LATEST NEWS: We are now in the middle of August with some longer days and finer, warmer weather. Although it’s almost Spring, bonsai enthusiasts don’t let your guard down just yet, your trees still need protection from any remaining “winter wildness” that may be thrown their way. But you can start to get serious about preparing, if you haven’t already, for the busy root pruning and repotting season that is just around the corner. Make sure you have enough wire, pots, soil, and the correct tools. If you don’t, be sure to visit one of our advertisers or sponsors businesses, but don’t be caught short. You will be more satisfied with your work, and the trees will thank you with healthier foliage and more colourful blossoms and flowers in Spring, and all year round. And remember to keep enjoying the “Little Things” in life.

This month’s Monthly Meeting opened with a Bonsai Basics session presented by Howard W, entitled “How To Select Nursery Stock For Future Bonsai”. He started out by outlining some of the basic bonsai styles, and then gave a very informative presentation on the features to look for in a stock tree that are required to help create the various styles. He also suggested that if a suitable tree could not be found that it was best to save your money and wait until the right one comes along, rather than be disappointed with a mediocre result. Howard's presentation was followed by a general workshop where members brought along trees to gain additional insight on their styling from other Club members.

The Monthly Saturday afternoon Workshops continue to be well supported. The next one will be on Saturday 26th August 2017 at 1.00pm at CIRE Services – Mt Evelyn.. Having the extra time available at the July workshop meant that a “mini Bonsai Basics” presentation could be given to a couple of newer members that had been unable to attend the Tuesday Night formal meetings. They very much appreciated this feature. These sessions will be available on an as needs basis at future workshops.

Our Club has been invited to conduct a Community Bonsai Workshop at Yarra Glen District Living & Learning Centre on Sunday 27th August. Participants will be given a brief history of the art of bonsai and then have the opportunity to style their own tree to take away with them. We are encouraged by this opportunity to share our enthusiasm for this art form with other members of the community.

On Saturday September 2nd. our members will take part in a Nursery Trip visiting three Nurseries in the southern suburbs. They will be visiting Din San Wholesale Nursery, Bonsai Art Nursery and the Collectors Corner at Garden World. Members are able to invite friends and relatives to attend also.

There is always something happening in the Bonsai World so we invite you to get on board!