LATEST NEWS: July Saturday Workshop has regrettably been cancelled due to Covid Restrictions, which have not been eased enough for us to proceed. Watch this space for future developments as they occur.

The monthly meeting on Tuesday 13th July will feature special guest presenter Tien Liao from Bonsai Sensation who will talk and demonstrate on “Cascade and Semi-Cascade Bonsai Styles”. It is always great to see and hear from our major sponsor Tien, who is full of knowledge and has the ability to readily impart it. Display Table - “Cascade or Semi-Cascade”, or Member’s Choice.
Last Saturday of the Month Workshop is on Saturday 31st July, 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
July is the middle of winter in Melbourne, so we can expect continuing cold weather, foggy mornings, and possibly even snow in some outer areas. Occasional bursts of winter sunshine will however brighten these days. We humans can enjoy open fires, hot drinks and heated house, but our bonsais are usually out in the weather. Although our climate rarely reaches zero or sub-zero temperatures, providing some protection for our trees from the winter elements may still be necessary.
Most tree species we use for bonsai in this area are hardy and able to withstand freezing conditions. However, when grown in containers they do not have the ability to bury their roots deep into the ground, which they would normally do to insulate them from the cold. Also, we need to be wary of extremely wet weather. Bonsai’s need to be kept as well drained as possible. Placing bricks or blocks of wood under the pot ensures that water escapes and allows the air to circulate around and under them. Having trees saturated for extended amounts of time may also lead to problems through rotting of the roots, which is invariably fatal.
Now is also the ideal time to carefully inspect deciduous trees. Performing wiring and pruning tasks now, will make things less hectic in Spring. Check that the correct tools are available, and that they are cleaned, sharp and ready for action. Check also the stock of pots, wire, and of course the correct soil.
Avoid the temptation to re-pot too early, wait until the buds start to swell. Due to changes in the weather patterns, some trees might even be starting to do this now - so take the lead from what they are doing, and not the calendar. Let their actions be your guide.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings and workshops, so feel free to come along and check us out. We look forward to catching up with you somewhere in the “world of bonsai” in 2021.