Season’s Greetings

We wish all Bonsai lovers, a peaceful, prosperous and healthy NEW YEAR 2013.

Warm regards,

BODHI BONSAI.

Read Nikki news

Here is the link to shri D Ravindran sir's website and his updates  of his meeting with International masters at Vadodara
http://nikkibonsai.in/nikki-news/meeting-masters-chen-wenjuan-at-the-all-india-bonsai-convention-and-exhibition-2012/

Meeting with Koji Hiramatsu
http://nikkibonsai.in/category/nikki-news/

Satya

ABOUT NOVEMBER 10 MONTHLY MEETING

Members who were absent in the last monthly meeting, missed something great!

We saw a ‘Raft style’ (Ikadabuki) using Casuarina,  for the first time,  in a monthly meeting.   Besides, Dr Yogesh demonstrated 2 more inspiring items:

An upright style using Jade  &

Semi Cascade style on a kind of cherry tree.

 

Sensei Akira Hatayama's intricate and fine wiring on Casuarina showed a good Weeping style.

He also explained how to convert kitchen waste into organic manure in a short period.

Sensei Hatayama methodically practices this method to make organic manure on a regular basis.

He uses only this manure for his Bonsai plants.

 

Experts from the group found time to assist the members to shape and style all the plants brought by them.

 

Next monthly meeting:  SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Time:  2 30 pm

Cancellation of ‘Special Bonsai Workshop’

Regret to advise that we have to cancel the ‘Special Bonsai Workshop’ scheduled for November 9, 2012 due to the indisposition of  Mr M Ponnuswamy.  We wish a speedy recovery to our dear Patron.

Instead we shall meet on  SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012  at 2 30 pm  at  Children’s Green Park,  (Opposite Grand Sweet),  Spurtank Road,  Chetpet,  Chennai  for the regular monthly meeting.

Dr Yogesh will conduct an interesting demonstration.  New members, a warm welcome to you all and be present.

Please bring your Bonsai plants for styling ; remember to bring your tools as well.

Guests are welcome!  Guest Fee is Rs 100/- per person.

SPECIAL BONSAI WORKSHOP

A rare opportunity for BODHI members – please avail !

Demonstration lead by OUR PATRON & INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED  BONSAI MASTER  Mr  M  PONNUSWAMY

DATE :  FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

TIME :  10 AM – 4PM

VENUE:  IIT CLUB,  Old # 30/New # 61,  Third Street,  East Abhiramapuram,  Mylapore,  Chennai 600004

Members, please bring your plant to get shaped and styled under the guidance of Bonsai Master Mr Ponnuswamy.

If repotting is required, please bring potting mixture and suitable container.

Also the wiring material and your tools.

Note :

In view of the ‘Special Bonsai Workshop’, our regular monthly meeting on November 10, 2012 stands cancelled.

ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING

As announced earlier, the 3rd Annual General Body Meeting of BODHI – The Chennai Bonsai Association will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 9 am, at Gandhi Nagar Club, Adyar, Chennai 600020.

Members are reminded to attend the AGM without fail.

Photographs taken during ‘ONE DAY BONSAI WORKSHOP’ on Oct 13, 2012

Please view the photos taken at the one day Bonsai workshop on 13th October using the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8585733@N08/sets/72157631848005369/

The Bodhi Bonsai Association , Chennai has really taken wings under the efficient leadership of our office bearers, Molly, Satya , Harini and Mahendran. It proves well in the success of the one day workshop conducted yesterday at Kothari Institute at Kellys.The events at the workshop were done in a superb style and efficiency..
The efforts taken by the executive committee members and their team work also is highly commendable. So congrats to One and All.
Wishing Bodhi all the success in the coming years.

Feedback about the Oct 13 Bonsai Workshop

Today’s Bonsai workshop a grand success.  The planning and excellent team work seen right from  when this idea was concieved ensured that this It is indeed a memorable occasion for BODHI. 

Registration went on smoothly.  38 participants from different walks of life attended the workshop.  Most of the participants took the trouble of registering early on telephone.

The seating pattern was such that  participants could easily see the demo without straining their neck and the stage arrangement nice and beautiful.

Demos were so impressive and well executed that many participants are now thinking of joining BODHI.

Bonsai plants brought by the members were displayed attractively on the stage, with informative labeling   This was a great attraction and learning experience to the participants.  Besides the display has greatly enhanced both the ambiance   and the image of BODHI.
Everyone appreciated the quality of food served and the service was par excellence!

Participants never expected such a mature pre-bonsai plant as take away gift.  It was potted and brought all the way from Manali.

The Souvenir released on this occasion has such a wealth of information and the participants found it informative.  It may be recalled that Souvenir was brought out at  a very short notice.
They were happy to buy the large unbreakable Bonsai pots made available at the venue.

 

KUDOS to every one who was involved in the planning, and our dear participants!

Hope to meet you again at our future monthly meetings.

About our October Monthly meeting

As we are having a one-day ‘Bonsai Workshop’ at the Kothari Academy for Women at Kilpauk on 13th October(Saturday), our regular monthly meeting (usually held every second Saturday at the Children’s Green Park, Spurtank Road ) stands postponed to a later date.
Instead looking  forward to seeing you all at the Bonsai Workshop.
Topics covered include demonstrations of various Bonsai styles, pruning, shaping, wiring , repotting, selection of bonsai material etc. taught by eminent  Bonsai Artists.
To register for this  Workshop details are available here.

Monthly meeting

MONTHLY MEETING FOR SEPTEMBER 2012

This is to remind you that our next monthly meeting is on

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012 AT 2 30 pm

at Children's Green Park, Chetpet, Chennai

Programme

1) Correction of plants brought by the members

2) How to create Adenium as a Bonsai - Ms Suseela Vergis

As Adenium grows well in Chennai, please do not miss this opportunity

3) Show & Tell

A fruiting Bonsai - Mr Sivaji

4) Discussions on planning the forth coming Bonsai Workshop on October 13, 2012 at Kothari Academy for Women, Kilpauk, Chennai.

Shall form 3 groups, based on the area we reside, to facilitate easy gathering, quick decisions and effective implementation.

5) Distribution of September issue of the News Letter

May I seek the presence of all members at this important meeting.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR AUGUST 2012

As announced earlier, our next monthly meeting will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 :

Time : 2 30 pm

Venue : Children’s Green Park, Spur Tank Road, Chetpet, Chennai. (Opp.Grand Sweets)

Agenda

2 30 pm – Styling of Bonsai plants brought by the members

3 00 pm – Show & Tell –  Plant of the month -  Mr Mahendra Lakhani

3 15 pm – Repotting into a bonsai pot – Ms Maria

3 30 pm – Demo on Air layering  –  Ms Molly Cherian

3 45 pm – Manuring of different types of Bonsai plants suitable for the current season – Ms Suseela Vergis

4 00  pm – Discussions on proposed ‘Bonsai Workshop cum Sale of plants’

Members are reminded to bring their own tools for styling.

 

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS ARE WELCOME : Guest charge Rs 100/ per person

Article about Bodhi Bonsai Association in Indian Express Newspaper

This article was published in the Magazine section of the Indian Express, dated 29th Jul, 2012:

Nothing stunted about it

By Sunita Raghu

Seen through the lens of quirky imagination, the trees might well have fell prey to a similar madcap adventure that Lewis Carroll’s eponymous heroine experienced and ended up miniature in size. But then, the members of the Chennai Bodhi Bonsai Association might beg to differ. They have, after all, been assiduously nurturing this ancient Japanese art form — bonsai (meaning tree in a tray) — which for some has taken a good many years before their labour has borne fruit.

Given their collective passion for this miniature art form, a handful of people got together and set up the Chennai Bodhi Bonsai Association, a few years ago. Slowly and surely, the Association has grown in size with more and more people keen to explore this dramatic and creative art style.


The enthusiastic response received at a recently held bonsai exhibition at the Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has left the club members elated. For the most part though, they meet up once every month, where they exchange information, hold demos and showcase their individual creations with appropriate feedback. Besides, regular workshops undertaken by bonsai masters such as the Nagercoil-based Ravindran, Jyoti Pandya and Peter Chan have also helped the members understand this art form better.


Different reasons might have got the Association members interested in bonsai, but there is no denying their steadfast love and enthusiasm for it. Club secretary Satya, an ex-IT professional, found that it was a perfect way to combat space restraints in flats and yet have plants and trees around. Club president Molly Cherian, who is also into Ikebana, was so fascinated by the bonsai gardens she saw in Japan that she decided to take it up. For Suseela Vergis, who loves horticulture and plants, gravitating towards bonsai was but natural and she has been nurturing her passion for the same for the last 37 years!


Bonsai is not an art that one learns in a hurry. Says Molly whose favourite is the ficus, “It requires considerable patience, sometimes it takes years to acquire the shape of a tree. One can grow it in a wide ceramic, mud or clay pot with appropriate potting mixtures. I know of a bonsai tree that is 500-years-old.” According to Satya, one needs nimble fingers and a little bit of manipulation to make the tree grow into the shape of your choice and adds, “I have lost a lot of plants but one learns through mistakes. Like for instance, we now know that ficus is best suited to Chennai’s climate.”  Bonsai also calls for a bit of creativity with one able to visualise how the tree will look, the shape of the branches, etc, adds Suseela, who has a collection of 300 bonsai trees which she grows on a farm on the city’s outskirts. Beginners begin to understand styles like wind-swept, cascading, forests, etc, informs Molly who claims that bonsai is a living art.


In spite of the fact that bonsai art has flourished over the centuries, bonsai lovers have had to contend with the criticism that bonsai is cruel to the tree as it stunts their growth. Bristling at the unjustness of the comment, Satya says: “There is not an iota of truth in that. Pre-bonsais are collected from the wild and they are stunted right from the beginning. Then again there are plants struggling to grow in the crevices of walls, etc which we bring back home and nurture and beautify it. Same is the case with plants lying abandoned and neglected in the nurseries. We do not torture or kill but only lavish love and attention on the plant.”


For some, bonsai growing is of considerable therapeutic value, while for others a great stress buster. Says its oldest champion, Suseela whose favourite is the lively and colourful bougainvillea: “My bonsais are like my companions. In fact, they are said to reflect the personality of the owner.”  And signing off on a wry note adds, “Bougainvilleas have thorns too!”


Here is a link to this article on the Indian Express Website .

Monthly meeting on July 14th

Bodhi's Monthly meeting for July 2012 will be held on Saturday 14th July at the Children's Park , Spurtank Road (opp Grand Sweets ) Chennai .

The managing committee wants Bodhi to become a vibrant association and  wishes to  enhance its programs to benefit  existing members as well as attract new members .  Members can voice their specific interests & concerns if any which the managing committee can try  and implement.  To achieve this objective  it is proposed to have a exclusive session on the July meeting agenda  for  members to freely  express their thoughts about  progress made by  our association  and how we can improve . We request all members to attend and contribute actively in this session .
  
The Agenda for the meeting is as given below :

2.30 PM - 3.00   Assistance for  reshaping & Correcting  Bonsai Plants brought by members (please be early to use this time slot)
3.00 - 3.30  Demostration by Suseela on shaping & repotting a plant from Growth pot to a Bonsai pot .
3.30 - 4.00  Wiring Demo by  Fredrick J
4.00 - 4.30  Member's review session - for Bodhi's  Way forward 

Members are requested to attend and benefit from the interaction .

July Newsletter will be distributed . Members who cannot attend the meeting can request for soft copy of the newsletter and it will be sent by email

Persons interested in Bonsai and not yet members of Bodhi are welcome to attend  as Guest . Guest charges will be Rs 100/-

Plant of the Month :  Ficus   Benghalensis
by Suganthi Aiyaswamy (a member Bodhi Bonsai  Chennai.)


 Ficus  Benghalensis   is  commonly   known  as   Banyan. It  is  a large  and  extensive growing  tree of  the  Indian  sub--continent .Due to the  complex structure  of the roots and extensive  branching,  the banyan   is  used for creating  Bonsais.

Bonsai of Ficus Benghalensis

The  tree  produces  propogating  roots  which  grows  downwards,  these  aerial  roots  touch  the ground  and  grow  into  woody  trunks  that  become indistinguishable   from  the  main  trunk.

The  leaves  are  oval in shape,  thick  and  leathery   glossy green  with a    smooth  margin,  and a short
petiole. Young  leaves  have  an  attractive reddish  tinge  to  them.

Styles:
The  trees  can  be  trained  into  an  informal  upright  style or  can be placed  over  rocks

Soil :Red  earth,  sand  and  humus  in  equal amounts  work well for ficus, The  soil  should  be allowed to dry out  between  watering. Spray  or  mist  the leaves  .

Propagation: Soft  wood  cutting  planted  in  soil  takes  root  in  3 to 4 weeks   Young  trees  need  repotting  every year. Do  not  remove  more than  20%  of the roots.  Wiring  can be done  anytime  of  the  year, but  the  wires  should not be allowed  to remain  on  the  plant for more than  a few months  at a time

A banyan  starts its  life  when its seeds  germinate  in the cracks  and crevices  on structures  like  buildings  and  walls,  or  on  host  trees. As they  grow  they  strangle  the  host tree or building,  so  they  are  also  called   Strangler  Fig.

The  Banyan   Bonsai   is  favoured   by  a  lot  of Bonsai  growers  since  it  is easy  to   take  care.   The  aerial  roots   if properly  controlled  will   improve   the appearance  with  no  risk  of   them   spreading
outside  the  pot.


( This article is reproduced from April 2012 issue of 'Bodhi Bonsai News Letter' )

Omiya Bonsai Garden, Tokyo

The Omiya Bonsai Village about an hour from Central Tokyo, is a small area consisting of a dozen Bonsai gardens, each of which have thousands of exquisite bonsai, some of which are more than 500 year-old trees. (The Bonsai Village is closed on Thursdays). An annual bonsai festival is held there every year from May 3-5.


Here are some pictures:

Japanese Maple

Landscape Bonsai

Defoliated Bonsai

Cascading Arrangement

500 hundred year old bonsai

Wisteria Bonsai

Broom Style Bonsai

These pictures were taken at the 'Fuyo-en' Bonsai Garden on May 1st 2012. Here are some more pictures taken  on the same occasion. 

And here are some more beautiful bonsai from this wonderful bonsai garden near Tokyo.

Bodhi Monthly Meeting June 2012

After summer vacation the Bodhi's Monthly meeting for June 2012 will be held on Saturday 9th June at the Children's Park , Spurtank Road (opp Grand Sweets ) Chennai . The Agenda for the meeting is as given below :




2.30 PM - 2.45 Welcome & introduction of Guest Speaker -- Molly Cherian

2.45 - 3.45 Talk by Shri Jalandar Reddy , Promoter of Adenium India who has 8 years experience in growing Adeniums

3.45 - 4.15 Shaping of plants brought by members

4.15 - 4.30 Tea & Fellowship



Members are requested to attend and benefit from the interaction with Shri Reddy. Members are requested to bring plants if they want it shaped/repotted alongwith tools & materials required .

June Newsletter will be distributed . Members who cannot attend the meeting can request for soft copy of the newsletter and it will be sent by email

Persons interested in Bonsai and not yet members of Bodhi are welcome to attend  as Guest . Guest charges will be Rs 100/-

Looking forward to meet all of you on June 9th .

COMPOSTING

By Sheela Babu



Waste management has been a major issue which our government is constantly battling with. We as citizens can contribute a great deal in tackling this issue by starting from our own homes. For now I will not deal with all waste management but focus only on composting of garden and kitchen waste. By doing so ,we not only help our environment, but also make excellent manure for our garden plants. So it is certainly a win –win situation with a little effort from our side! In Defence colony where I reside we have individual homes with some garden space. We have a lot of plants in our compounds and hence generate a lot of garden waste.

We have been successful in propagating composting in our colony by going in for a very simple arrangement. We just used two cement rings of 6ft diameter and 11/2ft depth. In a convenient corner of your garden (preferably away from direct sunlight) dig a very shallow pit of 2-3 inch depth and 6ft dia. Place the first ring in it and then simply place the second ring over the first and presto! Your compost pit is ready. So you have a pit of 6ft dia and 3ft depth. A second such set should be made to be used when the first pit fills up. The two sets will cost you @ Rs 1500. Imagine all the compost you are going to get lifelong with this small effort!!

Now that the pit is ready, all you have to do is add all your garden and kitchen waste everyday. Once in a while you could turn the waste over with a rake for aeration.(this step can be avoided if you find it difficult. I don’t do it.) Adding some cow dung or neem cake powder also helps to accelerate the process. Water the pit 2-3 times a week.This helps to maintain the humidity. Once the pit starts to overflow then cover with 3-4 inches of soil . Continue to water 2-3 times a week.(Time to start the second pit!) In 2-3 months the volume will reduce to less than half. Dig out from the pit and clean out and remove unwanted stuff and separate the lovely black powdery compost. Voila! The labour of your love is ready for your garden. Use it in potted plants, your bonsais and also for all garden trees. See how your plants thrive. Once you see the first results, believe me you will be hooked to composting for life!!

( Sheela Babu is a member of 'Bodhi - The Chennai Bonsai Association' )
 (This article is reproduced from January 2012 issue of 'Bodhi Bonsai News Letter')

APRIL MEETING PRE PONED TO SATURDAY, 14 04 2012

PLEASE NOTE :

Taking into account of the convenience of many members, our April meeting stands pre poned to SATURDAY,  APRIL 14, 2012.
Time :  2.30 pm
Venue :  Children's Green Park, Opp Grand Sweets, Chetpet, Chennai

Programme :
_________

Our guest of the day is Mr BORIS LOMOV, a Russian born Bonsai Artist who now lives in Australia.  This is his second visit to us.
*  Mr Lomov has kindly agreed to style a pre bonsai plant.
*  Show & Tell
*  Demo - Basic Style

On behalf of Bodhi Bonsai, I  wish to extend my hearty welcome, once again, to all our NEW MEMBERS.


PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS ARE WELCOME.
Guest Charge :  Rs 100/- per guest
____________________________

BODHI - The Chennai Bonsai Association

NEXT MEETING :

Date :  Saturday,  March 10, 2012

Time :  2 30 pm to 4 30 pm

Venue :  Children's Green Park  (Opp Grand Sweets), Spurtank Road, Chetpet, Chennai

Programme

1)   Learn ' LAYERING TECHNIQUES ' - A demonstration
2)  Talk on ' BONSAI CREATION ' including potting mixture, plant protection and urban eco systems -  Mr M. HARIHARASUDHAN, B.Tech., M.S.,
(Speaker is a Computer Engineer turned Horticulturist)

Members are requested to bring plants for styling and correction

PROSPECTIVE  MEMBERS  ARE  WELCOME
Guest charge :  Rs 100/-

PLEASE  BE  PRESENT  EARLY  TO  START ON  TIME.

__________________________________________________                 

BODHI BONSAI EXHIBITION

We have just two words to say

THANK YOU

to all those who have visited our recent Bonsai Exhibition.  We greatly appreciate this gesture.  Awaiting your continued support.

BONSAI EXHIBITION

Attention : Bonsai lovers
____________________

BODHI - THE CHENNAI BONSAI ASSOCIATION
&
INDO - JAPAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY*
(IJCCI)

cordially invite you to a

BONSAI EXHIBITION


Date : February 28 to March 2, 2012
Venue : IJCCI premises, K.B.Dasan Road, Teynampet, Chennai 18
Time : 10 00 am to 5 00 pm

ALL ARE WELCOME
______________________________________________________

* In commemoration of 60th Anniversary of
Indo - Japan Diplomatic Relations
____________________________________

BONSAI EXHIBITION

BODHI - THE CHENNAI BONSAI ASSOCIATION in conjunction with
INDO - JAPAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
happy to announce
A BONSAI EXHIBITION
at Chennai
from February 28 to March 02, 2012.
                                                                              


Watch this space for full details soon
ALL ARE WELCOME

BODHI BONSAI - MEETING ON SATURDAY, FEB 11 2012

A reminder to members to attend the meeting on Feb 11, 2012

Time :  2 30 pm
Venue :  Children's Green Park (Almost opp. to Grand Sweets), Spurtank Road, Chetpet, Chennai

Listen to two illuminating talks :
1) How to prepare / ready your Bonsai plants for display in an exhibition
2) On Organic Manures & Manuring

Remember to bring your Bonsai plants for correction

Bodhi Bonsai News Letter for Feb 2012 will be distributed

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS ARE WELCOME
Guest charge :  Rs 100.00

Bodhi Bonsai February 2012 Meeting

Bodhi Bonsai Association - February 2012 Meeting
Date : Saturday, February 11th 2012
Time : 2 30 pm - 4.30 pm
Venue : Children's Green Park, Spurtank Road, Chetpet, Chennai
Programme :
2.30 pm - 3.00 pm Report by our Treasurer A K Harini
3.00 Pm - 3.30 pm Talk by Suganthi Ayyasamy on " 101 & Best practices in Displaying Bonsai plants in Exhibitions
3.30 Pm - 4.00 Pm Talk by Deepa Udhay on Organic Fertilisers (There will be sale of Organic fertilisers made by an NGO )
4.00 Pm - 4.30 PM Correction of plants brought by members (Members must bring Plant , Soil , Tools , wires required ). Help to carry plants can be taken from Kumar the Park attendant and a small payment must be made for service rendered by him .
Prospective members are welcome to attend this workshop.
Only one article has been received for February 2012 issue of 'Bodhi Bonsai News Letter'. With the President's message this will be distributed to the members.
Please note : There are new traffic changes and one-way regulations on Spurtank Road. Being early will help you reach on time

Bodhi Bonsai - Jan 2012 Workshop

This is to remind members to attend the Bodhi Bonsai - January 2012 workshop :
Date : Saturday, January 21 2012
Time : 2 30 pmVenue : Children's Green Park, Spurtank Road, Chetpet, Chennai Programme :
2.30 pm - 3.00 pm Show & Tell - A Plant under training by one of our Member
3.00 Pm - 3.45 pm Talk by an external Horticulturist on Companion plants for Bonsai Exhibits
3.45 Pm - 4.30 Pm Correction of plants brought by members
Prospective members are welcome to attend this workshop.
January 2012 issue of 'Bodhi Bonsai News Letter' will be distributed to the members.
Please note : There are new traffic changes and one-way regulations on Spurtank Road. Being early will help you reach on time

BONSAI EXHIBITION

'Bodhi Bonsai' is participating in the Annual Carnival for the public, organised by 'Thursday Ladies Club of Besant Nagar', on Saturday, January 7, 2012.
Time:  10 am to 9 pm
Venue:  Corporation Grounds, 21st Cross Street, Besant Nagar, Chennai
Please visit our stall to view mature Bonsai plants.
ALL ARE WELCOME
Those who would like to learn the art of Bonsai, please speak to the persons who are in charge of our stall.

Learning the art of Bonsai

Thank you for the enquiry, Mr Kannan.
'Bodhi' is a Chennai based registered association.  We have monthly workshops where the members practise the art of Bonsai. We have many experienced teachers in our group to impart the knowledge to newcomers.  Our next workshop is on Saturday, January 21 2012 at 2 30 pm.
Venue; Children's Green Park, Almost opposite to Grand Sweets, Spurtank Road, Chetpet, Chennai.
Registration Fees:       Rs   100.00
Annual subscription:  Rs 1000.00