Living Art Bonsai Society
LABS

A Message from Our President Mr. Terry

November and cooler weather approaches. There is hardly a time when we can turn our backs on our little trees. Maybe in January? Check back with us then and look for the possibility of a message that says (just rest this month). We need to begin thinking about cold weather storage for our trees. As we know most of our trees need a dormant period in order to survive (all but tropical). After leaves fall on deciduous trees they may be stored in an unheated garage. Remember they will still need a limited amount of water, even bare stems aspirate a little water. Also dormant tree roots continue to grow consuming some moisture.

Trees overwintered outside are in more danger from aspiration, wind will dry them out rapidly and careful attention must be given to prevent over drying. Additionally evergreens must be exposed to sunlight even while dormant. Yet all trees stored outdoors must not be in an area that is too warm causing them to think summer has arrived and thus break dormancy, budding too early. Also their roots must not be allowed to freeze. Place pots in clusters and cover the pots with mulch of some type. The south side of most buildings will get warm too quickly. These clustered covered pots may become a home for insects, another thing that must be watched.

These are just a few preliminary notes on overwintering bonsai. Check our website and other sources for more detailed info on this subject.

Phil Terry
President LABS 

15 Nov 25
LABS Monthly Meeting & VOTING

Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805

Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Monthly meeting “Elections of officers for 2026 & 2027“  

Presentation on Multi-trunk designs by Phil Terry

Members display a favorite little tree “For display or critique”

Work on trees  

Last meeting in 2025…

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.

27 Nov 25
Thanksgiving

Let us always remember to express our gratitude. Cherish time spent with family and friends, and embrace the blessings of Thanksgiving and good health.

24 & 25 Dec 25
Merry Christmas

The moment is now—breathe, reflect, and be present.

Let the laughter of loved ones fill the air, and the warmth of family and friends wrap around you like a soft blanket. Allow hearts to open, stories to be shared, and joy to rise—whether in the stillness or the beautiful mess of togetherness. And as you care for your bonsai—those tiny trees shaped with love and patience—know that each curve carries intention, each leaf holds quiet wisdom. In their delicate presence, a universe unfolds.

This is the gift of presence.

This is the art of attention.

This is life, beautifully rooted.

Kingsville Boxwood
Buxus Microphylla Forest
Style: Rock Over Rock
Age: 50 years
In Training: 20 years

Bald Cypress
Taxodium distictum
Style: Formal Upright
Age: 18 years
In Training: 13 years

Satsuki Azalea
Rhododendrum indicum
Style: Informal Upright
Age: 40 years
In Training: 30 years

Elm
Ulmus parvifolia
Style: Informal Upright
Age: 20 years
In Training: 15 years