LATEST NEWS: November is here already! It may be the  last month of Spring, but what a fantastic last couple of months we have enjoyed. And there is still plenty of new growth, flowers and colours around to be appreciated. The commencement of Daylight Saving time has also helped by making available precious extra daylight hours to get out and about, not only to see what’s happening in the garden, but to check up on our “little treasures” as well.  It makes it more possible to give them some of the extra care and attention they need at this busy time in their development. Sun and wind are generally good for your trees, however some varieties will benefit from protection (Beeches, Hornbeams, Maples and Azaleas) as the leaves will easily scorch if the tree is put in the wrong position.  If you put trees in strong sun they must have a consistent water cycle. Avoid using shade directly beneath overhanging trees as animal droppings and leaf debris can create further problems. Most potting should be completed by now, however varieties such as Chinese Elms, Azaleas and Junipers can still be potted with care. Varieties such as figs, Pomegranates, Pyracanthas and Natives can be potted even later. Pines should not be re-potted after Spring finishes.

Our October meeting featured special guest presenter Peter Fewster, who spoke and demonstrated on his specialty - Maples on Rocks. Our members had been eagerly awaiting his return, and they weren’t disappointed. He demonstrated how to create a “root over rock” style using trident maple seedlings that he had grown in a deep pot. A deep pot was used so that the trees developed longer roots. Peter then went on to show how to attach the roots to the rock, and to encourage them to fasten themselves to it in time. Our members found this session most educational and wanting to “have a go” at it themselves. We’re expecting some great examples to be on show next year.

At our November Monthly Meeting we will welcome our own Club’s Vice President, Rudi J, as our demonstrator. His presentation is entitled  “Azaleas – Not Only Satsuki”. Members have been asked to bring along their own azaleas for Rudi to appraise and advise. He has been growing and cultivating azaleas for a number of years, and is an active member of the  Satsuki (azalea) Interest Group. This is a night not to be missed! The meeting will be on Tuesday 13th November 2018 at 7.30pm at CIRE Services – Mt. Evelyn - Old Hereford Road (Melway Ref: 118 B9)

On Sunday 18th November 2018 we will be holding a Bonsai Sale Day and Display at the Wandin North Hall. This is located on the Warburton Highway (at the junction of Clegg Road) in Wandin North. There will be a variety of Bonsai and bonsai related items on sale. This will include bonsai trees at various stages of development, pots & tools, bonsai soil and orchid pots. Entry is $2.00 per person, doors open at 10:00am and close at 1:00pm. This will be an excellent opportunity to pick up some great and rare bargains, ideal for beginners or those looking to expand their collection. In addition to the Sale we will have a small Display of advanced trees (not for sale) to show what can be achieved with care and the right tuition.

The next regular Monthly Saturday afternoon Workshop will be held on Saturday 24th November 2018 at CIRE Services – Mt Evelyn. The workshops operate from 1:00pm until 4:30pm. They continue to provide great introductory times for people wanting to take up the art of bonsai. The casual non-threatening atmosphere lends itself to this. Many of our current members had their first hands on experience with ‘tiny trees’ at such a workshop. Our own Club Experts are always on hand to advise new-comers. Long term members also appreciate these afternoons as an opportunity to fellowship and exchange ideas over a cuppa with other like-minded people. It is not necessary for participants to stay for the whole time, they need only stay for as long as they can spare.

There is plenty of other action happening in the Bonsai world for you to enjoy - don’t miss an opportunity to become acquainted with a bonsai – it’s most rewarding!.