2009 Bye Bye

2009 was a great year for Bonsai in Ahmedabad, because a group of 30 like minded people came together to form Ahmedabad Bonsai Club. And since then there is no looking back.

We have come a long way from where we where in 2009. Even bonsai basis materials like Tools, Wires, Pots & books were not available in Ahmadabad. But now they are easily available.

Between members, the club now has some 100+ Bonsai under training, which is expected to grow to 1000+ Trained Bonsai collection in next 5 years.

Some of the collection of Club members will be showcased in forthcoming Horticulture Exhibition scheduled at 12th - 15th Feb, 09. All are cordially invited.

Wishing you all a very happy & prosperous new year

- Ahmedabad Bonsai Club

November 2009 - Bonsai Club Updates

# Ahmedabad Bonsai Club - November Monthly Meet

ABC will held its monthly meet on 14th November, Saturday between 4.00 - 6.00 PM at Navikaran Nursery, Opp. Bhagwati Nursery, Near Navdeep Hall, Near Parag Mehta's Residence, Usmanpura. All are cordially invited. It is important that each member brings his/her own Plant/Bonsai/Tools/Wire.

# Baroda's Banyan Bonsai Club - Bonsai Exhibition - 28-29th November, 09

Baroda,s Banyan Bonsai Club is organising Bonsai Exhibition on 20th & 21st November at Baroda. All member of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club are cordially invited. Place - Hotel Surya Palace.

# Upcoming Bonsai Exhibition - 11th December to 13th December 2009, Mumbai

Nature in Miniature - Bonsai Exhibition to be held at

Ravindra Natya Mandir and Art Gallery,

Sayani Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Those of you who wish to participate, please contact Ramesh Sinha or Bhavesh Patel or mail at ramesh.jsinha@gmail.com

# Jyoti & Nikung Parekh - South Asia Bonsai Photo Contest 2009

If you wish to participate, pl send in your bonsai picture (6 inches * 8 Inches) latest by 7th November, 2009 along with Latin/Botanical Name of Plant, Size of tree inclusive of Pot/Tray, period under training (not the age of plant), postal address to

The Indo Japanese Association Bonsai Study Group

Oricon House, 7th Floor,

12, K Dubash Kala Godoa

Mumbai 400023

September 2009 Activites

New!
- Monthly Meet Canceled for the month of September, 2009

On account of Navratri Festival, we are cancelling the Monthly meet which was scheduled for 26th September, 2009.

- Art of Bonsai 2009 Awards. If any member of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club, Gujarat, India wish to participate please check the rules on http://www.artofbonsai.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=82&t=3795. Last date of participation is 30th September 2009. Ramesh Sinha Bonsai Club of Ahmedabad.

Bonsai Tools for Sale! Buy Bonsai Tools

Good News for Ahmedabad Bonsai Club Members!

To Buy Imported Bonsai Tools please contact Ramesh Sinha

- Concave Cutter

- Knob Cutter

- Wire Cutter

- Leaf Cutter

Ramesh Sinha - 9924332267 or ramesh.jsinha@gmail.com

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

August 2009 Updates

# Next Session is kept on 29th of August at Preetiben Place. Pl. call her on 98250 10087 for address & directions to her place.

15 No. Bunglow

SBI Officers Society

Chandra Nagar Circle

Nr. Mahila Minal Mandir

Nr. Ripple Flat

Take a right turn from chandranagar, on right hand side you will find Mahila Milan Mandir, take rigth from there and take 1st Left right, before auda garden.

# In next session we will be working on Dead Wood of Ramesh Sinha gifted by Jyotiben which can been seen on http://rameshsinhabonsai.blogspot.com/2009/07/dead-wood-stock.html

If any member has 5/6 feet tall, slender tree ideally any Ficus variety please get in touch with Ramesh Sinha

# Cascade Plant wired during first few sessions of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club has been showcased on http://rameshsinhabonsai.blogspot.com. Please visit the same and see for yourself as how they have turned out.

# Dear Ahmedabad Bonsai Club Members,

To test your bonsai skill, simply take this Online Bonsai Quiz. http://www.bonsaiempire.com/html/bonsai-quiz.html

# On 2nd August on occasion of friendship day, few Ahmedabad Bonsai Friends (Ramesh, Bhavesh, Parag) members got together & went for Bonsai Hunting. We did find two trees one Pipli which was growing in hallow trunk of a dead tree ( some 15-20 feet high) & few really big bougainvillea which we could not uproot.

# To view Ramesh Sinha's collection of Jade Bonsai, click here

http://rameshsinhabonsai.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-jade-collection-under-training.html

ABC Monthly Meeting July 2009

Ahmedabad Bonsai Club next monthly meeting is scheduled for 25th July, 2009 at Ms. Jyoti Gade place at 29/1 Bimanagar, Nr. Rani Laxmibai, Satellite at 5.00 PM. All are cordially invited. Pl. bring along your plans for pruning, wiring, repotting as required.

Extended Summers & sparse monsoon has dampened the spirit of many Bonsai Lovers in Ahmedabad. So, let's take this opportunity to revive the enthusiasm and to do some great work. This is the right time to repot your plants or to buy new ones as nursery across Ahmedabad are flush with New Stocks.

Agenda:

On the forthcoming meeting, I propose to discuss Formal registration of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club, such that we can make consolidated efforts to promote Bonsai as a Hobby in and around Gujarat. If proposal is agreed upon, than I propose selection of Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer for Ahmedabad Bonsai Club.

Ramesh Sinha, Ahmedabad Bonsai Club

How to take care of your Bonsai in Monsoon

How to take care of your Bonsai during Monsoon

- It can rain continuously for days at times & if water remain logged in pot, it will affect your bonsai tree. So check the soil & increase its drainage capacity if required.

- Some plant needs less water like Addenium, so ensure that they do not remain exposed to rains for long. Give them 2/3 showers at the most this monsoon, for that how long it rains in desert.

- All ficus variety loves rain, so if you have kept them in a place, where they cannot get drenched, it time to change their place.

- Do not fertilize your plants in monsoon, let the rain water do the needful

- Keep your plant a feet above ground, such that in case of water logging they do not get submerged

- Do not water your bonsai, unless it has not rained for 2/3 days at a stretch & you think that it will not rain for next 2/3 days.

- contributed by Ramesh Sinha, http://rameshsinhabonsai.blogspot.com - 9924332267

How to take care of your Bonsai during Summers, in and around Ahmedabad, Gujarat:
- Water Bonsai in evening, when sun sets
- Water twice a day, if bonsai is kept under direct sun
- Put gravel, brick bites on top of soil such that less earth is exposed to direct sunlight
- If you see sign of sun burn on leaves, put you bonsai in a semi shaded place
- If things go out of control, it times to take an experts view

- contributed by Ramesh Sinha, http://rameshsinhabonsai.blogspot.com - 9924332267

Attention Members

Upcoming Events: June, 2009

Bonsai Basic Classes

Next Session of Bonsai Basic will be kept at Vanita Mulchandani place at House No. 9, Government Servent Society, Opposite Municipal Market, Nr. Hotel President, CG Road, Ahmedabad on 14th June, 2009. Timings are 3.30PM to 6.00 PM. All members of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club members are cordially invited. For more details contact Ramesh Sinha 9924332267

Monthly Club Meeting on 27th June, 2009
Next monthly Bonsai Club of Ahmedabad meeting will be kept at Parag's residence at 5.00 PM. His address is 22 Laxminagar, DK Hall, Naranpura. Pl. coordinate with him for detailed address.

Japanese Rock Garden - Contributed by Ramesh Sinha

To view members bonsai collection, click here

Bonsai Diary of Ramesh Sinha - 9924332267

New Bonsai Blog of Sejal Shah
Sejal Shah, a Member of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club has launched her own Bonsai Blog http://www.sejushah.blogspot.com/. All members are requested to visit the same.

Introducing Weekend Bonsai Training Sessions:

Learn Bonsai during this Summer Vacation in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad Bonsai Club now offers weekend Training (Saturday & Sunday) 2 Session of 4 Hours each such that Students from across Gujarat can Learn Bonsai.
To enroll & to know the next batch, please contact Ramesh Sinha 9924332267 or mail at ramesh.jsinha@gmail.com. Parag Mehta9227207984 / Bhavesh Patel9824367151

Gujarat Bonsai Club:
Ahmedabad Bonsai Club is planning to expand and name it as Gujarat Bonsai Club such that we can work closely with Bonsai enthusiast in other cities & help them form Baroda Bonsai Club, Surat Bonsai Club, Bhavnagar Bonsai Club, Rajkot Bonsai Club, Jamnagar Bonsai Club, Mehsana Bonsai Club, etc. Bonsai Enthusiast from across Gujarat are requested to contact Ramesh Sinha such that such local clubs can be formed. People from their Gujarat cities & towns are also invited to join the club.

Bonsai Training Camp

Important Note:
Registration for Weekend Bonsai Training is now Open. Those who wish to learn Bonsai from across Gujarat please contact Ramesh Sinha 9924332267 / Parag Mehta-9227207984 / Bhavesh Patel - 9824367151 or email ramesh.jsinha@gmail.com

Who can Learn Bonsai?
- Anyone who loves Trees & Plants can love the art of Bonsai. Plants can sustain on their own if you give them the right environment and hence in that sense Bonsai is nothing but watching the tree grow. As a tree can survive for more than 100 years & grows slowly, having patience is very important.

How is Training Imparted?
Training will be conducted over weekend in batches of 5 to 10 people. There will be 2 sessions of 4 Hours each on Saturday & Sunday. Over and above these there will be 2 Session of Nursery Visit for plant selection. After the training is over, you will have enough knowledge to start making Bonsai on your own & grasp Bonsai Books & other reference materials easily.

The Teaching methodology will be Learn (Lecture)> See (Demo) > Practice (Make your own Bonsai), that will be covered in following manner.
- Lecture of 30 Minutes
- Demo of 30 Minutes
- Practical of 120 Minutes

What plants will be covered?
There are plants which grow Fast & can be made into Bonsai in less than 2/3 Years. During the Training phase, we will help you make your First 2 Bonsai during this Bonsai training session.

Where to get Plants & other Materials?
It is mandatory for each student to carry a Plant, Pot & other materials required for Practical purpose for each Session. For sake of convenience we will arrange for Plant, Pot & Materials which can be bought in Cash. Alternatively, students can bring their own Plant, Pot & materials as per the instructions given to them.

Study Materials?
We will give you the relevant study materials required to have Basic Knowledge of Bonsai. However it is expected from each student that they buy books of different authors, & surf Internet to gather more knowledge after the Training is complete.

Where training will be provided?
Training will be provided at Nursery, Public Garden or at residence of any member or trainer if they are willing to accommodate 5 to 10 people. The 4 Sessions will cover the following;

Session 1: 4 Hours
- Bonsai Styles
- Design Principles
- Bonsai Tools
- Plant Selection
- Visualization
- Soil Preparation

Session 2: 4 Hours
- Visualization
- Wiring & Pruning
- Cutting & Pruning
- Re potting

How to Join?
You are required to pay a Fee of Rs.1500/- towards training. Further if you with to Joint Ahmadabad Bonsai Club, you will have to pay Rs.500 as registration fee. A Total of Rs.2000 needs to be paid. Only people who are practicing Bonsai or those who complete the training are eligible to become member of Ahmadabad Bonsai Club.

Who will provide the Training?
Training will be provided by Bhavesh Patel, Ramesh Sinha & Parag Mehta. Moreover we will also try to invite other Club Members & members of Other Bonsai Club to come & share their experience, if possible.


Get Started:
To join all you have to do is send us a joining request at AhmedabadBonsaiClub@gmail.com or please contact Ramesh Sinha 9924332267 / Parag Mehta-9227207984 / Bhavesh Patel - 9824367151 or email ramesh.jsinha@gmail.com

About Ahmedabad Bonsai Club, Membership & Founders

The core activities of the Ahmedabad Bonsai Club are as mentioned below.
- Promotion of Bonsai as a Hobby
- Organizing Workshops to provide Basic & Advance Level Training
- Organizing Nursery Visit & Plant Selection
- Organizing get together & share members experience
- Organizing seminars to showcase members bonsai
- Assistance in procuring materials required for bonsai

Members generally meet once/twice in a month on Last Saturday of every month.

About Ahmedabad Bonsai Club Founders:
Ahmedabad Bonsai Club was founded by Ramesh Sinha, Bhavesh Patel & Parag Mehta. A brief about each member is given below in late 2008. From 3 members it has not grown to almost 40 Members (as of April 09) and is growing.

Who can become member of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club?
You can, if you are practicing Bonsai. If you are new to Bonsai & you wish to learn & practice bonsai, than you can become member of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club. Those who wish to have Bonsai for the sole purpose of Decoration/Showpiece, they will not be entertained as members.

What are the membership formalities?
- There is a nominal Annual fee of Rs. 500 that you will have to pay at time of Joining, which is non refundable.
- If you don't know the Bonsai Basics, than you will have to undergo the Bonsai Basic Course that cost you Rs.1500 only (Mandatory).
- Regular Active participation in Club Activities

The core activities of the Ahmedabad Bonsai Club are as mentioned below.
- Promotion of Bonsai as a Hobby
- Organizing Workshops to provide Basic & Advance Level Training
- Organizing Nursery Visit & Plant Selection
- Organizing get together & share members experience
- Organizing seminars to showcase members bonsai
- Assistance in procuring materials required for bonsai

Members generally meet once/twice in a month on Last Saturday of every month.

About Ahmedabad Bonsai Club Founders:
Ahmedabad Bonsai Club was founded by Ramesh Sinha, Bhavesh Patel & Parag Mehta. A brief about each member is given below in late 2008. From 3 members it has not grown to almost 40 Members (as of April 09) and is growing.

Ramesh Sinha - He is practicing Bonsai for more than 3 years now & has more than 50 bonsai under training. He is an active bonsai blogger & his creations/ideas can be viewed on http://rameshsinhabonsai.blogspot.com. He is one of the most active member of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club & is also responsible for hosting & maintaining Ahmedabad Bonsai Club website. He also Teaches Bonsai & is probably the only Suiseki Hobbiest in Ahmedabad. He runs a small IT firm which maintains two portals www.abcProcure.com & www.TenderTiger.com. He can be contaced on ramesh.jsinha@gmail.com or 9924332267

Bhavesh Patel: He is the seniormost Bonsai collector of Ahmedabad. Bonsai runs in his blood & is the most active bonsai enthusiast of Ahmedabad. He has travelled across India to persue his Bonsai Hobby & is known to all Bonsai Masters of India. He works for GIDC and is also a Bonsai Faculty.

Parag Mehta: He is the most modern bonsai practicner of Ahmedabad, his creation can be viewed on http://paragmehta1.blogspot.com. He also host & maintain his own Bonsai website called Bonsai Club of Ahmedabad.com which can be viewed on www.BonsaiClubofAhmedabad.com. He runs a chemical trading firm called Mehta Brothers & can help people procure Lime Sulphur which is required for Jinning purpose.

Bonsai Articles, Experiments of ABC members

- Ramesh Sinha is studying Japanese Rock Garden. It compliments Bonsai & feels that a corner of each Garden should be kept aside for Japanese Roack Garden. For more detaisl visit Ramesh Sinha Blog

- Ramesh Sinha is experimenting with New Bonsai Soil Mixture suitable for Ahmedabad, Gujarat Hot & Arid climate. To read more click here (pl read the red coloured text in the page that opens up). Posted on 23rd April, 2009

- More Suggestions, Invited from all Ahmedabad Bonsai Club Members & Other Bonsai Lovers

Members Bonsai Image Collection

Jade Bonsai of Payal Shah
In last training session (12th April, 2009), the below Jade was extracted from a big pot which had some 12 odd bonsai. The pot in which this was planted was untouched for 5 years. The trunk is 5 inches wide. This is how it looked when repotted. Wiring & Pruning will be done in May to enhance the trunk & to crop thick branches. It will be developed in Umbrella style. This bonsai was shaped & repotted by Ramesh Sinha.



Jade Bonsai of Payal Shah
Seen below is 2nd bonsai that was extracted from the Pot. The pot in which this was planted was untouched for 5 years. The trunk has natural movement which makes it a beautiful pcs. This is how it looked when repotted. Wiring & Pruning will be done in May to enhance the trunk & to crop thick branches. It will be developed in Slanting/Informal upright style.This bonsai was shaped & repotted by Ramesh Sinha on (12th April, 2009).



The Ghost Town
A landscape created by Ramesh Sinha using dead Juniper bonsai for Ahmedabad Bonsai Club, Gujarat



Adenium Bonsai by Ramesh Sinha of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club


Adenium Bonsai by Ramesh Sinha of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club titled as Fat Boy



A Funky & Groovy Adenium Bonsai Created by Parag Mehta of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club

Current Events - April 2009

Current Events:
25th April, month meeting of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club & workshop on Juniper to teach how to make Juniper Bonsai. Bonsai enthusiast from across Gujarat are invited.

Archive Events:
15th March, 2009
Baroda Bonsai Club has organised a workshop on 15th of March, 2009. Ahmedabad Bonsai Club members are cordially invited.

28th March, 2009:
2nd Monthly Gathering of Ahmedabad Bonsai Club will be on 28th March, 2009 at Law Garden Nurser between 4.30 - 6.40 PM. All members are cordially invited. Further members are requested to bring in their friends who would also like to join the club.

8th March, 2009:
2nd Session of Bonsai Training will be conducted on 8th of March, 2009 at Law Garden Nursery. Pl. note members are requested to bring either/all of the following species of plant for practical purpose.
- Jade / Aralia / Ficus
Batch Timings:
Batch 02 - 12 PM to 2 PM
Batch 03 - 03 PM to 5 PM

14th Feb, 2009
From 14th Feb to 16th Feb, there is a Horticulture Show in Baroda. The Baroda Bonsai Club will display its Bonsai there. Bonsai Lovers are requested to visit Baroda to relish the exquisite Bonsai.

6th Feb, 2009
ABC is participating in upcoming Annual Horticulture Show scheduled on 6- 8th February, 2009 at Horticulture Nursery, Law Garden, Ahmedabad to display some of the Bonsai of its existing members. Entry is Free, and all are cordially invited. The objective of this exhibition is to promote Bonsai as a Hobby among Ahmedabad Tree Lovers & to help them get started with Bonsai.