Hello Bonsai Friends,
Our August meeting is on August 1st 11:00am @ Greenhouse Garden Center, Carson City, see you there.
This month Marcy Edelman will teach a session on
1. Basic soil and proper soil mixes, good drainage and soil aeration.
2. Bonsai pots and how they are chosen.
This session will be similar to the session Marcy taught at the Beginners Class in April of this year. Marcy has her BS from UC Davis in Science and Technology and her MS from University of Tennessee in Nutrition. She has had a 30 year career in healthcare and is a registered dietitian and is a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Marcy has lived in Carson City for 4 years and has been involved with bonsai for 4 and a half years. Her favorite tree in her collection is a an Elephant Tree (Operculicarya decaryi).
https://prairiestatebonsai.com/tree-of-the-month-june-2022/
🌿 Bonsai Zen Reflection for August
August – The Month of Quiet Ripening
The bonsai teaches a lesson that August understands well: not all growth is visible.
Spring announces itself with new shoots. Early summer stretches toward expansion. But August is different. It is a season of quiet maturity, where what has been nourished throughout the year begins to strengthen beneath the surface.
When tending a bonsai in August, there is often less dramatic work to do. The tree does not ask for constant shaping or correction. Instead, it asks for observation. Water when needed. Protect from excessive heat. Remove what no longer serves its health. Trust the process already underway.
So it is with our own lives.
We live in a world that celebrates constant achievement, visible progress, and measurable outcomes. Yet the deepest transformations often occur silently. Character develops without applause. Wisdom grows through reflection. Relationships deepen through small, consistent acts of care rather than grand gestures.
August invites us to pause and ask:
- What seeds have I planted this year that are quietly taking root?
- What areas of my life need less force and more patience?
- What can I release to make room for healthier growth?
- Am I able to appreciate progress even when it is not yet visible?
The bonsai reminds us that mastery is not found in controlling every branch. It is found in understanding the nature of the tree and working in harmony with it. Likewise, peace comes not from forcing life to unfold according to our plans, but from participating thoughtfully in its natural rhythms.
As summer begins its gradual transition toward autumn, take time to sit quietly. Notice the subtle changes around you. Notice the subtle changes within you.
Growth is happening.
Even when you cannot see it.
Even when others do not recognize it.
Even when the path ahead remains uncertain.
Like the bonsai, continue tending your roots, honoring your shape, and trusting the wisdom of steady, patient cultivation.
August Zen Thought:
“The tree does not hurry to become tall. It simply receives the sun, drinks the rain, and grows one day at a time.” 🌿
📰 Club News
If you didn’t take a look last month, Please read an interview of Ken Jones by Bill Macauley
☀️ July Weather Outlook
Carson City and Reno
August arrives with sun-drenched days, brilliant blue skies, and the unmistakable warmth of Northern Nevada summer. For Reno and Carson City, this is often the hottest and driest stretch of the year, when mornings are refreshingly cool, afternoons are perfect for outdoor adventures, and evenings showcase spectacular Sierra Nevada sunsets.
August by the Numbers
☀️ Average High: ~90°F (32°C–34°C)
🌙 Average Low: ~56°F (13°C–15°C)
🌦️ Rainfall: Very low — approximately 8 mm spread across only 3–4 days
😎 Sunshine: About 424 hours of sunshine with roughly 92% sunny days
💧 Humidity: Around 36–44%, maintaining Northern Nevada’s signature dry high-desert climate
The first half of the month is typically the warmest part of summer, bringing long sunny days, low humidity, and excellent opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re spending time at Lake Tahoe, hiking local trails, attending community events, or simply enjoying an evening barbecue, August delivers some of the year’s most reliable weather.
Yet August is also a reminder to slow down and appreciate the season.
Early mornings offer cool temperatures and calm air. Afternoons invite us into the shade of towering pines. Evenings bring colorful sunsets painting the Sierra Nevada with shades of gold, orange, and purple.
🌱 Bonsai Tasks for July (Reno–Carson City High Desert)
August – Managing Heat and Maintaining Health
August is typically the hottest and driest month for bonsai enthusiasts in Northern Nevada. The intense sun, low humidity, and occasional hot afternoon winds can quickly dry containers and stress trees. This month is less about major styling and more about careful observation, watering, and maintaining vigor.
✅ Daily Watering Checks
Check bonsai at least twice daily during hot weather. Many trees may require morning and evening watering, especially those in small containers or exposed locations.
✅ Protect Trees During Extreme Heat
When temperatures exceed 95°F, consider moving sensitive species to a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Junipers and pines generally tolerate more sun, while Japanese maples and other delicate species may benefit from protection.
✅ Monitor for Heat Stress
Watch for:
🍂 Wilting foliage
🍂 Crispy leaf edges
🍂 Premature yellowing
🍂 Needle browning
🍂 Excessive soil drying
Early intervention can prevent long-term damage.
✅ Continue Light Pruning
Trim excessive new growth to maintain shape and improve air circulation, but avoid major structural pruning during periods of extreme heat.
✅ Remove Weeds and Moss Overgrowth
Weeds compete for water and nutrients. Keep soil surfaces clean and inspect drainage holes regularly.
✅ Fertilize Carefully
Continue a balanced feeding program, but reduce fertilizer strength during heat waves. Over-fertilizing stressed trees can cause additional stress.
✅ Inspect for Pests
Warm, dry conditions can encourage:
🐛 Spider mites
🐛 Aphids
🐛 Scale insects
🐛 Whiteflies
Inspect foliage weekly and address problems early before populations increase.
✅ Rotate Trees
Turn bonsai periodically to ensure even exposure to sunlight and balanced growth.
✅ Clean Display Areas
Wash benches, remove fallen leaves, and keep growing areas tidy to reduce pests and disease.
✅ Plan for Autumn Work
August is a good time to begin planning:
🌲 Fall styling projects
🌲 Repotting candidates for next spring
🌲 Winter protection needs
🌲 Wire removal and future wiring schedules
🌿 August Bonsai Reflection
The bonsai teaches patience during August. While spring is about growth and excitement, August is about stewardship. The tree asks not for dramatic change, but for attentive care. Water deeply. Observe closely. Remove only what is necessary. Trust that healthy roots today will create strong growth tomorrow.
August Bonsai Thought:
“In the heat of summer, the bonsai rewards not the gardener who works the hardest, but the one who pays the closest attention.” 🌿☀️🌲
📚 Books We Love
This Month’s Pick: Suggest one of your favorites.
📬 Stay Connected
Have photos, stories, or ideas for future newsletters? We’d love to include them.
Email us anytime at rainshadowbonsaiclub@gmail.com.
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