On a Sunday afternoon in early March following two of the worst weeks of winter weather in Iowa in years, Gary Wood from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, brought a little sunshine to the members of the Iowa Bonsai Association who attended an afternoon seminar and workshop on azaleas. Gary is an engaging bonsai teacher, making it all seem so easily comprehensible while imparting a tremendous amount of information.
Following a general review of the qualities, characteristics, and unique needs of azaleas as used in bonsai, participants worked on wiring and initial styling of azaleas selected from azalea stock available from Gary. Some interesting little potential bonsai went home that Sunday. Hopefully we will see some of these at future Iowa bonsai shows.
