Living Art Bonsai Society

As summer continues to unfold, our bonsai trees are thriving and transforming, reminding us of the beauty and patience required in this living art. Whether you are a seasoned grower or just beginning your bonsai journey, our club is here to support, educate, and inspire you.

Club Updates & Upcoming Events

The Living Art Bonsai Society (LABS) meets the third Saturday of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Huntsville Botanical Garden. Please check our website ( http://www.livingartbonsaisociety.org) or our Facebook page for any updates to meeting times or locations. Our meetings are free and open to the public, typically featuring a business session, an educational program, and a hands-on work session.

For our August meeting we will have a short discussion on club business and then a longer than normal time to work on your trees. If you are a mentee, please bring you trees and ask for help or insight. If you are a mentor, please come ready to help others with their trees.

On August 22 we will be visiting the workshop of James Cofer. James has been practicing the art of pottery for many years and has offered to open his shop to LABS members. Please join us there.

For our September meeting we will be hosting Rodney Clemons via a video teleconference. Apart from catching up with Rodney, he will be offering a teaching on Kingsville boxwoods. Rodney is quite renowned for his Kingsville knowledge.

We are excited to announce our upcoming summer bonsai show at the Botanical Gardens and periodic demonstrations every half hour throughout the day. This event is wonderful opportunity to showcase your trees.

Spotlight: The Art of Bonsai

Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) is the art of growing miniature trees or shrubs in containers. It is a living art, constantly evolving with the seasons. The bonsai artist selects from a variety of species to create a design that resembles a mature tree in nature. Through careful training and maintenance, both the tree and the grower improve year after year.

This paragraph is an easter egg paragraph. The first person that reads it and sends me an email at trdoran@gmail.com will receive a nice dawn redwood tree in a nursery pot at out next meeting.

Originating in China and refined in Japan, bonsai has become a global passion. To qualify as bonsai, a tree must be planted in an appropriate container—usually shallow, though some styles call for deeper pots or even planting on rocks or slabs. Good drainage and a well-draining soil mix are essential for healthy bonsai.

Most small-leaved trees and shrubs that tolerate pot culture make excellent bonsai subjects. Tropical bonsai can be grown indoors, while hardy evergreens and deciduous trees require a cold dormant period and should be kept outdoors most of the year. Some winter protection may be needed during severe cold spells.

Miniaturization is achieved by restricting the growing area, regular trimming of foliage and roots, and careful watering and fertilizing. Wiring with aluminum or copper allows you to shape trunks and branches, but remember to remove wires as the tree grows to prevent damage.

Membership & Community

LABS is dedicated to promoting the art of bonsai and sharing its joys. Membership is open to anyone interested, with annual dues of $30 per person or family, payable at or before the January meeting. Members receive monthly newsletters and access to club events, resources, and a supportive community.

Bonsai is a rewarding hobby, and being part of LABS allows you to share your excitement, learn from others, and contribute to our vibrant club. We encourage you to bring friends and family to our meetings and events.

Final Thoughts

As we nurture our bonsai, let’s also nurture our club community. Share your successes, ask questions, and help others grow. Together, we can continue to promote and enjoy the ancient art of bonsai.

See you at the next meeting!

Warm regards,

Tim Doran
President, Living Art Bonsai Society

15 Aug 26
LABS Monthly Meeting

Monthly Meeting

Times 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Presentation on Boxwoods by Tim Doran
Bring in a Tree(s) for critiques (always a fun time)
Work on trees

Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805

Here are directions to the meeting room called Volunteer Classroom:

The Linda J. Smith Building is located to the right of the Guest Center. Drive straight to the Guest Center, take your first right in the traffic circle, and park in the parking lot (Dogwood Lot on the map) at the top of the hill. Go to the red brick building with the wooden ramp in front of it next to the pavilion. When you walk up the ramp, the volunteer classroom is the door on the right.

Current Trees that you may find in our collections

BOXWOOD

Boxwood (Buxus) are very robust and can grow even on barren ground, in fu ll sun or shade. As boxwoods tolerate constant trimming very well and can bud from old wood, they are very well suited for bonsai.

CYPRESS

One of the best bonsai trees for beginners is the Bald Cypress, or Taxodium distichum. A member of the Redwood family, Taxodiaceae, it is a primary tree species & can reach heights of 100-120′ with a trunk diameter typically between 3-5′.

AZALEA

Azaleas can be trained for either flowers or bonsai but not really for both. Azaleas trained primarily for flowers usually have a shrubby appearance – Azaleas bloom in various colors and are an ideal species for bonsai.

ELM

The Chinese elm is a very popular choice of Bonsai for beginners, as it is a strong tree that reacts well to pruning and can be kept outdoors as well as indoors. The fine ramification, tiny leaves and beautiful bark are characteristics most loved for this tree species.