🌿 Summer Bonsai Haiku 🌿
Warm wind through green leaves
Roots drink deeply from still soil—
Patience grows in shade.
Hello Bonsai Friends,
As June arrives in the high desert, our bonsai have awoken — and so is our club. This month brought the regular Saturday club meeting, the first Pottery class, our third in the series of our beginner class at the Carson City Senior Center with students continued shaping their trees, asking great questions, and building confidence with their tools and techniques.
Following the class, we held a lively club meeting where everyone jumped into hands‑on trimming, styling, and comparing notes on the season’s cooler temperatures. Members shared tips on fertilizers, discussed soil makeup for our unique climate, and worked together on spring maintenance tasks. It was one of those meetings that reminds us why this community is so special — learning, laughing, and growing trees side by side.
With longer days ahead and our trees pushing strong new growth, May is shaping up to be a wonderful month for bonsai in the Carson City-Reno region.
Notes of the pottery class – it appears to be a hit
By Tracy Lutes
Bonsai pottery class held at Ogres-Holmes Pottery in Carson City Mall on 16 May 2026. Clockwise from left: Tracy Lutes, Merill Holmes owner and instructor, Johnny Walker, Marcy Edelman, Kathy Lutes and Eloise Walker.
The three hour class was the first of two. The second class to glaze the two pots each student made will be held 30 May. Merrill is an excellent instructor with great patience!
Stay tuned for pictures of the final bonsai pots produced in the July issue of the newsletter.
🌱 Zen Reflection for June 🌱
As summer settles in, our trees remind us that growth does not always announce itself. Much happens quietly—beneath the soil, within the branches, in moments we might otherwise overlook. Bonsai teaches us to slow down, to observe with care, and to respond rather than rush. As you water, prune, and simply sit with your trees this season, may you also find balance in your own rhythm—steady, attentive, and grounded in the present moment.
📰 Club News
Our beginner class for the year has wrapped up, and we’re thrilled with the progress and the beautiful trees our students have created. The final session was more lecture‑based than hands‑on, but it covered some of the most important foundations of bonsai success, including proper watering techniques, soil choices suited to our local environment, and a live repotting demonstration. We also enjoyed sharing a few of our extra trees as a final giveaway. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your bonsai journey—we look forward to seeing how your trees continue to grow.
🌤️ June Weather – Carson City & Reno, Nevada
May is one of the most pleasant months in the high desert. Days warm into the 70s, nights stay cool, and rainfall is minimal — perfect for repotting, wiring, and moving many trees into full sun.
🌞 Carson City – JuneWeather Summary
- Average High: ~80–83°F
- Average Low: ~47–51°F
- Rainfall: Very low — about 0.3 inches for the month, typically 2–4 rainy days
- Sunshine: ~85–88% of days are sunny; approximately 380–395 hours of sunshine
- Snow: Essentially 0 inches (none expected)
Weather Icons for Carson City (Typical May): ☀️ Sunny / Mostly Sunny — dominant ⛅ Partly Sunny — occasional 🌦️ Light Showers — uncommon but possible 🌙 Cool Clear Nights — frequent
🌞 Reno – June Weather Summary
- Average High: ~83–86°F
- Average Low: ~52–54°F
- Rainfall: Very low — about 0.4 inches for the month, typically 2–3 rainy days
- Sunshine: ~85–88% of days are sunny; approximately 380–395 hours of sunshine
- Snow: 0 inches (none expected)
Weather Icons for Reno (Typical June): ☀️ Sunny ⛅ Partly Sunny 🌤️ Mostly Clear 🌦️ Light Showers (brief, occasional)
🌿 Bonsai‑Relevant Notes for June 🌿
- Watering becomes critical: With warmer days, lower humidity, and longer daylight hours, trees may require watering once or even twice a day. Always check soil moisture rather than relying on a fixed schedule.
- Watch for heat stress: Containers can heat up quickly in full sun. Consider afternoon shade for more sensitive species, especially shallow pots.
- Active growth period: Many trees are in strong growth now. Light pruning, pinching, and shoot management can help maintain shape without stressing the tree.
- Fertilizing continues: June is a good time to maintain a balanced fertilization routine, adjusting strength as temperatures rise.
- Pest monitoring: Aphids, mites, and other pests become more active in warm weather. Regular inspection helps catch issues early.
- Protect yourself and your trees: High UV levels are common this time of year—shade cloth isn’t just for you.
- Enjoy observation time: Early mornings and evenings are ideal for quiet inspection, watering, and simply appreciating your bonsai during this energetic season.
🌿 Bonsai Tasks for June
Reno & Carson City – Zones 7a / 7b
Observe and enjoy: Early mornings and evenings are ideal for watering, inspection, and simply spending time with your trees during this peak growing season.
Increase watering vigilance: June brings warmer days, intense sun, and low humidity. Check soil daily—some trees may need watering more than once per day, especially in shallow containers.
Manage sun exposure: While many species enjoy full sun, containers can overheat. Afternoon shade or placement adjustments can help prevent root stress and leaf scorch.
Support active growth: Most deciduous trees and junipers are in strong growth now. This is a good time for light pruning, pinching, and guiding new shoots—avoid heavy structural work.
Continue fertilizing: Maintain a consistent feeding schedule using a balanced fertilizer. Adjust strength if temperatures spike or if trees appear stressed.
Watch for pests: Aphids, spider mites, and scale become more active as temperatures rise. Regular inspection allows for early, gentle treatment.
Repotting winds down: June is generally the end of safe repotting time. If repotting is still needed, provide extra aftercare and protection from heat.
Protect pots and roots: Consider pot feet, light‑colored surfaces, or shade cloth to reduce heat buildup around roots.
🚫 What NOT to Do in June
Reno & Carson City – Zones 7a / 7b
- Don’t let trees dry out: June heat, wind, and low humidity can dry pots quickly. Missing even one hot day of watering can cause stress or damage.
- Don’t do heavy pruning or major styling: Large cuts and aggressive shaping can weaken trees during peak growth and rising temperatures.
- Don’t perform major repotting: By June, repotting season has largely passed. Late repotting can lead to root stress or failure, especially during heat waves.
- Don’t over‑fertilize: More fertilizer is not better. Overfeeding during hot weather can burn roots and foliage.
- Don’t ignore midday heat: Full afternoon sun can overheat pots and roots. Avoid placing trees on hot surfaces like concrete or stone without protection.
- Don’t forget pest checks: Warm weather accelerates pest activity. Skipping regular inspections can allow small issues to become serious quickly.
- Don’t wire soft, fast‑growing shoots carelessly: Branches can thicken rapidly in June, leading to wire bite if not closely monitored.
- Don’t rely on a fixed watering schedule: Weather changes quickly—always water based on soil moisture, not the calendar.
- Don’t neglect yourself: High UV levels and heat affect people too. Work on trees early in the morning or evening when conditions are cooler.
📚 Books We Love
This Month’s Pick:
The Art of Bonsai by Yuji Yoshimura and Giovanna M. Halford, 1957
If you want to grab a copy of the book we use, here are the details:
🌳 Member Tree of the Month
Featured Collection: June 2026
Owner: Marcy Edelman
Species: True dwarf hinoki Cypress
Purchased March 13th. 2026 at the greenhouse garden Center. Not wired, cut and grow for now. In a training pot with Bonsai Gritty Mix (Sol Soils) sold at greenhouse garden Center for use with bonsai trees. The soil mix provides for a gritty base substrate with good drainage and low organic content appropriate for coniferous bonsai trees. Potting mix contains pine bark, calcinated clay, crushed granite, lava, expanded clay.
If you wish to show your tree, send us an email.
📬 Stay Connected
Have photos, stories, or ideas for future newsletters? We’d love to include them.
Email us anytime at rainshadowbonsaiclub@gmail.com.
Rain Shadow Bonsai 
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