-*!- 



i^ 



branches, a monolayer of foliage, and an off-center, el- 

 liptical shape when viewed from the top. Set in a 

 low, round pot, this resembles a tree one would find 

 growing in isolation in the central plains. Or a 

 Scfiefflera with a half-dome of miniature palmately com- 

 pound leaves and exposed roots emerging from a mat 

 of Selaginella is a scene from deep within the tropical 

 rain forest. These plants do exist in miniature, are 

 healthy, and are already between seven and ten years 

 old. The branches and roots are regularly pruned, but 

 the plants have never been wired. From these de- 

 scriptions, it is clear that these plants do not fit 

 within the norms of Eastern bonsai. But they are no 

 less spectacular. They are creations in the likeness of 

 Western geography and Western thought. 



The art of bonsai is as plastic and diverse as any 

 other art form — be it oil and canvas or yard and 

 shrubbery. Like any expressive creation, there's no 

 rule book or set policy on what the final appearance 

 of a bonsai should be. Trees treated in the Eastern 

 tradition are inviting, praiseworthy, and priceless, but 

 should not be considered dogma for the art form. 

 Many people (author included) learn bonsai from a 

 skilled artist who introduces them to Eastern methods 

 and philosophy. But bonsai is an extension of what 

 the mind sees and should not be inhibited by tradi- 

 tion. 



Patrick McGowan is a graduate student in the Biology Program 

 at UNH, Durham. He's a dedicated bonsai enthusiast and will 

 be speaking and showing some of his work at the UNH Green- 

 house Open House on March 26 and 27. He can be reached 

 at (603) 862-3205. 



nn 



PPGA HIGHLIGHTS 



Keys to Direct Mail Success 



from PPGA News. September. 1993 



The key to successful direct mail marketing is 

 getting the consumer to read your promo- 

 tional information and not toss it directly into 

 the garbage. 



To find out how people screen their mail. Di- 

 rect magazine hired a research firm to find out 

 what makes consumers open their mail. Direct 

 mail recipients are likely to open a letter if: 



• The senders identity is clear. Identify your 

 company on the envelope — if the mail has no 

 identifying marks on the outside, some con- 

 sumers think the sender isn't reputable. 



• The subject is relevant to their interests, if 

 the mail is related to their special interests — 

 especially occupations, it is more likely to be 

 read. 



• The appearance is appealing. fVlail from an 

 unfamiliar source has a better chance of being 

 opened if the envelope paper and printing are 

 of a high quality. 



• The address is personalized. Envelopes ad- 

 dressed to a specific person are more likely to 

 be opened than those addressed to "resident" 

 or "occupant." ^ 



Source: SAF Dateline Washington 6(7):4, April 16, 1993. 



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26 



The Plantsman 



