LATEST NEWS: July is the middle of Winter in Melbourne. So, we can expect more cold weather, foggy mornings, and possibly even snow in some areas. However, on a more positive note, we can enjoy open fires, warm drinks and the occasional sunny bursts of Winter sunshine. Another thing you can do to stay warm and dry is to find a cosy corner to settle into, and then read up on Bonsai techniques or start planning for the busy repotting season that’s just around the corner. It is also the ideal time to carefully inspect your deciduous trees. Performing your wiring and pruning tasks now, will make things less hectic in Spring. Avoid the temptation to repot too early, wait until the buds start to swell. Due to changes in the weather patterns, some might be starting to do this now - so take the lead from what your trees are doing, and not the calendar. Let their actions be your guide.

Our Bonsai Show which was held over the weekend of 23rd and 24th of June at the Wandin North Public Hall was a great success. This was the first show we have had for a few years and it was the first time we had used this venue. The timing, location, space availability, and facilities all proved to be most suitable. We were able to display a great range of beautifully presented trees that our members had spent many hours preparing. The Bonsai and Ikebana demonstrations were extremely well attended and observers were absorbed with interest throughout. After the Beginners and Kids class, there were many smiling faces on the participants as they left with their own potted bonsai. Good sales of trees and pots from our well stocked trade area, was a further indication of the growing interest in this art. The hot “cuppas” and freshly baked snacks on offer were greatly appreciated by both the workers and the visitors. A big thank you to all of our members and sponsors for their generous support and time commitment. We are so pleased with the result - we’re already looking at another Show in 2019!

Winner of "Most Popular Tree in Show" was John G with his Spruce and Kingsville Box Landscape. Raffle winners were: Wine - Lynda B; Cedar Tree - Judi; Hacinoki Pot - Colin; Murrumbing Pot - Val G; Orchiata Potting mix - Charlie W. Checkout the Video under the YVBS Shows link on the Menu.

At our Monthly Meeting on Tuesday July 10th, Victor B will be giving a presentation on “Suiseki” - the Japanese Art of stone appreciation. These small stones found in streams and in the wild can suggest to the collector  images of natural features, animals, people or other objects. They can be displayed individually or together to create miniature landscapes. We had a small display of Suiseki stones at our Bonsai Show that created a lot interest and we are now looking forward to a more thorough explanation of this fascinating art form. This meeting and our workshops are held at our usual venue in Mount Evelyn, details of which can be found at the top of this page.

The next Monthly Workshop is on July 28th at 1:00pm at our usual Venue in Mt Evelyn. 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. You’ll be made most welcome.

Do not hesitate to email us if you require further details or would like any other information. And remember we look forward to catching up with you somewhere in the “world of bonsai” in 2018