LATEST NEWS: It’s SPRINGTIME- or at least according to the calendar! But with the weather we are currently experiencing you couldn’t be blamed for thinking otherwise. It’s no wonder the small trees are confused too, some are tentatively pushing forth blossoms and leaves, others are holding back waiting for the sunshine and Spring’s, finer, warmer days. But, whatever is happening in your garden, this is still an exciting time of the year worth waiting for. Enjoy being outside (when you can) and watching and waiting on every little leaf, bud or blossom to appear. They will delight. When they do get going, your trees will develop very quickly and need constant attention, care and maintenance. Be ready to help them along the way. If you need assistance with ideas on what to do, and how to do it, there are many books and DVD’s available on the subject. Members who attend our club can also draw on the knowledge of those more experienced. They are always willing to share their knowledge. But whatever you do, remember to keep enjoying the “Little Things” in life.

The September Monthly Meeting featured our Club’s Annual General Meeting. We have had a very successful year with many new members joining. Congratulations to the three new Life Members appointed, and to those Members who were elected to the “new” committee for 2017/18. We look forward to the continued success and growth that we have enjoyed in the past year. After the formal part of the evening, Lindsay H presented a Bonsai Basics session on “Pot Selection”. He laid out all of the technical details relating to size, colour and shape, but concluded by saying that whilst we have these guidelines set, it really comes down to what the individual likes for their own trees. He then went on to review the progress made with the “Casuarina” trees that were brought along by some members. These trees were presented as tube stock to those present at last year’s AGM, and we were keen to see how they had progressed since then. Both aspects of his presentation were very informative and enjoyed by all those present.

The next Monthly Saturday afternoon Workshop will be held on Saturday 30th September 2017 at 1.00pm at CIRE Services – Mt Evelyn. Members and guests are encouraged to drop in, with or without a tree, for a coffee and a chat. They can choose to stay for the whole time or part of it, depending on their commitments or the amount of work they wish to do. Some of our more experienced members will be available to assist or share ideas with.

The October Monthly Meeting on the 10th., will again feature a Bonsai Basics Session on “Branch Selection and Placement” followed by a General Workshop.