Our annual auction and raffle is coming up on Mother’s Day weekend.  You won’t want to miss this opportunity to expand your collection or to give someone else an opportunity to take your creation to the next level by selling your trees.  All members are asked to bring in bonsai related items for the Auction/Raffle as we have done for several years.  Trees, pots, slabs, tools, books, magazines, companion plants, artwork are all acceptable things to bring.

We will be expanding our auction this year so that each member may bring in as many bonsai items as you like.  Items for the auction must have a minimum value of $35 and be bonsai related.  Items below $35 will be used for the raffle.

We have no time limit on the room this year, so no rush at the end.

We always have a great time at the Auction/ Raffle.  You never know what will show up at this event.  You are sure to see something you will want for your collection and much at bargain prices.    Hope you can make it.

Here is the schedule at the Botanic Garden Center in our usual room:

9:30 am-         Doors open, set up

Bring in items

Refreshments available

10:30-             All items should be in place and ready for viewing

Raffle tickets on sale

Viewing

11:00-             Raffle Drawing begins

11:30ish-        Auction begins

Please wait till the end of the auction to pay and collect your trees.

Please be sure to note that our usual 2nd Thursday meeting on the 10th of May is canceled.  Not to worry, it is being replaced by out spectacular raffle and auction to be held on Saturday, the 12th.  Look for more info on that.

BONSAI   BASICS

With Estella Flather

Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:00 pm

 Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center

Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

3220 Botanic Garden Drive

(same building as the Conservatory)

Learn the secrets of growing bonsai in Texas.  This class covers the history of bonsai, tree styles, bonsai care including soils and insect control, and starting your own bonsai tree.

 Each participant will get a plant, pot, soil, and everything needed to create your own bonsai tree to take home.

Class fee is $25, payable to Estella Flather.

To sign up, phone 817-295-0802

If you were unfortunate to have missed the thumb pot class taught by Bill Weber, here are a couple of pics to make you remember next time!

Chuck and Pat Ware are long time bonsai enthusiasts who are wellknown in the Lone Star Bonsai Federation. Chuck has given several lectures to the FWBS and around the state, and Pat has been treasurer for the LSBF for many years. Years ago they established a bonsai nursery in Wimberley, TX. (just west of San Marcos). Along with the nursery they also developed and now maintain the Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit.

Mark Bynum viewed the collection in January of this year and they told him that the whole place looks better in May and June. They have pre-bonsai material for sale as well as tools, pots, and supplies.
Mark proposes for the FWBS and guests to journey to Wimberley on a day trip to view the Exhibit and talk with Chuck and Pat on Saturday, May 26, Memorial Day weekend. We could carpool or it has been suggested to rent a
van. The trip will take all day and into the night. Get with Mark if you may be interested.

Watch our calendar on this site for upcoming events.  Of note, please plan to attend our annual auction and raffle to be held on May 12 at the Botanical Gardens.  Last year there were some amazing specimens that changed hands.  Maybe this is your year to come home with a treasure.

I know for me, a rank amateur, the opportunity to acquire more mature material helps my growth in bonsai.

This time next week I hope you will be joining with the hundreds of other bonsai enthusiasts at the annual LSBF convention being held in Dallas.  Please go here for the latest information on this premier bonsai event of the year here in Texas.

Please see our latest newsletter here.  In addition to the regular gems on bonsai care you will find important details on upcoming events that you won’t want to miss.

You won’t want to miss this month’s program on maples.  Our speaker will be John Miller, an elder statesman of the DFW bonsai movement.  John is a a regular contributor to our newsletter and you never want to miss his advice.

Speaking of newsletter, our archive is now back up to date.  I apologize for not keeping it so.

Also, right around the corner is the LSBF convention in Dallas.  Go to the Bonsai Society of Dallas web site or our page regarding the convention for more details.  You won’t want to miss this.