You’ve likely seen it – that dirty, cruddy stuff in your garden, on street trees, and on your bonsai. It has a name – sooty mold. Sooty mold on camellia Although it can look creepy up close, it’s not among the more harmful garden pests. Sooty mold is fungus that grows on the honeydew secreted […]
Search Results for: pine
Pest of the week – aphid
Aphids are among the most common of garden pests. They’re relatively soft, squishy and destructive. There are thousands of species, and their reproductive strategies are What’s that in the shadows? Aphids! I’ve seen them approach 1cm, but most in my garden are several millimeters long. Ahpid close-up Depending on the severity of the infestation, control […]
Pest of the week – scale
Fall, in moderate climates, is a key time to look out for pests on bonsai. In colder climates, many insects are killed by cold weather. Not where I live. Within the past week I’ve found all varieties of unwanted guests in the garden. This week I’ll focus on scale. Healthy looking olive foliage What’s this – […]
GSBF 37th Convention – conifers
The Golden State Bonsai Federation’s exhibit at its 37th convention included a great mix of conifers, particularly the pines and junipers. Sierra juniper Taiwan juniper Black pine Great trunk and roots Sierra juniper Atlas cedar – is that what I think it is atop the tree? Yep – Mantodea Coast redwood I’ve guessed at several […]
GSBF 37th Convention – Deciduous trees on exhibit
Last week the Golden State Bonsai Federation hosted its 37th Convention in Sacramento, California – Bonsai Visions of the West. Headliners included Peter Tea, Kathy Shaner and David De Groot. The event featured a great selection of vendors, workshops, demonstrations, auctions and bonsai on display. A visitor photographing a trident maple This year’s exhibit was […]