser had brought her nice American larch forest which she re-potted into a very nice Byron Myrick pot that she got at last year's Elkhart show. Lisa Chilik had a nice juniper which she had purchased at BC Bonsai in Illinois. She got it into a nice bonsai pot. John Deguara had brought an American larch which he put into a square pot that really showed off its dimensions. And, Al Whitfield re-potted several of his trees, including one which was pot-bound and really needed it. As we left several members said that they will have trees which will be ready to re-pot at next month's meeting May 1, still at Larry's place.
Minutes of the May 1, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Diane Buday, Lisa Chilik, John Deguara, Bill Lee, Susan Lee, Bob Mortenson, Eddie Hsu, Rebecca Hsu,Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, Indiana
Program: Although it wasn't exactly "warm", we met on the patio at Larry's house. Six of us re-potted trees. Wanda started out by first doing a little pruning and then re-potting a citrus tree with a nice trunk and good movement. Diane brought two of the teees that she had purchased at our club meeting at Linton's last year. She put one, a Mugho pine, into a bonsai pot. (She decided to re-pot the other, later, at home.) John re-potted a root-over-rock trident maple. Bob re-potted a little conifer. Al worked on a Shefflera. Lisa re-potted two trees - a willow and a bald cypress. Eddie brought a tree that he is creating by fusing a bundle of maple whips into a tree with a good-sized trunk. However, it was fine in its growing pot for now.
About a half hour before the meeting concluded we enjoyed a double treat. Lisa brought skewers of fruit and cheese as well as cupcake= sized cheese cake with fruit on top. And, as an added (surprise) treat, Wanda treated us to some Swedish meat balls that her husbond, Dave, had made. All were delicious!
Minutes of the June 5, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Diane Buday, Lisa Chilik, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Jimmie Lyon, Kevin Mann and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, Indiana
Program: The weather was perfect for getting some spring work done on our trees. Re-potting proved to be the main activity. Diane got her nice juniper into a proper bonsai pot. Mary also had brought a juniper to re-pot - a Juniper chinensis 'Sea Green'. Lisa brought several trees but ony re-potted her attractive little Japanese maple. John re-potted a Bougainvillia with nice little leaves. Meanwhile, Kevin had a Ficus which was getting a little "leggy" so he did some needed pruning to bring it back into shape. Al transplanted a white tea into a growing pot. And, he distributed American chestnut seedlings to several members.
There was a little "show-and-tell" at the meeting as well. Al brought a Ficus which he had acquired at the Rendezvous on the River. With a very nice trunk, he brought back a "steal" based on the price that he paid. Larry had three things that he had got from Rendezvous workshops: a dawn redwood, a Satsuki Azalea and a three-tree planting of Harland boxwoods on a rock.
This was our last working meeting until the fall. In July (the 23rd) we are invited to the Ft. Wayne club's auction and picnic. And, in August we hope that as many members as possible will take in the Chicago show at the Chicago Botanical Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.
Minutes of the September 18, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Lisa Chilik, Mary Conner, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Jimmie Lyon and Kevin Mann
Location: Home of John DeMaegd, South Bend, Indiana
Program: Several members brought trees to work on. Lisa had several which got suggestions for development. One, a cascade Juniper, offered several ways to imprive its "cascadianess". Jimmie brought an unknown variety of Ficus that got a trimming that showed immediate imprivement. And, as perhaps the most dramatic event, John used his saw to remove and pot up an air layer of his nice shimpaku Juniper.
Near the end of the meeting John shared his muffins, brownies and fruit salad - all of which tasted great.
Larry reminded everyone not only of next month's meeting (October 2 at his house) where the focus will be on tropical bonsai, with free trees to those interested, but of November's meeting (November 13) at the Ho Ping House Restaurant, 303 S. Dixieway, South Bend, which will be an hour earlier than usual (1:00 instead of 2:00) because we will be eating lunch at this end of year social event.
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.
Minutes of the November 13, 2022 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, David Bohn, William Bohn, Lisa Chilik, Andreea Cope, Mike Cope, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Jimmie Lyon, Kevin Mann, Wanda Walker, Norris Whitfield and Al Whitfield
Location: Ho Ping House Restaurant
Program: We met at the restaurant at 1:00 instead of our usual 2:00 PM because this was an end-of-year luncheon. Before lunch we deposited our "white elephant" raffle gifts on a table and some of us paid our 2023 dues. We then ordered and enjoyed our Chinese cuisine. After lunch Rose picked numbers from a hat to determine the order in which we picked our gift.
Before we departed Larry announced that our 2023 schedule is up on our website. It includes our yearly meeting with our guest speaker, former member Cat Nelson, in February. He also said that the American Bonsai Society annual Learning Seminars (convention) in 2023 will be in Denver and the 2024 one will be at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids (relatively close).
2023 Minutes
Minutes of the February 5, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Ruth Barry, Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, John Cervowski, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich, Janie Minick, Steve Moore, Cat Nelson, Steve Smith, Janice Taylor, Paul Weishaar, Al Whitfield and Scott Yelich
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Program: The meeting began with a short business meeting where Larry Benjamin was re-elected as club president. Larry announced that he and some other club members have discussed and will be working upon a club charter revision to provide broader club goverence. Hopefully, this will be presented at the March meeting.
Larry then introduced our two guest speakers who had come to present us with information on tropical bonsai. Cat Nelson, a former club member as well as a former member of both the Fort Wayne and Chicago clubs , and currently the editor of the American Bonsai Society Journal, had come all the way from Iowa. And, from Indianapolis, where he has a business, Eagle Creek Bonsai specializing in tropical bonsai, was Scott Yelich. Cat used a computer program that she had put together with slides that helped her explain the nature requirements of tropical bonsai. Scott interacted with the presentation offering his perspective at various points. While many aspects were covered (more than can be covered here), key topics included the fact that tropical bonsai are NOT trees that are best kept indoors - they need to grow outdoors when the weather permits. So, when to bring them in as the weather turns cold in the fall and when to place them outdoors again in the spring were discussed. Another important topic covered was the type and duration of lighting needed while they are indoors. And, correct watering was discussed as well. These topics were enhanced by addressing the specific needs of individual species, a number of which were exhibited by specimens brought to the meeting as examples.
At the conclusion of the presentation we were given the chance to take advantage of two opportunities. First, we had a chance to enjoy the delicious refreshments that Lisa Chilik had brought to the meeting. And, a number of us were able to purchase starts of tropical bonsai species and / or buy bonsai pots from Scott Yelich (many of which Scott had made).
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.
Minutes of the April 2, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Studyy
Present: Larry Benjamin, Dave Bohn, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, Mary Conner, Mike Cope, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Jimmie Lyon, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich and Wanda Walker
Location: Home of Mike Cope, Bremen, IN
Program: Before the meeting began those present were given a look at Mike's fine trees as well as his soon-to-be-completed bonsai display area, complete with an automated watering system.
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 and which had been accepted by a vote of members at the March meeting. It was pointed out that, in order to be instituted, it must pass again at this meeting. It was moved and seconded that we adopt the revised version of the club charter. The motion passed. Larry announced that anyone interested could review it again on our club website.
Larry brought up another topic for discussion. At last year's Master Gardeners' Annual Garden Tour we had placed an ad in their tour booklet. Larry received a notice of the opportunity to include one this year as well. After a little discussion, it moved and seconded that we place a 1/3 page ($45) ad in the 2023 tour booklet. The motion passed.
It was then pointed out that the month of May would offer several bonsai opportunities. In addition to the May 7 meeting at Larry's house, the Michigan All-State show will be held on May 13 & 14 at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. And, on May 20 the Ft. Wayne Spring Bonsai Show will be held at the Ft. Wayne Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Ft. Wayne.
Next, work began on several trees brought to the meeting. Club soil was available and trees were repotted and plans were made for future development. And, Mike had a nice selection of snacks which we enjoyed.
Finally, Mike took us on a tour ofhis newly purchased historic home. The former residence of Indiana Bowen, it is enhanced by beautiful woodwork, unique features and chandeliers. Plus, Mike and his wife have added a few features of their own. This provided us with a special treat for this meeting on a lovely spring day.
Minutes of the May 7, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
(See bottom of page for photos.)
Present: Ben Auber, Larry Benjamin, Dave Bohn, Diane Buday, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Jimmie Lyon, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, IN
Program: The business portion of the meeting began when Larry made some announcements. After reporting the balance in the club bank account, he told members that there will be an advertisement from the club in this summer's printed ticket folder for the summer Master Gardeners Garden Tour. Also, he reminded members that there will an election of three club officers at November's club meeting (the last of the year). This is due to the passage of the revised club charter, now available on the club's website. Finally, we were reminded of this summer's bonsai events, including the Michiagan All-State Bonsai Show during the next weekend (May 13 / 14) at Meijer Gardens, GrandRapids, the Fort Wayne Bonsai Show at the Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory May 20, July's Fort Wayne club's auction & picnic (where we are invited), and our August activity, the Midwest (Chicago) show at the Chicage Botanic Garden.
During the working portion of the meeting the primary activity was the re-potting of trees, including trees from Bruce Kennedy, John Deguara, Mary Hesser, Jimmie Lyon, Al Whitfield, Wanda Walker and Terry Mersich. In addition, Kevin Mann defoliated a Ficus. Throughout the meeting our new guest, Ben Auber, circulated among the busy venue getting to know the members and Larry's property.
Finally, attendees were invited inside for refreshments, which included veggie and fruit trays and Larry's fudge and lemon bars. Check out the fine photos below, thanks to Lisa Chilik.
Minutes of the June 4, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
(See bottom of page for photos.)
Present: Ben Auber, Larry Benjamin, Susan Braun, Diane Buday, Lisa Chilik, John Deguara, Mary Hesser, Robin Lynn, Jimmie Lyon, Kevin Mann, Janie Minick, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, IN
Program: We dispensed with the business portion of the meeting, except to welcome Janie Minick, from Ft. Wayne, as a new member. We also welcomed her friend, Robin Lynn, who joined her to check out our club. Since many had brought material that needed attention, we got right down to work.
Ben Auber worked on a trident maple while his son, John, visited with Larry's grandson, Trey. Al Whitfield started re-potting a Fukien Tea. Mary Hesser worked on a dwarf Hinoki cypress. She also created a three tree planting of variagated Ficus benjamina. Kevin Mann brought a conifer to work on. Both Jimmie Lyon and John Deguara had multiple trees that needed attention. Diane Buday had a juniper that she wanted to see how to wire. (We never quite got to that - something to do later.) Janie Minick got one tree ( a Ficus ?) re-potted before turning her attention to a pine that has been in the family for years. She eventally decided to do some wiring on it to redirect some branches. Larry helped to wire some branches as well as pull down another after drilling a hole in her plastic pot to attach the wire.
At about this time Al had a health episode. Larry's son-in-law took him to the emergency room at Elkhart General Hospital. He was there until around 7:00 PM tests. Fortunately, the diagnosis did not reveal a serious problem.
Around 3:00 PM we took a break, went inside, and enjoyed the refreshments that Al and Diane Buday had brought. One focus of discussion were the upcoming club events. In July we are invited to join the Ft. Wayne club for their annual auction and picnic. (Attendees bring a dish to share.) In August (the 18th - 20th) we are encouraged to attend the 45th Annual Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit at the Chicago Botanic Garden - 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL. In September we meet at the home of John DeMaegd. In October we meet again at Larry's home. Finally, to close at our club year, in November we get together at the Ho Ping House for a luncheon.
Check out the fine photos below, thanks to Lisa Chilik.
Minutes of the September 10, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Michael Ciesiolke, Lisa Chilik, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich, Janie Minick, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of John DeMaegd, South Bend, IN
Program: In this meeting we both planned and worked on trees. Michael & Terry brought a Japanese maple that they will be letting grow to increase trunk diameter. They also had two trees that had been the lunch for some insect pests. Larry suggested an insecticide (the name of which he later emailed: Sevin) which will kill the insects on contact. A systemic can also help, athough the immediate damage seemed to call for the Sevin.
Janie Minick brought two conifers in pots that she had made. One was pretty much ready to show in the following weekend's Fort Wayne bonsai show. The other, a Mugho pine, got some trimming as well as wiring.
Kevin Mann brought a bougainvillea that he had gotten at one of our previous meetings. He had done a good job of training it and it is developing into a nice little tree.
John Deguara brought a pot with five maples that he plans to develop into a forest. Although now was not the time, next spring he can start by repotting with shallower roots and, possibly, spreading out the trees. One tree, the largest and with a nice nebari, was determined to be in front of the group.
Lisa Chilik brought a Serissa to work on. Her very healthy tree (still in bloom) got a haircut. In the future she may want to decrease its height to accentuate its still fairly small trunk.
Mary Hesser brought two hornbeams that she wanted to make plans for. Shortening seemed best, with the possibility of air layering on her list. Mary also distributed information on the upcoming Master Gardeners tree sale. (If you missed this, ino will be available at our October meeting.)
Wanda brought a Ficus that need work. fter wiring it looked much more like a bonsai than a bush. Also, Wanda brought a tray of Fukien tea plants that she had raised from seed. These were offered to club members.
Finally, we stopped to enjoy John's refreshments. He served a delicious fruit mix and moist brownies, along with beverages. We also got a chance to taste some cookies that Wanda brought which were made with acorn flour.
Minutes of the October 1, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Diane Buday, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Jimmie Lyon, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich, Janie Minick, Bob Mortenson, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin, Bristol, IN
Program: At the October meeting members both worked on trees and planned for their future development. More work was done on Ficus than any other type of tree. Mary Hesser, Janie Minick, Lisa Chilik and Diane Buday all worked on the Ficuses that they had brought. Diane and Kevin Mann both tried to get ideas for the styling of theFicus that they had at the meeting. Future plans for other trees were sought as well - Mary for her pomegranite and Bob Mortenson for his Bougainvillea. Meanwhile, Wanda Walker worked on a pomegranite that she has had for quite some time. And, Wanda brought pomegranite seedlings to share with all those who wanted to add one to their collection.
In terms of club business, Larry reported that he had lined up a talented bonsai photographer from Grand Rapids (Tim Priest) to be our guest artist in February. He is looking for an indoor space since our usual venue, Linton's, won't have the needed lighting. One special feature of this program will be that members who bring a tree will be able to get it photographed.
Larry also reminded everyone of our end of year social luncheon at Ho Ping Place in South Bend from 1:00 - 3:00 on November 5. All of those interested should bring an item for the white elephant raffle. (See rules for it at "Next Meeting" on our website.)
Lastly, Larry reminded members that we will be electing officers at the November meeting. Note the plural, "officers". In order to broaden the governance and responsibilities required to keep our club operating effectively, our revised club charter now calls for the election of three officers annually: a president, a vice president and a secretary. (See the responsibilities of each on our website.) Larry encouraged members to consider running for an office to fulfill that need.
Minutes of the November 5, 2023 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, Diane Buday, Tom Buday, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, John Deguara, Monica Deguara, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich, Al Whitfield and Norris Whitfield
Location: Ho Ping Place restaurant, South Bend
Program: We began our end-of-year social meeting by enjoying the Chinese cuisine. As we finished, Larry presided over a short business meeting. After a financial report, we voted on the nominees for the three 2024 club officers: president, vice president and secretary. Those elected were: president - Larry Benjamin; vice president: John DeMaegd; secretary: Lisa Chilik.
Lastly, our white elephant gift exchange was conducted. It featured several "steals" before everyone ended up with their treasure. Our club will next meet in February, 2024, with a program on bonsai tree photography presented by Tim Priest, a bonsai hobbyist from Grand Rapids who owns several outstanding trees and works as a professional photographer.
2024 Minutes
Minutes of the February 4, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Dave Bohn, Diane Buday, John Cervowski, Lisa Chilik, John DeMaegd, Mariah Eicher, Steven Hage, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Christy Koch, Julia Koch, Kevin Mann, Janie Minick, Steve Moore, Brandon Schwartz, Reese Schwartz and Wanda Walker
Location: Middlebury Public Library
Program: The topic of this meeting was photgraphing our bonsai. We were fortunate to have Tim Priest from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as our guest presenter. Tim is a professional photographer and experienced bonsai hobbyist who has had trees win best of show awards at both the Michigan All-State and Midwest (Chicago) shows.
Tim started by pointing out the fact that the crucial factor in getting good photos is lighting. He showed us how this could be achieved both with the equipment he brought as well as that he had used in the past in his studio. Tim also showed us how we could obtain good lighting ourselves using a reflector and LED bulb that we can purchase at reasonable rates.
After a short break for refreshments (brought by Lisa Chilik), Tim used his equipment to take photos of all of the trees that participants had brought. Using data collected by our secretary, Lisa, Tim sai, with wire that he will email people these high-res photos. primarily for Before we adjourned, Larry announced the topics, dates, and locations of our next three club events. He reminded us of our March 3 meeting at Linton's Enchanted Garden, where we will be pruning conifers, especially junipers, and he invited us to join him at his house April 7 where we will be able to more work on more species of trees. He also announced that our club will be conducting a workshop primarily for beginning hobbyists where they will get a pot, soil, wire and a tree. He pointed out that we will need club members to serve as instructors to assist in this.
Minutes of the March 3, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Dave Bohn, William Bohn, Diane Buday, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, Amada Corda, John DeMaegd, , Betty Foltz, Pat Guido, Mary Hesser, Sofia Ivanova, Bruce Kennedy, Kevin Mann, Terry Merisch, Janie Minick, , Mark Rennie, Brandon Schwartz, Reese Schwartz, Steve Smith, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Program: The topic of this meeting was the pruning and development of junipers. John DeMaegd led us and helped several members with styling of their trees. Terry and Michael brought a two tree upright juniper bonsai planting that came out looking really fine. Mary got two junipers worked on and Lisa and Janie got theirs trimmed before Jon worked on a large juniper that he brought.
In the business portion of the meeting Larry showed members a new logo that he was able to procure from one of the artists (Phil Horney) who had submitted logos in the ABS logo contest. It was voted in to replace the tree previously pictured on this website. (Since you are on it now, you saw it at the top of the home page.)
Larry also announced two workshops that the club will be conducting this year - one at the Middlebury Public Library (April 13) and the other at Wellfield Botanic Garden (July 13). Both are being offered in coordination with these places which have hosted club events in the past. The April workshop will feature hardy pre-bonsai which Larry will get when he travels to BonsaiByFields this coming Wednesday (March 6). The July workshop will utilize tropicals which an Indy bonsai expert, Paul Weishaar, will obtain for the club when he visits Florida at the end of April. Club members will be needed to help participants in both workshops. Lisa and John have volunteered to help in April. As the date draws nearer, we will hope to get volunteers for the July workshop. Of course, all members are welcome to come to these, even if not participants.
Lastly, Larry encouraged everyone to attend the American Bonsai Society Learning Seminars which will be held May 9 - 12, although the bulk of the ABS itinerary will be on Friday & Saturday, the tenth and eleventh, with the 12th being the Michigan All-State Show which usually occurs at this time in May. While the ABS event usually takes place much further away, this year's event will be held at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, a fairly short drive away. To get the schedule as well as registration information, go to americanbonsaisociety.org.
Minutes of the April 7, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Ben Auber, Larry Benjamin, John Cervowski, Lisa Chilik, Amada Corda, John DeMaegd, Pat Guido, Steve Hage, Mary Hesser, Janie Minick, Vic Rebman, Brandon Swartz, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin
Program: This was the time, so most members brought trees to re-pot. Lisa, John, Pat, Steve, Mary, Janie, Wanda and Al all re-potted trees. We were fortunate to have two club past president, John Cervowski (kalamazoo) and Vic Redman (Fort Wayne) as guests who were able to offer assistance. Club members came away with much improved trees.
Before the meeting ended we came inside for refreshments, including dark chocolate brownies and Larry's lemon bars. Members were reminded that next month we meet at the home of John DeMaegd, where more re-potting and tree improvement can be done. Also, shortly thereafter, from May 10 -12, members were encouraged to attend the combined American Bonsai Society Learning Seminars and the Michigan All-State Show where they not only will they be able to see great trees on display but take advantage of good vendors and even take part in workshops where they can begin to create their own fine trees.
Minutes of the May 5, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Lisa Chilik, Michael Cieselka, Amada Corda, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Steve Hage, Mary Hesser, Nelson Kraybill, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich, Janie Minick, Brandon Swartz, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of John DeMaegd
Program: ( See photos at bottom of the page.)
May is a good time to work on our trees. So, lots of things were done. Lisa brought a dwrf Mugo pine and John DeMaegd helped her with candle pruning. Michael and Terry repotted a juniper, trimmed a Japanese maple and styled the juniper that they won in the raffle at last November's end of year social gathering. Amanda worked on a Chinese elm that needed repotting. Repottong was also the order of the day for a trident maple that John Deguara brought.
We welcomed a new member, Nelson Kraybill who got some ideas for the development of two of his trees. Janie Minick trimmed a large sugar maple which she got at last year's Fort Wayne auction and picnic (to which our club is invited). Wanda Walker worked on a juniper and Al Whitfield repotted to pomegranates he had gotten from Wanda last year.
Finally, everyone enjoyed the refreshments provided by our host, John, as well as fruit, chees and crackers which Terry contributed. Mary Hesser brought up one business item, whether or not we wanted to demonstrate some bonsai skills at this summer's Elkhart County fair. We decided to do so (as we have done in the past). Watch for more details later.
Minutes of the June 2, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Ben Auber, Larry Benjamin, Diane Buday, John Cervowski, Michael Ciesiolka, Terry Ciesiolka, Chrisi Cornell, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Jon Genereaux, Pat Guido, Mary Hesser, Cody Hoff, Bruce Kennedy, Nelson Kraybill, Kevin Mann, Janie Minick, Steve Moore, Jody Papandrea, Al Whitfield and Jack Wikle
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin
Note: See photos at bottom of the page.
Program: We were fortunate to have several special bonsai experts attend our meeting on this fine June day. Jon Genereaux, curator of the bonsai collection at Hidden Lake Gardens near Tipton, Michigan, brought bonsai artist Jack Wikle, who was the long-time curator of the collection. Also, we were joined by Kalamazoo bonsai guru John Cervowski. At different points through the meeting they were kind enough to share information and advice to help members develop their trees.
While John DeMaegd "held down the fort" to get others started working on their trees, Jon Genereaux, Jack Wikle and Pat Guido Larry on a walk on some of the trails that he maintains on his property. When they returned, they were happily surprised to see that three guests from Wellfield Botanic Garden had arrived. Jody, Chrisi and Cody came not only to join our meeting but to answer questions about a couple of items that Larry brought up in a brief business session. It was announced that Michiana Bonsai Study will take part in two Wellfield events. On July 13 of this year we will lead a bonsai workshop from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at Wellfield. There we will assist participants work on Brazillian raintrees to create their own bonsai. The cost will be $40 for Wellfield members and $50 for nonmembers. The other Wellfield event will be held on a weekend next summer when there will be a bonsai show utilizing the new facilities now being built there. As our contribution to the cause it was moved, seconded and voted that we provide lunches for vendors, headliners and those of us there to help.
While one important thing that members brought away from the meeting was the advice that our guests gave, work was done on trees. Both John DMaegd and Nelson Kraybill repotted trees - John a dwarf primo arborvitae and Nelson a Korean hornbeam. Diane Buday worked on her Bougainvillea, Michael & Terry Ciesiolka on their dwarf Alberta spruce and Janie Minick on both a bald cypress and a Japanese boxwood. One of our Wellfield guests, Cody Hoff, even did some trimming on the azalea that he brought. free
And, of course, there were refreshments. Larry served his lemon bars, fudge and rhubarb crunch, along with some organic lemonade. But, there were lots of options from which to choose since we were blessed with the offerings from several members. I will probably forget some contributions. But, Diane Buday brought a veggie tray. Al Whitfield brought a meat & cheese tray as well as cookies. Ben Auber brought a bowl of delicious fruit. Janie brought gluten free brownies and Terry brought pinwheel wraps and cookies.
Minutes of the September 8, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Adam Carlton, Carley Carlton, Michael Ciesiolka, Terry Ciesiolka, Amanda Corda, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Pat Guido, Mary Hesser, Nelson Kraybill, Dana Latham, Rick Latham, Janie Minick, Al Whitfield and Kathrine Whitfield
Location: Home of John DeMaegd
Program: One highlight of this meeting was what most attendees did when they arrived - a look at John's fine collection of trees. After we got organized, Larry made a couple of announcements in a short "business" interlude. He reported on the club's current bank balance and the fact that , finally, he had posted photos from the Chicago show on our club's website. He also announced the upcoming Fort Wayne bonsai show September 21. The bulk of the meeting was then focused on planning for the future of our trees.
John ponted out that, with the coming of fall, it was time to suspend fertilization, especially for decidious trees. He did mention that fertilizers high in phosporus and potassium could still help trees strengthen their roots, especially for conifers. And, a product called "Pro-TeKt", which contains only silicon dioxide and a small amount of potassium, reduces stress caused by heat, cold and drought and can be added when watering trees now before the winter cold sets in. (This is best applied to the soil, not as a foliar treatment as it leaves a white residue on the foliage.)
We then took a break for the refreshments that John had for us, including some yummy apple crisp and a variety of cupcakes.
The primary attention during the rest of the meeting was on the future styling of participant's trees. The only real work was done by Pat Guido who removed one of the two main branches of her Ficus.
Minutes of the October 6, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Adam Carlton, Carley Carlton, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, Terry Ciesiolka, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Nelson Kraybill, Kevin Mann, Janie Minick, Brandon Schwartz,Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
Location: Home of Larry Benjamin
Program: (See photos at bottom of the page.)
The primary focus of this meeting was weighing ideas as well as possible actions for bonsai improvement. Several trees were brought to get input as to what the owner can do in the future. A few others had actions that were either possible soon or even at the meeting. Mary Hesser brought a pomegranite that she had gotten from Wanda when she brought trees to share at a previous meeting. It featured a nice, colorful fruit. This presented an example of what could be produced from starts like those that Wanda has offered members. And, it was incentive to participnts to take advantage of even more offerings that Wanda had brought to share at this meeting.
In addition to her offerings, Wanda brought a tree that she wanted to work on. While most work needed to await future action, Wanda did prune off some of the long branches from her (big) weeping willow. (See photo below.)
The one actual operation that was the focus of the meeting involved the re-potting of a red pine brought by Janie. This was a large tree that wasn't wired into its pot and was root bound in its old pot. Since it was too late to much that that would disturb its roots, we helped slip pot the tree into a bigger pot that would allow more room for root growth.
The problem was with wiring the tree in. Larry's unorthodox technique was employed: he drilled holes through which the wires were passed. While this took group effort, it worked. (Again, refer to the photos below.)
Our next meeting, in November, the last of the year, will start early, at 1:00, as we will have a social event that features a luncheon as well as our White Elephant exchange.
Minutes of the November 3, 2024 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Rose Benjamin, Diane Buday, Tom Buday, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka, John Deguara, Monica Deguara, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Kevin Mann, Terry Mersich, Al Whitfield and Norris Whitfield
(See photo at bottom of the page)
Location: Ho Ping Place restaurant, South Bend
Program: This year's final meeting began with the gifting of two trees. This was done via raffles. So, Larry started the meeting by distributing raffle tickets (at no charge) to those interested in acquiring each tree. We started with a Brazilian Raintree which was won by Amanda Corda. The second tree, a Portulacaria, was won by Micheal Ciesiolka. Larry then announced two things that could be done while we ordered and waited for our food. First, he invited those interested to either nominate themselves or someone else for the three club officers: president, vice president and secretary. Then, Larry suggested that members borrow one or more of the items of club literature that they could read in the next couple of months (time when we don't have as much to do with our trees and the club doesn't meet - the next meeting not being until February 2). We then proceed to enjoy lunch.
As everyone finished eating we began the White Elephant gift exchange. Everyone who had brought an item had been given a ticket when they arrived. Larry drafted Andreea Cope to draw numbers, in order, to choose their gift. Although "steals" were allowed, participants made less steals this year.
Finally, the limited items of club business were attended to. Lisa Chilik, treasurer, collected 2025 dues. And, since there was only a single nominee for each office, the nominees were determined elected. (President - Larry, VP - John DeMaegd, Secretary - Lisa)
2025 Minutes
2025 Minutes
Minutes of the February 2, 2025 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study Â
Present: Â Larry Benjamin, Adam Carlton, Carley Carlton, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka,
Terry Ciesiolka, John DeMaegd, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy, Steve Moore,
Brandon Schwartz, Kathy Sproatt, Wanda Walker and Al Whitfield
                                (See photos at bottom of the page)
Location:Â Â Zion Lutheran Church, Bristol
Program:
        During the business portion of the meeting Larry reported the fact that the program that he
had been using for our website had become outdated, making it impossible to keep the website
current. This made it necessary to go to GoDaddy.com to create an updated version using the
Word Press program, which cost a lot. The club voted to repay Larry $337 to help offset his
expenses for this upgrade. Larry said that, after the upgrade was completed , he would notify
everyone on the club’s mailing list.
      Our guest artist, Mark Fields, used some of Larry’s trees to demonstrate winter wiring
techniques. These included an initial pruning to remove unwanted and / or dead material.
       We took a break for refreshments, provided by Adam and Carley Carlton. They brought
a fantastic spread of treats which included a virtual meal !
 
  
  
Minutes of the March 2, 2025 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Larry Benjamin, Adam Carlton, Carley Carlton, Lisa Chilik, Michael Ciesiolka,
Terry Ciesiolka, Karen Dietderich, Pat Guido,Ryan Hake, Mary Hesser, Bruce Kennedy,
Nelson Kraybill, Jessica Lambright, Janie Minick, Steve Moore, Bob Mortenson,
Brandon Schwartz and Paul Weishaar (See photos at bottom of the page)
Location: Middle Public Library
Program:
Larry reported that the club had had a table at the previous day’s Michiana Master Gardeners’ Expo
where information about our club (including new club brochures) was handed out. Lisa Chilik and Mary Hesser
were there with Larry. Larry also said that there was a cost for paper and printer ink in order to print the new
brochures. A motion was made and passed to reimburse Larry for these expenses. Larry also announced that
progress was being made to get our new, updated, website online. He reminded members that they would
receive an email letting them know when it was up.
Our guest artist, Scott Yelich, presented a program on the care and handling of tropical bonsai. Scott
had examples that he brought to illustrate some tropical species. In addition, he illustrated the trimming and
wiring of a Natal Plum (from Larry) to show its styling into a semi-cascade. Finally, after a break for treats
(from Lisa), interested members were awarded starts of Natal Plums that Larry had been growing from cuttings
for several years from the same tree that Scott had just styled. Those interested were able to purchase small
pots from Scott for their trees. And, those interested were helped to pot their starts in their pots, using bonsai
soil and wire provided by the club.
 
  
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