Leptospermum For Bonsai

Leptospermum is a genus of flowering plants in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), mainly native to Australia and New Zealand. These plants, commonly known as tea trees or manuka, are small evergreen shrubs or trees, typically 2-5 metres tall. Leptospermum are […]

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Leptospermum Wiri Athena: Lee Wright

October 2021 I saw this tree at Flower Power and fell in love with the beautiful flowers. The trunk had nice movement and the price was reasonable, so it joined my collection as an apprentice bonsai.   I have had […]

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April’s Demonstrator: Hugh Grant

May brings the very talented Hugh Grant, of Tree Makers Design, as our demonstrator. Well known and admired for his work with native species, particularly yamadori, Hugh is also very adept in designing and styling exotic species. Having trained at […]

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What to do in April:

March was a real mixed bag of weather conditions, as the start of autumn often is. The first half of the month brought hot weather, with three days of extreme heat in a row, actually killing a couple of my […]

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Australian Plants As Bonsai 2025

As always, the Australian Plants as Bonsai Show, at the National Botanical Gardens in Canberra, was a wonderful display of native bonsai. It is always inspiring to see. Below are a selection of trees with their catalogue descriptions. 19 Ti […]

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This Month’s Demonstration: John Marsh

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 […]

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What to do in March

This summer has not been particularly hot in Sydney. The humidity and the showery weather of late, has meant that I have had plenty of issues on my trees with such pests as scales of various types (white wax scale […]

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Summer Heat: Hugh Grant

Observations When Summer Watering Heat and water are the themes of this time of year! As we enter the heartlands of summer, watering requirements get a little wonky. Water drives a few things within a tree’s system. 1. Cooling – […]

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February’s Demonstration: Clinton Nesci

What a great start to the year with Clinton as our first demonstrator. As you all know, Clinton has worked full-time in the family nursery since 1989 and holds a Nursery Trade Certificate. He taught at the School of Bonsai […]

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What to do in February

This year has started with some very hot and windy days and several milder ones, broken in between by stormy weather. Some of my trees have received a dose of sunburn on the leaves, with the hot sun suddenly emerging […]

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