Take in the beauty of ancient art at bonsai show

What do a police officer, teacher, salesman, homemaker, detective, cleaning lady and a junior high school student have in common? They all are members of the Las Vegas Bonsai Society. The society is a group that encourages and assists people interested in the art of bonsai (pronounced bone sigh).

The Las Vegas Bonsai Society is presenting its annual "Spring Awakenings" show at Plant World Nursery, 5301 W. Charleston Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, with demonstrations happening throughout the show.

Bonsai is made up of two words: "Bon," which means "tray," and "sai," which means "growing." Putting the two words together gives you the translation of "tray growing."

Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees in pots so that they imitate aged trees in nature.

I once asked Merle Vande Weerd of the bonsai society, "Why do you pull down the limbs of pine trees?" His answer: "As pines mature, limbs droop down." He was right, and I have never looked at another pine without recalling that conversation.

Because plants are living, these small works of art are constantly growing and changing. Bonsai trees do not have to be old to look old, (that's where the art comes in), but some have been kept in pots for more than 100 years.

You can make almost any kind of tree or woody-stemmed shrub into a bonsai with proper pruning, trimming and wiring. Most bonsai trees grow best outdoors just like their full-sized relatives, but there are several tropical kinds that make good indoor bonsai. You'll find bonsai in a broad range of sizes from 2 or 3 inches tall to 4 feet tall.

Because of their restricted growing space, bonsai does require more attention, but you do not have to be a gardener to start. It is a relaxing hobby and provides a vast amount of enjoyment and artistic expression.

Because your bonsai is kept in such a shallow container, it can be sensitive to pests, so be on the lookout. The added waterings to keep the humidity up attract aphids, ants and red spider mites. Treat any pests with insecticidal soap or neem.

If your plant isn't getting enough iron, the leaves will turn yellow, with the veins remaining green. This is because of our alkaline soils and water, which "locks up" the iron. Treat the plant with an iron chelate.

Outdoor bonsai will need special treatment through the summer because of our low humidity. Fill the trays with pea gravel and water. Set the pots on the rocks. You don't want the pots in the water, or they may die from root rot.

LINN MILLER DOMZ SPEAKS

Whenever Linn Domz speaks to flower arranging people, everyone listens. She has traveled the country to preach her gospel of arranging. This 96-year-young lady who is still bubbling with the energy of a 40 year old, will talk about her favorite subject at the Sunset Garden Club at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson. Her topic will be "I Did It, So Can You."

Domz has always loved flowers. Many years ago, she attended a garden club meeting and heard about a flower show, so she entered a design. Her arrangement of wildflowers in a teacup won honorable mention, but she was smitten with the floral design bug. She went on to become one of the top floral designers in the country.

At her age, she still judges flower shows across the country and attends seminars to continue her education of this fascinating art. She was the first Nevada Garden Club state president and, along with others, created the "Touch and Smell Garden for the Blind" in Lorenzi Park. Come let her show you the basics of flower arrangements. This event is open to the public.

LANDSCAPE AWARD CONTEST

The Southern Nevada Water Authority Landscape Awards program recognizes those who have created water-smart landscapes in Southern Nevada. Consider entering your yard in this year's competition. For an application or for more information about the contest, visit www.snwa.com or call the conservation help line at 258-7283. While on the Web, browse through last year's winners. April 29 is the deadline to enter the contest.

Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. You can reach him at linn.mills@springspreserve.org or call him at 822-7754.