Ahmedabad Bonsai Club (ABC), Gujarat, India

My Bonsai under training since 2007

2010-04-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

1. Jade - Cascade Style - View more details

2. Jade - Formal Upright Style - Click here to view more details

3. Jade - Semi Cascade Style - click here for more details

4. Jade - Twin Trunk Bonsai - click here for more details

5. Jade - On the rock style, click here for more details

6. Jade Twin trunk - click here for more details

7. Jade Forest, click here for more details

8. Rayan - click to view more details

9. Rayan, slanting style - click to view more details

10 Peregrina / Jatropa Literrati bonsai

11. Peregrina / Jatropha - click to view more details

12. Adenium click to view more details

All about fertilizers

2010-04-26T06:04:00.001-07:00

Plants make food by process called Photosynthesis, where Carbon dioxide & water in presence of sunlight gets converted into Sugars & carbohydrates, and this is what plants feed on. Fertilizers are like Vitamins for plants, which aids in carrying out the various functions like growing, photosynthesis, flowering, seeding, etc.

Fertilizers are classified as
- Macro-nutrients
- Micro-nutrients or trace elements

Macro-nutrients:
These are further classified as Primary & Secondary Macro-nutrients:
- Primary Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K)
- Secondary Calcium (Ca), Sulphur (S), Magnesium (Mg)

Micro-nutrients or trace elements
Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo) and Selenium (Se).

Organic vs Inorganic Fertilizer
To plants it makes not difference if the Fertilizer is Organic or Inorganic. All that it needs is Macronutrients & Micronutrients in the right proportion to grow. It does not care if the same is manufactured or is available as natural resource i.e cow dung, compost, manure, etc.

Solid vs Liquid Fertilizer
Plants absorb nutrients from roots or via opening in leaves. In nature, the roots play a major role in absorbing fertilizers. Remember roots do not eat soil, all it can do is absorb water & fertilizers dissolved in water. Hence it makes no difference to plant if fertilizer is available in solid or liquid form.

What Fertilizer to Buy?
Together Nitrogen, Phosphorous & Potassium is know as NPK. Composition of NPK differs as per plant requirement i.e NPK 19:19:19 or 24:19:19, etc. These rations determines as what % of element in more & in which ratio. NPK 19:19:19 means all three elements Nitrogen, Phosphorous & Potassium are in equal proportion.

Element: Use Purpose
Nitrogen Ability to produce chlorophyll & thus aids in plants growth
Phosphorous Roots development, Flowering & absorbing food
Potassium Protection against draught, cold, diseases

NPK 19:19:19 which has all nutrients in balanced proportion is recommended for Bonsai Plants. The fertilizer you buy should contain the other elements too as listed above but in very small quantities.

Usage guidelines;
- Please refer instruction manual thoroughly
- Please seek usage instruction from expert if possible
- Fertilizers should be used sparingly
- They should used in small quantities, once every 2 weeks
- Preferably they should be diluted in water & than fed to the plants
- If sprayed on leaves it should be done during early morning or evening hours
- Excess usage can harm plans & even kill them
- Usage should be more in Growing season & less in dormant period

Ramesh Sinha
Ahmedabad Bonsai Club
9924332267

Join Indian Bonsai group on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=134040618089

For more information, please visit this website.
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/fertiliz.htm

About Fertilizing Bonsai

2010-04-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

Fertilizers are classified as
- Macro-nutrients
- Micro-nutrients or trace elements

Macro-nutrients:
These are further classified as Primary & Secondary Macro-nutrients:
- Primary Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K)
- Secondary Calcium (Ca), Sulphur (S), Magnesium (Mg)

Micro-nutrients or trace elements
Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo) and Selenium (Se).

Ramesh Sinha
Ahmedabad Bonsai Club
9924332267

Join Indian Bonsai group on Facebook

For more information, please visit this website.
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/fertiliz.htm

Bonsai Wiring tutorials - Session 3

2010-03-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

All about wring a Bonsai

Detailed articles & video are available on following sites, kindly refer them.

• http://www.absbonsai.org/articles/wiring/wiring2.html

• http://www.bonsai4me.com

• http://www.artofbonsai.org

• http://www.youtube.com

Clipping vs Wiring Method

Bonsai can be made using clipping method, where you cut the unwanted branches & wait for new branch to appear at the desired position. This method take years to achieve the desired results and very few people practice it. You can get quick result by wiring the branches to the new desired position. Wiring a Bonsai is easy, but few points needs to be kept in mind before you wire the plant.

Copper vs. Aluminum wire

Ideally one should go for copper wire (annealed i.e. softened by controlled heating process), but Aluminum wire gives similar result & works out a lot cheaper than Copper wire. You get plain Aluminum wire & threaded Aluminum wire, I suggest you go for later one which is stronger.

Selection of wire Gauge

You get wire from 1 mm thickness to 8 mm or more thickness. It is advised to have 4 different gauges of wire ideally of 2, 4, 6, 8 mm thickness, to wire thicker or slender branches.

Selecting the proper wire gauge for wiring Bonsai

Take wire & hold it at 2 inch distance from the open end. Now try to bend the branch that needs to be wired with the open end by applying slight pressure.

- If the branch bends, you have proper gauge.

- If branch bends, repeat the same exercise with one size smaller wire.

- If the branch does not bend, try thicker gauge.

Selecting the proper wire length for wiring Bonsai

You will need 1.5 times the length of Trunk or Branch that needs to be wired because;

- Wire will be required for anchoring

- You wire at 45 degree angle & not in a straight or circular line

- If the length of the wire falls short, you will have to as such rewire

Wire Angle

Always wire at 45 degree angle to maximize the strength of wire.

- Close Wiring or wiring at lesser angle can block the flow of liquid in cambium/sap and kill the branch or tree

- Wiring at higher angle will defeat the purpose of wiring, as it cannot be shaped properly.

Preparation before you wire the Tree.

- Defoliate, so that you see the movement of Trunk/Branches clearly & also a clean trunk/tree is much easier to wire than one with leaves.

- Think of the style & shape of the tree & if possible draw it on paper. Sleep on your design overnight and make the changes if required. Once concluded, start to wire.

- Mark the branches/Trunk which need to be wired.

- Mark the areas from where the Branch/Trunk will have to bend

- Massage the Branches to make is easier to bend with help of thumb & forefinger, remember, if you cannot bend it, the wiring cannot.

Anchoring

Remember, if you do not anchor the wire, Branch/Trunk cannot be shaped, no matter how good you wiring is.

- Anchor in Ground

- Anchor on Trunk

- Anchor on Branch, when wiring a single branch

- Anchor on Opposite branches when wiring 2 branches

- Anchoring around the trunk when wiring a Fork branch

Wiring Sequence

Post wiring the plant should not look clumsy, but post wiring the tree should look more beautiful. So,

- Wire the Trunk first

- Than go on to Wire the Primary Branches

- Wire the secondary Branches & so on.

- Wire the lowest branches first & than the second lowest branch

When to wire?

Technically you can wire a Tree throughout the year, but if possible try to avoid it during growing season when new buds appear. For deciduous varieties, the ideal time to wire is during the lean season, when trees shed all their leaves.

- Avoid wiring it Spring & Monsoon when new bud appear.

When to remove wire?

- If wired during lean period, wire can be left for up to 6 months

- If wired during growing season, it will have to removed within 8 weeks

- Keep looking at the tree, if you think the wire is eating into the bark, then it is time to remove.

Important:

- Some people keep wire for longer period of time to make the tree look old

- Keeping wire for longer period of time will result in fattening at the base

Wiring Rules:

- Wire entry from Top, will aid in bending the branch down

- Wire entry from Bottom, will aid in lifting the branch up

- Wiring in clockwise (right branch) will aid in bring branch forward

- Wiring in anti-clockwise (right branch) will aid in pushing branch backward

- Remember strength of 2 smaller gauge wire is more than 1 wire with equal gauge

Bending post wiring

A professional will bend the branch, as he wires it, but you can bend once the wiring is complete. Remember to bend the branch, trunk as per the above rules. Bending against the rules can result in dead branch or even tree.

Remember you can bend a branch not more than 2/3 times, lesser the better. So think before you bend a branch, as you have limited trials. If you are not convinced in 2 or 3rd time, than remover the wire, let the branch heal for 2/3 months & than try again.

Stapling method:

Instead of wiring, you can bring two branches close to each other using stabling method. This method works well in case of twigs & roots only.

Raffia method:

When you have to wire stiff branch, than extra care need to be taken or else when you bend it, chances are it will break into 2 pieces. For the same you can take wet raffia or Coconut rope, and wind it closely on the section that needs to be wired. Alternatively you can use black take used for electrical insulation instead too. Than and than use higher gauge wire & wrap it on the raffia tape. Than bend the branch in desired position, in phased manner.

Air wiring method:

When wiring young branch you can use this method. Instead of wiring it close to bark or skin of the branch, you can wire it with loose hand, such that there is distance between wire & skin, allowing the young branch to grow & fatten.

Unwiring:

Unwiring is more difficult than wiring because, leaves would have grown in place. The best way to remove wire is to cut is using Bonsai wire cutter & remove it. Unwiring, with intention to reuse the wire has couple of disadvantages

- Annealed copped wire cannot be reused

- You will break leaves, twigs, even branch in process

- The branch shape may change because of excess pressure

Bonsai Training Material - Session 2

2010-03-16T03:29:00.000-07:00

Remember, you just need to copy the nature:

The difference between you, me & the master is not knowledge of Bonsai but the touch of creativity. Unlike other art forms, where innovation is basically the creativity, in case of Bonsai, creativity lies in copying nature

Bonsai is a Living Art Form

Remember, unlike other art forms, Bonsai is a Living art. A tree will continue to grow and change during the seasons and as it ages. Bonsai is never complete, it can be perfect only for a period of time and than it adds a new dimension as it ages.

360 Degree Learning’s

You’ll learn the basic from me, but I recommend the following such that you can hone up your Bonsai skills

- Read Books & articles

- Go online, Join Indian Bonsai Group on Facebook

- View Websites, Read Blogs

- View/Admire Trees in nature, in your neighborhood

- Have a collection of Pictures

- Study a bit of Biology to know you plant nature

Bonsai schools

Bonsai Originated in China but Japan is where it flourished. There are two Bonsai methods;

# 1: Clip & Cut method (Chinese)

This is a slow process where you cut the unwanted branches, and wait for the new branch to appear at the desired position. This method belongs to old school & takes 5 to 10 years to get the desired shape. A lot depends on luck too.

# 2: Wiring method (Japanese)

This is a fast process, where with the help of wire, you can position a branch to the desired position & shape the tree as you like. This way you can achieve the desired shape in 2 to 3 years. Most of the bonsai are made this way, now.

Get inspired by nature

Bonsai is all about replicating tree as see in nature and not topiary where you try to cut & shape a plant in form of circle, square, bird or animal or any other form. Remember that Nature is odd, not even. Nature does not have a perfect shape like square, circle but nature comes in irregular, uneven shape & sizes.

Ideal Height of a Bonsai

- Less than 3 Inches (Shito), that grow in thumb nail size pots

- Less than 6 inches (Mame), trunk & branches are loosely visible

- Less than 8 - 12 Inches (Shohin), trunk & branches are clearly visible

- Large Bonsai – more than 12 Inches.

More Specific Names by Size:

- Up to 1 inch in height: Keishi Bonsai

- Up to 3 inch in height: Shito Bonsai

- Up to 6 inch in height: Mame Bonsai

- Up to 8 inch in height: Shohin Bonsai

- Up to 16 inch in height: Kifu Sho Bonsai

- Up to 24 inch in height: Chu Bonsai

- Up to 40 inch in height: Dai Bonsai

Understanding different components of a Tree?

- Trunk

- Branches

- Twigs

- Leaves (To process food)

- Roots (Nebari)

- Fruits & Flowers

A Bonsai is expected to have all of the above features.

Selecting a Pre Bonsai

A pre bonsai is a Tree which has most of the above tree features namely;

- Fat Trunk

- Multiple Branches

- Good Nebari

- Further, try to avoid,

- avoid scars on front side

- avoid a branch poking users (piegeon breast)

- Check roots, should be on side & back of the tree front.

- Identify the front side & check if it looks beautiful.

Trunk, the most important part of Bonsai

Look at any Tree, and the first thing that you will see will invariably be the Trunk of the Tree. Remember these;

- Shrubs do not have a trunk, but tree have a solid trunk.

- Bonsai is not made from a shrub; it is made from a tree.

Young vs Old Tree:

- Young trees are straight whereas Old trees have movement.

- Young trees are cylindrical, whereas Old trees taper at top

- Young trees are smooth, whereas Old trees are rough, have barks.

- Young trees have branch towards the sky, old trees bulge towards the earth

- Trunk movement (depends on style)

- Trunk movement will depend on the style you select

- The select style that is drastically opposite of natural movement

- The movement of Trunk & Branches should be in “S” Shape

- Sun, Wind & competition from other plant shape the Tree

- “B”, “M” or “O” shapes are unnatural

- Stick to any one of the basic style. Do not fuse two styles.

How do you shape a tree?

- By Wiring

- To bend thicker Trunk, branch you can make a wedge

- Use Bending tools (advance, used in branches mainly)

- Use Raffia method (Cloth plus wiring for heavy bending)

- Splitting trunk Method

- Fire Method – this will soften the branch (advance technique)

- Anchoring to pot or roots

Cutting Trunk

- Like a good surgeon, post surgery marks of operation should not be visible

- Buy Good tools & take good care of them

- Never use Rusted tools

- Clean tool when using it for two different species

- Use Knob Cutter (Will create hollow) that will heal faster

- Cut slanting, not horizontally

- Skin grafting

All about Tapering?

In case of cylindrical trunk, Cut & let the new branch become trunk

- Strangulation, tight wiring to allow the lower part to swell

- Proportionately decrease the width as you go up

- First branch is Fat, the top branches are thin

- Fuse two plant to make it thick (ficus varieties)

- Trunk width is equal to height of pot so fatter trunk, the better

- Use of Tunaki/ Dead wood

- Use of Stone

Ageing Bonsai

- Sari (is always on the trunk)

- Jin or dead wood

- Bird Holes

- Bark

Branch Placement

- Left, Right, Back, Front & repeat

- Right, Left, Back, Front, & repeat

- Right right, Left Left – not allowed

- First branch in Back in not allowed

- Spread of branches should be equal to height of the tree

- Avoid parallel branches

- Forearming

- First branch at 1/3rd the height of the tree

- As you go up, distance between two branches decreases

- No branches on the inner curves

- Develop Secondary, Tertiary and branches up to 5 or even 7th level

- The tree should look like a tree even without leaves, during autumn

Roots (Nebari)

- Equally spread, show age of tree

- You can wire to get the desired shape

- Tap root to be removed

- Root ball to be preserved

- Fibrous roots

- Stapling to place roots on right position

- Exposed roots

- On the rock style

Tips on selecting appropriate pot for your Bonsai

2010-02-19T04:55:00.000-08:00

Tips on selecting appropriate pot for your Bonsai

Off late something else is keeping me occupied and hence my contribution on this blog is limited. Nevertheless, few days back I got a chance to go through few articles on Bonsai Pot selection and thought of sharing the key points to be kept in mind when selecting a pot for bonsai.

#1 - When you look at a Bonsai Tree, it is the tree that should stand out & not the pot. If colour, shape or texture of the pot hits your eye first, something is seriously wrong. Thumb rule is when you look at the mirror, you should get to see your reflection without any distortions. If Golden frame of mirror hits your eye, than the purpose of the mirror is lost. Also remember $ 5 Bonsai & $500 Bonsai Pot does not make $505 Bonsai.

# 2 - The height of the pot should be equal to with diameter of the trunk.

# 4 - Angular pots (Rectangle, square, hexagonal design) go with Bonsai with Masculine characteristics like Sari, Jin, Dead branches, etc.

# 5 - Oval, round pots go well with Bonsai with Feminine characteristics like Flowers, soft branches, good foliage, etc.

# 6 - The depth of the pot should be slightly less than the spread of the Tree

# 7 - The length of the Pot should not be more than 2/3 of the tree size

# 8 - For cascade style - select appropriate pots, it should not be plated in oval or trays

# 9 - For Literati style, go for oval or round pots

# 10 - For forest style, go for rectangular trays with low height such that user can go into the landscape & see the plantations

# 11 - Go for unglazed pot for evergreen trees like pines, etc.

# 12 - Go for glazed pots for flowering, deciduous trees and pot can be of contracting colour to enhance the look of the bonsai during spring & autumn

# 13 - for mame bonsai, go for bright colour pots

# 14 - The base of the pot should be smaller than top of the top to give lighter effect

# 15 - Pots should have enough holes

remember, there is only one rule for training pots - bigger the better. The above rules are applicable only in case of a Trained bonsai, ready for display.

I will love to add more points, so please feel free to contribute.

Ramesh Sinha, Ahmedabad Bonsai Club

9924332267

February 2010 Updates

2010-02-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

Ahmedabad Bonsai Club Registration for the year 2010
All members are requested to renew their registration by paying Rs.500 to Ahmedabad Bonsai Club. New member can join the club by paying Rs.2000 - Rs.1500 for Basic Training & Rs.500 towards annual club registration fees. For more details please contact Parag Mehta or Bhavesh Patel. New Training batch starts from March 2010.

Ahmedabad's First Bonsai Exhibition
Ahmedabad Bonsai Club completed its first anniversary in the month of February, and on this occasion it organized Ahmedabad’s first Bonsai Exhibition in association with Gujarat Horticulture Association. More than 50 Bonsai Plants & Saikei (Landscapes) were displayed where each and every member actively participated. A small competition was organized to judge the best 3 Bonsai & Saikei and to judge the same, Shri Jinabhai Patel, from Valsad was invited.

Top 3 Bonsai
- First Price went to Jyoti Gade for her Ficus (Pipli)
- Second Price went to Jyotsna Patel for her Jade
- Third price went to Ramesh Sinha for his Jade

Top 3 Landscape
- First Price: Rishma Parikh
- Second Price: Rishma Parikh
- Third Price: Jyoti Gade

Next year we plan to showcase 100+ Bonsai & Landscape and we urge all members to start preparing for the same.

Ahmedabad Bonsai Club also got overwhelming response from the people at large and more than 100+ people have shown interest in learning & growing bonsai. We aim to accommodate some in the next session scheduled to start from March, 2010.

Bonsai Trees & Bonsai Pots Exhibition in Ahmedabad

2010-01-20T00:51:00.000-08:00

Ahmedabad Bonsai Club will be completing 1 year in Feb 2009. On this occasions, Ahmedabad Bonsai Club is organizing exhibition of Bonsai Trees & Bonsai Pots on 12, 13 & 14th Feb, 2009 at Horticulture Nursery, Lawgarden, Ahmedabad.

Certificate will be given to the best Bonsai by Horticulture Association. All members are requested to actively participate in the event and showcase their best bonsai. The event will be Judged by a very senior person from Bonsai Field. For participation, please contact Parag, Bhavesh or Ramesh.

Bonsai Pots and Pre Bonsai materials are also displayed at Stall No. 14. All are invited to use this opportunity to buy good pots & pre bonsai stock.

Ramesh Sinha

Ahmedabad Bonsai Club

2009 Bye Bye

2009-12-29T00:13:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-10T01:06:00.000-07:00

# 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

2009-08-26T03:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

# 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

2009-07-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-10T01:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-01T22:21:00.000-08:00

- 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

2009-01-31T02:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-30T23:35:00.000-08:00

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.