Yarra Valley Bonsai Society Home Page

The Yarra Valley Bonsai Society, based in the 'far east' of Melbourne, caters for bonsai enthusiasts of all skill levels, from the simply curious and absolute beginner to the advanced practitioners.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Chirnside Park Community Hib at 33 Kimberley Drive in Chirnside Park (Melway Ref 37 F3 or see map here). Monthly meetings usually begin with a Review/Overview session at 7.30pm, followed by a short business section and then a feature event: usually a demonstrator or speaker on a topic of interest. In addition to our monthly meetings, we hold informal workshops on the last Saturday of each month from 1-4:00 pm also at Chirnside Park Community Hub.

For membership enquiries contact info@yarravalleybonsai.org.au or download an application form and send it to the PO Box listed above. Better yet, bring it along to the next meeting or workshop. Membership has its benefits, such as substantial discounts at selected nurseries and other businesses of interest, but visitors are always welcome.

LATEST NEWS: Due to Covid Lockdown restrictions, the October Tuesday meeting and Last Saturday of the Month Workshop has been cancelled. Hopefully, restrictions will ease sufficiently to allow the November meeting to proceed.

The monthly meeting and Last Saturday of the Month Workshop for October has had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions, but hopefully we can recommence our monthly meetings in November. In the meantime, we have organised a Zoom meeting for members to be held at 7:30pm on Tuesday 12th October. This will comprise of a video presentation by respected USA bonsai professional Boon Manakitivipart on Wiring and Styling, followed by individual presentations by some members on one of the trees in their collection. Log on details to the Zoom meeting have been advised via direct email.
We are now well and tryly into Spring, with (some) lovely sunny days and cooler crisp nights. We just have to step outside to be surrounded by glorious fragrances in the air and to see the new fresh green foliage and colourful floral displays. Some trees even still have traces of blossom, and of course there are plenty of beautiful spring flowers in the garden. What a delightful time of the year – colour everywhere, and we can still enjoy every minute of it. Use your “exercise time” wisely. Grab a coffee and walk many different routes, it’s amazing what areas you can cover in the allowed time.
Bonsai trees are also spectacular now as they replicate their “bigger brothers”. But to do this they need a lot of energy to maintain the growth spurt required, especially deciduous varieties. We are currently receiving timely Spring showers from above, but wind can dry out bonsai’s very easily. Now is a good time to set a watering regime in place that will ensure they get enough water not only now but throughout the warmer days to come.

Trees are growing vigorously at present so constant checking of wiring is needed to prevent the wire from digging into the new growth. Frequent pruning and pinching will improve ramification and helps reduce leaf size. Dry dead flowers should also be removed as they weaken the plant and encourage pests. And remember to watch the weather for unusual occurrences which may affect your trees. Attention to these tips will help you care for your bonsai’s and improve your enjoyment of the hobby.