Summer is a very busy time for the bonsai enthusiast. For many species, spring growth will continue and one must be mindful of keeping vigorous trees trimmed to encourage short internodes. Watering is the most important task during summer because lack of it and high heat can mean high fatality rates, especially in miniature trees […]
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
November is a slightly quieter time for bonsai tasks than other months. However, spring growth will continue and one must be mindful of keeping vigorous trees trimmed to encourage short internodes. Fast growing trees can be trimmed back to two leaves whilst less vigorous to four leaves. Australian natives can be pruned relatively hard after
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
