Well known as a national demonstrator, Joe Morgan-Payler brings a deep knowledge of bonsai and great creativity to all he does. Joe grew up in the temperate rainforests of the Otway Ranges in south-west Victoria and so has always been influenced by the complexity of nature. Interested in bonsai rom his teenage years, Joe eventually went to study in Japan under Mr Urushibata at Taisho-en, to which he has returned many times to refine his skills. A friendly personality combined with insight and knowledge and a background in Fine Arts and Design makes Joe a unique demonstrator and his workshop a great learning experience.

All demonstrations below are held at the West Pennant Hills Community Centre, 42 Hill Road, West Pennant Hills and start at 7.30pm

An elder statesman of Australian bonsai, John started bonsai in 1971. He was founding member of the Nepean Bonsai Society (where he continues to teach), an inaugural member of the AABC and its vice-president for many years. John has demonstrated […]

This month is a workshop meeting focusing on ficus. There will be short demonstration/ discussion on figs and the rest of the evening will be an opportunity to work on your own figs. Andrew, Ingrid, Paulette and Sam are extremely […]

Michael has been practising bonsai since 1995 after working a few days at a bonsai nursery. He was then lucky enough to study with Lee Wilson for several years. For the past fifteen, he has been working alongside his brother […]

Last month’s deciduous workshop was successful with many members bringing trees of varying styles and sizes to work on, either styling or repotting as necessary. Maples seemed the dominant species with some terrific, big maple forests. Everybody seemed to enjoy […]

As always, Sean gave a terrific demonstration full of interesting and useful information on pines. He brought several examples, both field-grown and developed from young stock, and discussed the merits of both for the bonsai grower suggesting that growing a […]

In a change of pace, this month’s meeting is a deciduous workshop rather than a demonstration. Timely work brings results, so bring a few trees and join us to get on top of things before repotting begins. As always there […]

Ashley brought a large, old black pine to work on last month. Thirty years in the ground and three in the pot, the tree had some flaws but also had good movement, lovely bark and a beautiful nebari. It was […]