Ficus (or figs) is a genus of close to 1000 different species which include trees, shrubs, vines and epiphytes all belonging to the mulberry family (Moraceae). Some begin life as hemi epiphytes – seeds that are dispersed by birds and animals in crevices in tree tops. Some scientists seem to think that Ficus are an […]
What a great demonstration Brenda gave last month covering all aspects of training, repotting and caring for azaleas. Brenda brought three azaleas to illustrate her talk; a sentimental choice that needed work, the azalea she worked on at our show a couple of years ago, and a plant that had been missed until six or
Kokedama is a traditional Japanese art form that uses moss as a container to hold a plant. Usually used as companion plants for display kokodama are fun to make and easy to maintain. These notes come from a workshop I did earlier in the year and courtesy of the Sydney Flower School. Materials: a plant
Mick has contributed to the bonsai community with articles and demonstrations as visiting tutor for the AABC over many years and has donated bonsai to the NBPCA. Over the past 40 years of bonsai I have learnt a little bit about conifer growing but unfortunately I reside on the far south coast away from the
As expected Sean presented a most interesting and thought provoking demonstration last month. Sean’s aim was to show how one could take one’s bonsai to the next level without spending ‘mega’ bucks. As usual, Sean was well prepared to illustrate his concept. Firstly, Sean introduced the idea that not all bonsai needs to be in
This month Ian is leading our workshop and will explain, step by step, how to develop a beautiful root over rock fig bonsai; so gather your figs, your rocks and all the necessary bits and pieces and come along to the workshop. It doesn’t matter whether you are starting a new project or working on
Always knowledgeable and entertaining Brenda Parker is our final demonstrator for 2018. President of the Illawarra Bonsai Society, Brenda is well known as an expert on azaleas, figs, kusamono and suiseki. With forty years experience in bonsai there is not much Brenda does not know about plants, their care and their styling. Don’t miss Brenda’s
Why Doesn’t My Wisteria Flower? Age Pruning Sunlight Fertilising Potting Watering We will look at each of these topics and see how this information can help to achieve a healthy wisteria. It is important to mention that I live in Sydney and therefore any mention of seasons is relative to Sydney. That is: Spring- September
I picked up a little beauty at the BSA sale table on Friday. Yes, the early bird gets the pyracantha. It has age, character and is small… all the things I look for. In its purchased state it was out of balance and ready for restyling. The pyra was a little hungry and needed a
This year’s show was excellent with many visitors commenting on the number and variety of trees displayed. With more than a hundred and thirty bonsai and companion plants to accompany them that is no understatement! Trees ranged from the spectacular (above), some needing two strong men to carry them, to Shohin and even mame and
