T
he beautiful Panhandle in Northwest Florida
Is the Home of 

Fort Walton Beach Bonsai Society 
(since 1973)
45 years and counting
Thanks for visiting

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          February - Coldest Month of the Year 

                                                      By Lee Vanderpool 

   As I write this on January 21at 11:00 AM, the temperature is hovering around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, not a day to be out and about. From now until the end of February you should be particularly aware of the weather and especially the temperature forecast for the following few days so you can protect your trees in case of freezing temps. Some members elms have already begun to put on their new leaves or some have not lost last summers foliage. These trees are vulnerable to freezing because sap has begun to rise and the new foliage is very tender. Rising sap will freeze causing splits in the bark of the tree and, when they thaw, loss of vital fluids and possible death of the tree. New leaves may freeze and normally the tree will recover within a few days but it will be weakened and its health will be impaired for a few months.          

   If you can prevent your trees, especially the ones which are beginning to show signs of new growth, from freezing, the tree will thank you. Repotting and potting should be in full force in February. Replenishing the old soil will invigorate your tree and new growth and development should be better than normal. Spray all deciduous trees and evergreens other than pines and junipers with super fine oil to kill or control any scale which may be lingering on the plant. Application of super fine oil must be made when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a little early to fertilize but, when nighttime temperatures remain steady at above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, begin your fertilizing regime. A single fertilization with liquid or water soluble fertilizer will assist the tree in getting its new season of growth started. Beginning around the first of March, start alternating fertilizers between liquid or water soluble, granular and organic.

Hot weather will be here before you know it and work on tropicals must begin. Enjoy the rest of winter! 



FWBBS was formed in 1973 by a small core of people interested in learning more about the Art of Bonsai & we are still going strong. Come join us.





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