Once again the Canberra Bonsai Society’s 2026 exhibition was very good, with a wide range of exotic and native trees beautifully presented. Text from show labels.
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Tree age: 35 years
Styled since: 2013
An elegant curvy yamadori dug in the Goulburn area, with a number of other very beautiful hawthorns that have gone on to greatness. When digging yamadori, getting movement is very important and this has subtle gentle curves which adds to its value as a bonsai.
Himalayan juniper Juniperus squamata
Tree age: 30 years
Styled since: 2012
This tree was originally much bigger and has been reduced. I love the way the trunk base and roots hold the earth and give the tree great stability.
Shimpaku juniper Juniperus chinensis
Tree age: 20 years
Styled since: 2007
The main trunk died after extending the shari. The resulting shorter tree is a vast improvement over its previous tall incarnation.
Shimpaku juniper Juniperus chinensis – Semi cascade twisted juniper
Tree age: 15–20 years
Styled since: 2007
Shimpaku juniper Juniperus chinensis – Twisted trunk juniper
Tree age: 16 years
Styled since: 2011
Shimpaku juniper Juniperus chinensis – Twisted trunk informal upright juniper
Tree age: 18 years
Styled since: 2009
Azalea Kirin Rhododendron ‘Kirin’
Tree age: About 25 years
Styled since: 2001
Always a joy in spring. Its beauty calls for attention.
Tea tree Leptospermum morrisonii ‘White Opal’
Tree age: 27 years
Styled since: 2003
Strong, calm and welcoming. I love the interplay between the trunks and branches of this tree and was delighted to find a pot that suits it so well.
‘Ward’s Ruby’ azalea Rhododendron indium ‘Ward’s Ruby’
Tree age: 20 years
Styled since: 2018
Beautiful spring flowers, burgundy leaves in winter – a colourful delight for most of the year.
Brittle gum Eucalyptus lactea
Tree age: Unknown
Styled since: 2005
This species was once called Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. praecox. It now takes the name it was given last century.
It has whites, pinks and greys on the trunks combined with bluish/green foliage making it spectacular. The colours in the pot combined with the eucalyptus are to convey images of central Australia and the contrast of the reddish soil, whitish trunk and the purplish ranges in the distance much like an Albert Namatjira painting.
Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
Tree age: About 50 years
Styled since: 2006
Depicting a tree on the edge of a landscaped pond where, over the years, the rain coming down from the hills has washed the soil from around the roots.
English oak Quercus robar
Tree age: About 10 years
Styled since: 2022
A garden seedling being thrown out, the trunk is virtually the way I found it.