For his demonstration, Allan chose a weeping variety of swamp cypress (Taxodium distichum ‘Cascade Waters’). Native to the southern states of the USA, swamp cypress is the only deciduous conifer and often chosen for bonsai due to its fine feathery foliage, short internodes, beautiful bark and seasonal russet red colour. Usually styled as an informal […]
Working on a neglected maple forest last week reminded me of Lee Wright’s warning about mondo grass in a previous newsletter. The under-plantings in this setting were totally overgrown and needed radical thinning or removal. Military grass, violets, miniature ivy and even Lonicera willingly vacated the pot, but not mini mondo grass which stayed firm
Last month the Illawarra Bonsai Society held its annual show. What a pleasure to see so many beautiful trees expertly displayed. The two show days were extremely well attended, showing a genuine desire to see quality bonsai after a twelve month drought! It was extremely gratifying to see so many people, both bonsai practitioners and
If you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare your pine trees for their spring growth. Maintenance now sets the tree up more even candle development in spring through balancing the energy of the tree by directing the energy away from the stronger parts of the tree to the weaker. Pines are apically dominant
As bonsai practitioners, we are always thinking about the past, present, and future aspects of our trees and the environments in which they live and grow. We constantly plan and prepare for the next step in the wonderful journey of bonsai and penjing. One preparation that can be completed any time of the year and
llan has been doing bonsai since 2004 when a birthday gift and a demonstration at the Campbelltown Bonsai Club’s show hooked him. He has held President and Vice President roles in the Campbelltown and Newcastle Bonsai Clubs and has given talks and demonstrations at numerous bonsai clubs across NSW, including an excellent demonstration on Acacia
With boarders opened at last, there has been the opportunity to see interstate bonsai artists demonstrate again, even if there’s a bit of travel involved. Jarryd Bailey, from Montane Bonsai in Tasmania, has been a visiting demonstrator at both Bonsai Reshaped at the NBPCA and the Central Coast Bonsai Club. Jarryd is passionate about native
ACCENT PLANTS I prefer small trees, mini, shohin with a few medium… arthritis in my hands… scourge of ageing. I enjoy creating beautiful trees with these sizes but the downside is having small enough accent plants. I have started collecting succulents. They like the warm spot on my hot water heater, the ones that prefer
As always, the team at the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia in Canberra organised an excellent event in Bonsai Reshaped. The workshops with Scott Martin and Jarryd Bailey were full and enjoyed greatly by all those involved. All trees moved to a new level, whether in development or refinement. The simultaneous demonstrations were
While the weather remains warm, it’s a good time to repot many species, particularly evergreens like pyracantha, cotoneasters, olives and star jasmine etc. Most can also be repotted in early spring, but I prefer autumn, as the daytime temperatures are usually more stable. Recently repotted trees will need protection if the nights suddenly become cold
