Living Art Bonsai Society
LABS

A Message from Our President Tim Doran

President’s Message – February 2026

Hello fellow bonsai enthusiasts.

Well February is upon us and although winter is still here, it is time to start preparing for spring activities. For me this mostly means ensuring I have all the necessary materials for spring repotting—pots, soil, wire, and other essentials. February can still bring very cold weather, so please take appropriate measures to protect your bonsai from the low temperatures.

Watering during this time of year, which is different from spring through fall, can be particularly challenging. Overwatering poses a significant risk, potentially leading to root rot and fungal issues. To mitigate these concerns, now is an excellent time to apply antifungal treatments to all our trees. Underwatering can also be equally problematic as your trees can dry out and suffer.

This year, with our greater emphasis on bonsai education, our monthly meetings will focus more on instruction and providing members with hands-on opportunities to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced practitioners. If you have been practicing bonsai for some time, we encourage you to share your knowledge and assist those who are newer to the art.

We continue refining our mentorship program to provide the best possible education to all our members. This will consist of having someone to call when we have direct questions but also one on one opportunities with various more experienced bonsai artists. We plan on encouraging newer members to take advantage of these one-on-one opportunities. So much can be learned this way.

Recently, we held our first meeting with Jeff Bennett, of Bennett’s Nursery, who is enthusiastic about the changes planned for our 2026 show. These changes include adding vendors, inviting other clubs, and incorporating backdrops for all displayed trees. We are excited about these changes and look forward to a great show this year.

I am really excited about everything before us this year and we will need everyone’s help to make it all happen.

“Bonsai is not the result: that comes after. Bonsai is only the way: the way to find yourself.” — Saburo Kato 

See you at the next meeting!

Tim Doran

President LABS

7 Feb 26
LABS Meeting

Monthly Meeting

         Times: More to follow

• Trident maple dig at Dennis Coad’s
• All who participate will have the opportunity to buy one of the trees for $200 next year
• Location: Address will be shared at monthly meeting
• What to bring?  Anything that will help you dig a tree.

Location: Dennis Coad Home

21 Feb 26
LABS Meeting

Monthly Meeting

         Times 1:00pm to 4:00pm Varies

• Sign up for Jennifer Price Workshop
• Presentation on the Informal upright (Moyogi) style by Phil Terry
• Work on trees

Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805

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.

TBD
LABS
Workshop

Pottery Demonstration

     Time: 1 workshop at 1:00 pm

Demonstration at Home workshop of James Cofer  

Sign-ups see (Secretary Janet)

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