SPIRIT OF NATURE

  By Vijay Chamundeshwari

This exactly is what we want to catch in our trays and pots and anything that we can put our hands upon – The Spirit of Nature. Bodhi Bonsai friends meet this time at the Defence Club in pretty large numbers to catch some creative ideas. We had our workshop on Penjing preceded by our President Dr Yogesh doing a PPT on the same that gave us an insight into facts like Penjing or Penzai as the Chinese call it being found in a Chinese mural in the tomb of prince Zang Huai as far back as AD 706! Tree Penjing pictures were very artistic and interesting. Penjing variants were seen with the Japanese and Vietnamese style. Modern day artists have become bolder in exploring styles which was seen in some of our very own displays. Even the container took us by surprise being the top of a TV Stand! by our Secretary Mr.Ramkumar. We had rocks for mountains and white sand or pebbles for water. Little terracotta chips made steps to a pretty little house. We had two men playing some game seated amidst natural surroundings by Suseela. Much more was displayed and here are some pics to feast our eyes.

Plant of the month being Carmona our senior member Molly Cherian did a Show &Tell presentation with a flat-topped Carmona, a Carmona mame and a Shohin. Lush green and beautiful were they all. While she said it was very difficult to propagate through cuttings and said we could be lucky if the fallen seeds germinated, George walked up to give us tips on how to make a cutting take root. This plant Carmona looked very interesting and all of us were inspired to get our hands working on one. We have a small leaf and a variegated variety too if prepared to take on the challenge.

Coming back to our miniature landscapes displayed – It was a pleasure to watch our members walk around clearing doubts and appreciating the art. Reminded me of Gulliver’s Travels making us all look like giants. Time for some chitter chatter while we had a penjing of snacks served along with fresh mango juice and tea. As I gazed at my white paper plate, the samosa looked like a hill and the cookie a flat rock. The plate was like water and the brownie a boat - my taste buds went a sailing.  Our defence club friends did take us on an interesting tour. 

Bodhi turns 18

 

World Bonsai Day

  By Vijay Chamundeshwari

We had a virtual celebration of World Bonsai Day on 11/05/2024 on Google. There was a very informative talk on Premna by Dr. Yogesh. Here are  the points discussed and do add on.....

1.Premna Microphylla is the best suited variety to form a thick canopy. Sathya mam had shared some cuttings which are the best.

2.What Ravindran Sir has is Premna Odorata - good to form a thick trunk but not for canopy. 

3.We can graft a Microphylla onto an Odarata

4.Serratifolia and integrifolia are other varieties.

5.We also have a varigated one which is pretty but difficult to grow

6.Best suited for ROR

7.Needs to be shaped whyle very young.

8.Soak tobacco in water and spray to get rid of pests.

9.January and February are dormant months.

10.Need to be watered well or else will dry up fast.

SUMMER CARE OF YOUR BONSAI

 By Vijay Chamundeshwari

Summer is here and we cool our systems with coconut water, avoid going out during the hours of maximum heat. We even take a cool shower or stay indoors with our aircon switched on while we rest watching our favourite TV shows. What about our little green bonsais that are fixed to the pot and stay put in which ever place they have been kept. They need our utmost care and do listen to us unlike our kids who despite our warnings run into the open to play in the scorching heat. Let us list out some points to care for our bonsai plants in this scorching summer days.

1.Never repot or style or fertilize your bonsai during these summer months. Exception is succulents like Jade and Adeniums.

2.Cover the soil with brick pieces, mulch, wood chips, gunny bag bits or even old T-shirt.

3.Watering should be done either before 8am or after 4pm. If watering in the morning wet only the soil. If there are any droplets on the leaves the sun might scorch them and cause burn spots. In the evening the entire plant can get a nice cool shower.

4. April is the last month for fertilizing. During summer, just watering will do.

5. Shift plants under the shade of larger trees or balconies. If in the terrace or any open area, shade net of 50% can be used to protect them from direct heat.

6. The tray beneath the pot can have some water in it to maintain humidity. Make sure the pot has blobs underneath to prevent root decay.

7.Keep the plants crowded together to retain coolness and humidity.

8. Segregate plants that need more water from those that need less in comparison. This makes it easier while watering.

9. Keep a close watch on every plant. Watch out for ants under the pot or on the plant. If they are already infested with ants place the pot in a tray of water and they will all drop into it. If you notice them earlier a sprinkle of Gammaxene powder will keep them away.

10. Remember to remove all wires from the plants as they might get heated and lead to die back of branches.

    Remember these little trees are like our babies that need all our care. A little bit of tender talk and touch too does wonders to them. They might not talk but they do listen. Shower them with all your love and watch the magic unfold.

Video on the recent Bonsai Exhibition, March 16-17, 2024

Video by  courtesy of  Girija Prabhakar and Suman .

Photos  by Dr  Yogesh  and Latha 

(Members of  Bodhi  Chennai  Bonsai  Association)

 

The journey of my Casurina Bonsai Plant

 By George 

This was the casurina I got
from Ravindran's farm in  Jan 2019

Did some pruning and wiring
to give it some kind of shape

The weather is nice I thought 
I should re pot my casurina 😊

Iam using a old used pot and have used
a net to cover the drainage holes

First layer broken bricks...
the advatage of broken bricks.. 
you use less soil...
broken bricks retains water...
third it gives free growth for your roots

Next layer sand mixed with small stones 
advatage is good drainage and
free air pockets for free growth of roots...

Removed the plant from the growth pot
ready to placed in the bonsai pot.

Use a axe saw to cut off excess
soil/ roots to fit into the bonsai pot

After trimming the excess roots
place the plant in the bonsai pot,
before that select the front side of the plant
before filling the pot with bonsai soil...
take your time and view the plantin different  views
and if you happy then go on to next stage

Last  I have applied some fungicide
on the cut  branches and than seald it with fevicol ..
this is to ensure that no decaying  takes place
while watering  the plant...

Now the plant  is kept under shade  for 7 to 10days..
when I see new branches and fresh needles appear...
then I will bring it into full sun..

Cascade style bonsai by Bodhi members.