This first weekend of Summer we should all be feeding our trees and pinching new growth except on some flowering trees like Japanese quince, wisteria and plum which are allowed to grow unchecked. While we like to keep our trees looking nice, some trees need to be let go in order to serve the higher purpose of spring bloom or future plans for the tree. Escape branches can look unwieldy and unbalanced during the summer but the future purpose of proportional secondary branches is better served by some unsightliness now. Any trees wired this spring should be watched closely now and wire removed before the tree grows into it. Especially check deciduous trees, that were wired while dormant and are now covered in foliage. For these trees, double check that wire has been removed.

It is not to soon to start thinking about your show trees for next year and making a plan for development. Also look though your collection and set aside those trees you have not been able to get to or are lacking inspiration for you, and plan to donate them to our September auction where an inspired member can take them home and provide a fresh view.

Saturday, July 14, we are planning a club car pool trip to bonsai nurseries in Sonoma County. Joe Nersveen is coordinating with the nurseries and we will have a sign up at the next general meeting on July 12. It will be an all day trip with a break for picnic lunch at one of the nurseries. The club will provide lunch. Anyone with a cargo vehicle and extra passenger capacity who can drive please come forward.

Finally plan to visit the Collection North this summer and note the development of the trees there, and take in some of the Summer weekend programs which are planned.

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