The most commonly asked question that I get asked everywhere I go is how to grow azaleas. Here is a repeat (a revised edition) of the things that I do, with success, on how to grow and get these beautiful shrubs to flower and keep alive. I keep hearing, ‘I had an azalea but it […]
Last month, Clinton Nesci was our demonstrator and his topic was forests. He brought two old settings, one a liquidambar group of seven trees and the other a large Japanese maple forest of eight trees. Both needed repotting and restyling. While forests are fun for all skill levels, Clinton believes they are trickier than most
This month, long term member and bonsai maestro, John March will explain how to best prepare our trees for show. Whether a club show or competition, there is a lot more to presenting a tree than a nice pot and good foliage. John will walk us through all the steps necessary to show your tree
Our June meeting saw Michael Kempson explain how he works his junipers to achieve fantastic results. Bringing a record amount trees for any demonstration (all juniper), Michael had every base covered and showed his junipers’ development from fairly raw stock (albeit with excellent bones) to refined trees. It was an inspired way of showing the
Clinton has once again agreed to demonstrate for our club. It’s always a pleasure to see Clinton in action. As you all know, Clinton has worked full time in the family nursery since 1989 and holds a Nursery Trade Certificate. He was the president and taught at the School of Bonsai for many years where
Michael’s passion for bonsai started twenty years ago and is now regarded by ‘some family and friends as a serious engagement, boarding on obsession. He started taking lessons in 2016 at the School of Bonsai, where he now teaches and has been a member of BSA since 2018. While engaging with a diverse collection there
Andrew, a regular demonstrator, workshop leader and good friend to our club is well known for his friendly and thoughtful style. Bonsai has been a twenty-three year obsession for Andrew and this certainly shows in his knowledge and skill. Andrew’s favourite species to work with is pine, followed closely by Australian native trees. Andrew enjoys
Last month at the BSA meeting, Jarryd Bailey from Montane Bonsai in Tasmania (https://montanebonai.com/) used a Podocarpus lawrencei he propagated in 2014, a stone slab from Tree Makers Bonsai (https://treemakers.com.au/) and rocks from his home creek to create a landscape reminiscent of the habitat where this Australian native grows. Jarryd thinks it is ‘the star
Next month BSA members, Ingrid and Michael, will conduct a joint demonstration. Both have a wealth of practical and artistic knowledge so it should be a very interesting evening. Ingrid will be discussing the South African bonsai style and trees, introducing us to the Black Monkey Thorn tree. Some of you may have seen Ian’s
Jarryd has practised bonsai since he was 12 years old. He completed an apprenticeship at Crataegus Bonsai (Portland Oregon) and now operates Montane Bonsai Garden on the northern slopes of Mt. Wellington.
