Happy New Year! 2007 was an interesting year for ABS. We enjoyed a terrific conference but it lost money for us. We produced an outstanding book on North American Bonsai but the printer messed up the first printing. Our journal is one of the best but we lacked funds to produce all the issues. Our board and membership stepped up and rescued ABS. We thank you all so much. The new Features Booklets and Books have been very successful (thanks to Dennis Howke and his group of terrific authors). Watch for more of these books in 2008. Dennis also set up this years ABS Bonsai Calendar that is absolutely the best and was a successful project for ABS. The Book Service was passed onto George Buehler who is doing a terrific job for all.

Our board of directors has worked hard to set new guidelines that should prevent further financial problems. We have a new printer and mailer that will reduce the cost of producing our journal thanks to Julian Adams. Thanks to the work of Martin Schmalenberg and his crew the North American Book is out and doing well. The photography by Allen John processed by Don Hutchinson has to be seen to be believed. The book also contains information on the growing and history of each bonsai. This is a book of North American trees. You can ordered yours now if you haven't yet by clicking here. The purchase of this limited edition book is one way you can support ABS and add a terrific book to your collection. Bob King is working hard to make the ABS Journal the best it can be. Dennis Howke our webmaster has produced a well run and easy to use bonsai web site for ABS that is kept up to date on a daily basis.

The Texas ABS Seminars are coming up in San Antonio Texas in June. There you can start or add to your bonsai skills with classes from experienced bonsai teachers. Join us for a terrific learning experience. Click here for more information and registration. In our seminars format everyone will take four classes in addition to the display, the vendors, demos and meeting other bonsai addicts. I hope to see you there!

We are now taking entries for the annual John Naka Award. Have you sent your entry in yet? Click here for more information and application on this site.

2007 John Naka Award

Also we are accepting application for the Joshua Roth New Talent Contest for those of ten years or less experience in bonsai. Click here for more information and application. The final competition will take place in Texas in June. on the Talent Contest.

    1. I will only grow the number of bonsai I can really take care of and keep in excellent
         condition.
    2. I will wire at the correct time and I will unwire BEFORE the tree grows into the wire.
    3. I will fertilize correctly and on time.
    4. I will keep up with trimming the trees.
    5. I will learn about a species before I work with it.
    6. I will bring my bonsai to club meetings to show it off or to get advice when needed.
    7. I will water by hand so I can inspect my bonsai for problems.
    8. I will only collect trees in legal areas and only in amounts I can work with or share with
         others.
    9. I will work only on healthy stock.
  10. I will take time to learn more about bonsai, to enjoy my bonsai and to share them with
          friends.
  11. I will attend ABS Learning Seminars in Texas in June to meet and learn with my fellow
          ABS members.

Please feel free to email or call me with your comments and concerns.

Keep growing,

Pauline F Muth
ABS President
ABS@pfmbonsai.com
(518) 882-1039