June Demonstrator: Allan Harding

Allan began learning Bonsai some 20 years ago but in recent years his interest has shifted and intensified upon Chinese Penjing. Allan took weekly classes for three years and reached an advanced level. Those studies have continued, including regular study tours to China.

In 2015, Allan won first prize at the inaugural Penjing competition conducted by the Chinese Gardens of Friendship, Darling Harbour, Sydney. He has conducted Penjing workshops within the Gardens and was employed to maintain the Chinese Garden of Friendship’s historic Penjing Collection for several years.

He continues to encourage and promote learning about Chinese Penjing through the Penjing Australia Facebook Group that has over 7,000 members in more than a hundred countries.

Allan’s extensive personal collection of Penjing is unique and ‘screams’ its Chinese influence – conveying artistic conception, expressing the mood. working from nature. His work pays attention to the changes of lines and the mystery of inner temperament and charm. This will not be the usual Bonsai demonstration but a rare opportunity to learn about Chinese Penjing, to discover more possibilities and to experience Penjing’s unique appeal.