Happy New Year, and what a start we have had so far for 2026! We kicked off the year with our very own Artist, Drew Binkley. An amazing weekend on January 3 and 4 of Deadwood Carving & tree styling. Next, came Master Artist John Eads with our Study Group on January 22 and 23. A chance to do a little styling on our conifers, as well as an introduction and hands on to Scion Grafting. I had an amazing trip to Japan in January, as well with 3 other members of NBS and 2 from Chattanooga (TVBS) and 2 from Richmond, VA. Shannon Salyer and his wife Debbie (Kusa Farms) arranged our trip. We look forward to providing an overview presentation of our trip at our February Meeting. Then came the unprecedented “Ice Storm.” During the Winter Storm shut in period, I had time to reflect and continue planning for the coming year. “The Living Art of Bonsai” is a part of me now just like eating or breathing Our trees rely on us as our family or pets do. There is an interdependence here; we need and depend on one another. Pragmatism leads us to have concerns for our collections, generationally speaking. Who will care for our trees when we no longer can? This may not seem a concern to those who have just started their journey, but to those of us who have significant trees in our collections, it is clear. Why am I addressing this to our Membership you ask? Twofold I reply: 1). First, this year we (NBS Board) are concerned with Club leadership, team training and our commitment to you, our members. 2). Secondly, we (NBS) must continue to build on a Legacy Tree Program for the stewardship of our trees. Please join us on February 23 rd for our first meeting of 2026. Start working your tree plan now and start planning your tree work. Repotting season will be upon us sooner than you think…
Grateful, Sara
📍 Cheekwood | 🕕 February 23, 6:00–8:30 PM
Join us for a visual journey through Japan’s bonsai gardens and a planning discussion to jumpstart your tree work for spring.
📍 Hopson Home | 🕘 Saturday, February 28, 9:30 AM–3:00 PM
Shannon Salyer of Kusa Farms returns with forest planting materials and design concepts. Students: bring your tools, enthusiasm, and questions!
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🌲 MON Feb 23 - Monthly Meeting at Cheekwood
🎓 SAT February 28 - 1st Mentorship 101 Class 🌱 SUN March 1 – Shannon Salyer Study Group
*more info below
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| CLIMATE | INDICATORS | HOW TO RESPOND |
|---|---|---|
| Large temperature fluctuations Avg. Low 31° Avg. High 52° Record Low 13° Record High 84° | Warmer temps and longer days mean we are seeing the trees begin to take up a bit more water. When temperatures are above 44° the vascular system begins to release the carbohydrates and sugars stored over the winter. This energy release is what causes the buds to swell for our spring growth. . | Monitor water needs carefully. Mid-month begins our repotting season. Good time to root and thread grafting if buds are swelling. Protect newly repotted trees from temperatures below 42°and over 75° and high winds. Protect emerging foliage from temperatures below 34°, above 75° and high winds. |
President: Sara Hopson - [email protected]
Past President: Clay Farris - [email protected]
Director of Programs Programs: Curt Hagenau - [email protected]
Director of Education: Drew Binkley [email protected]
Mentors : Eileen Knox, Donna Comer, Sara Hopson, Albert Kolbe, Marshall Hindley, MichaelKidder, Joh Mahal, John Scarpelli, Kurt Smith.
Director of Finance: Albert Kolbe - [email protected]
Director of Membership: Susan Hagenau - [email protected]
Director of Communications: David Supica - [email protected]
Director of Website: Michael Kidder - [email protected]
Director of Community Outreach: Joh Mahal [email protected]
Member At Large: VACANT
Hospitality Coordinator: Cameron Ford - [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator – VACANT
Bonsai Shows & Exhibits: