LATEST NEWS: Autumn is well and truly with us. The glorious sunny days have brought with them cooler temperatures and the nights have been quite cold. We’ve even had to use the central heating on a number of occasions over the last couple of weeks. Most deciduous trees are in “color change, leaf dropping mode” – a sure sign Winter’s not too far away. But for the moment we can continue to enjoy the colorful displays and shuffling through the fallen leaves.
It’s great to see  that our bonsai’s are following suite. What a joy to have all the color and action being duplicated in miniature amongst our very own tiny trees.
Each month our members are encouraged to bring along one of their trees to our meetings to showcase their latest triumphs. For the May meetings display table they have been asked to bring those featuring good Autumn Colors. It should be a magnificent sight

The Bonsai Basics Session at our last meeting was on the various Bonsai Styles. Using an illustrated chart Rudi J explained  how the six main styles used in bonsai cultivation have come about.  He showed how trees growing naturally up a mountainside can develop various shapes and characteristics depending on altitude and weather conditions. He went on to say that there are also varying forms that can incorporate these different styles. Group plantings for instance could consist of a mixture of upright, slanting or even windswept styles.

This was followed by the ”Team Challenge Cup”. Those members that were present were divided into four Teams. Each Team was given a young cedar tree and had to create a bonsai from it in under two hours. There was quite a competitive air in the room as each Team cut, snipped, wired and bent in an effort to outdo the others. At the end of the allocated time we had four very creditable bonsais. All members had a lot of fun with some having the opportunity to learn and practise some new skills from their more experienced colleagues.

Our May Monthly Meeting will feature a presentation on “Flowering and Fruiting Trees” by Michael Simonetto. Michael is a very experienced Grower and Bonsai Artist who takes great pride in achieving the best possible results from the trees he works on. Those that have seen his work and presentations in the past can testify to this, and this meeting promises to be yet another great example of his skill.

The next Saturday afternoon Workshop will be on May 26th at our usual Venue from 1:00 – 4:30pm.

As mentioned last month our members are starting to prepare for our Bonsai Show. This will be held over the weekend of June 23rd & 24th  at the Wandin North  Public Hall. This is located at the junction of the Warburton Highway and Clegg Road, Wandin. (opposite the roundabout) We will have on display a  great range of expertly styled trees. There will also be beginners and children’s classes, Ikebana and expert bonsai demonstrations. Bonsai starter trees and some associated products can also be purchased. This will be an excellent opportunity to view some top quality trees, and a great introduction to bonsai for those contemplating it as a hobby. There will be trees on show at various stages of development so that you will be able to see what can be achieved with the right guidance. Watch this space and local advertising for more details over the next couple of months. Be sure to make a note in your diary now and plan to attend.

Remember, if you are interested in finding out more about our Club, feel free to come along to one of our Monthly Meetings or a Saturday Workshop and check us out for yourself. Please contact us beforehand for further details on where to find us. You’ll be made most welcome.

And remember we look forward to catching up with you somewhere in the “world of bonsai” in 2018