BSSF: Bonsai Society of San Francisco

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by John BoyceReasons to Take Beginner’s Lessons

Jul 19th: Reasons to Take Beginner’s Lessons by John Boyce (1) To get the “feel” of the tree, its branches, trunk, and roots. You will actually learn how a tree can be structured to bring out its best qualities. Each tree is different. Often gallon sized trees are used, and while there is not much to a small tree, you can get an idea or make a plan on how it will develop if you follow proper procedures. (2) To get some hands-on experience of not only pruning a trunk and branches, but also the roots... read more »

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by John BoyceAbout the Olive

Jul 19th: About the Olive by John Boyce Begin to feed the olive now [February] at the beginning of the month. If using liquid fertilizer, apply at least three times. If your fertilizer is solid, once will be enough. This is to put lots of energy in the roots for the stripping of the tree. This is the time to do any heavy pruning of the olive, besides thinning of the top and general cutting back. You can seal the cuts... read more »

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by John BoyceLandscapes and Rock Plantings

Jul 19th: Landscapes and Rock Plantings by John Boyce As children we all played in the mud. Now, as adults, sophisticated adults (because we do bonsai), we can again play in the mud with clean minds. Let’s make some muck! [Muck can be made in several ways. Here are some: 1. Wet sedge peat alone; 2. Equal parts clay and peat; 3. Equal parts of clay or akadama dust (left over after sifting), shredded white sphagnum, kanuma (processed soil from Kanuma, Japan) or potting soil; 4... read more »

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by John BoyceCutting Bonsai

Jul 19th: Cutting Bonsai by John Boyce Often we find that we must cut into a tree. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, actually it is simple, but the way we do it is another thing altogether. When you cut off a small twig or branch, get in the habit of cutting it so that the cut faces up and slightly to the back. This will help heal the cut when it faces the sun, will help prevent disease from entering the wound, and because it faces the back it won’t show as much, or not at all... read more »

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by John BoyceSharp Tools and Bonsai Cuts

Jul 18th: Sharp Tools and Bonsai Cuts by John Boyce Sharp tools are an absolute necessity when cutting or trimming bonsai. Sharp tools will give you clean cuts that are smooth edged so that they will heal over properly. Wood is a relatively soft material made up of fibers, which are made up of cells. If a cut is not smooth, the cambium will try to heal over but will not be able to do a good job. If the cut does not heal over all the way, the part of the heart wood left exposed will rot... read more »

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by John BoyceSatsuki Azaleas

Jul 18th: Satsuki Azaleas by John Boyce May is satsuki time. One of the most lovely of blossoming bonsai is the satsuki azalea, with from one to seven colors on the same plant. If you have never seen an azalea in bloom you have a real treat in store for yourself. The satsuki is identified by two blossoms on the end of the terminal; they also have slightly hairy or globose leaves. The leaves can be quite large or very small... read more »

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by John BoyceJin and Shari

Jul 18th: Jin and Shari by John Boyce To jin or not to jin. That is an idea to think about. First of all there needs to be a reason for a jin. It has to be believable and it has to be in the correct place. Remember, a jin does not make a tree look older unless it is old. You would not find a jin on a young tree. While bending the branches down and giving movement to the branches helps to age the tree, mature bark is necessary to make the picture believable... read more »

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by John BoyceWhat to Look For When Buying Trees

Jul 17th: What to Look For When Buying Trees by John Boyce What should I look for when I buy a tree? Trees can be expensive and great care should be taken when spending money. It is easy to part with money and buy a mistake. Look at the roots. They should be fairly equal in size and all the way around the trunk. Look for roots that do not cross and tangle but grow out from the tree in an attractive manner... read more »

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by John BoyceResolving Drainage issues

Jan 26th: Start by removing all moss, leaves and other detritus from the top of the soil. These things can cause the soil to shed water rather than absorb it. Next, make holes in the soil 1/2" to 2" in size depending on the size of the pot. Start by making a cone shaped hole with a sharp chopstick, gradually making it into a cylinder shape all the way to the bottom of the pot. Fill with well-draining soil with lots of pumice in it... read more »

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by John BoyceSometimes you just have to take a chance.

Jan 20th: In styling a tree of any kind, you take a look at the branches in relation to the trunk. Decide which you wish to keep. To make sure of your decision, cover the branches with a small towel or some paper before you cut them off. If this is too much, cover just a portion of the branch or branches. With this decision made you can better tell how high the tree should be. Then, if the tree does not do anything for you, lean it to one side or the other to give it movement... read more »

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