February 2018

Hello again all.

I was very happy with the number of people who enrolled for the beginner’s classes which commenced last meeting. I hope you all enjoyed your introduction to Bonsai. I would like you to bring an evergreen tree along to the March meeting.

We gave you a lot of information at the February meeting. Just a reminder of the first two upcoming events which are reasonably accessible from Wagga Wagga. The first is the Australian Plants as Bonsai exhibition 17 th – 18 th March at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. This is a must if you are at all interested in natives as bonsais. There is time to take in a visit to the NBPCA Exhibition at the National Arboretum to make the visit to Canberra very worthwhile. This event is closely followed by the Bonsai Week hosted by NBPCA 19 th – 25 th March. Separate
information is available for those who are interested.

Peter told us of the away weekend he has planned for the first weekend in May. More detailed information follows. Godfrey and I have already made an overnight booking. We will be looking for names at the March meeting although April will not be too late (although overnight bookings might be getting tight. Peter has included something for everyone and remember, you can do as little or as much of the tour as you desire.

Peter and I had a discussion with Wagga Coop (Moorong St) who have agreed to get a trial pallet of Debco Bonsai potting mix. Price is just under $10 per bag. You will probably need to ask for it as when I purchased mine, we had to hunt around. I’m hopeful that if enough of us buy it, it may become a routine order for them. Even though we are officially in Autumn, the main job still seems to be watering. I find April is the better month for Autumn plantings as March is still a bit warm.
Looking forward to seeing you all this week.

Gail

Dates to Remember

March 2018 :

• 17 th – 18 th March, Australian Plants as Bonsai Exhibition, Australian National Botannic Gardens,Canberra.
• 19 th – 25 th March - Bonsai Week at NBPCA, National Arboretum, Canberra. April 2018:
• Bonsai by the Beach, Wauchope Bonsai Society featuring Shane Briggs and Clinton Nesci. Contact jan.briggs2@bigpond.com or 65852995.

May 2018:

• 5 th – 6 th May; Illawarra Bonsai Society Show, Sutherland District Trade Union Club, Kingway, Gymea. 

July 2018 :

• “AABC National Bonsai Convention”: 20 th – 23 rd ‘Mantra Bell City’, Preston, Melbourne.

August 2018 :

•  24 th – 26 th August, 19 th Annual Weekend Workshop at Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops.

ANNUAL TRIP AWAY : 

Being the weekend of May 5th & 6 th 2018.

Batlow , Laurel Hill ,Tumut and Talbingo in “The Mountains”.Some Bonsai involved, however just a social , low cost get away weekend is the focus. Come for just the Saturday or come for the two day weekend is preferred.

Proposed Agenda:

• Saturday “AM” : 8.00 am Leave Wagga Wagga from ARCC Hall Tarcutta Street. Travel in Convoy.
• 9.15 am Visit Cascades Nursery in Batlow and Sugar Pine Walk Laurel Hill. (Time permitting).
• 11.15am Visit Garry Talbot’s Bonsai Collection : Tumut
• 12.30pm Lunch : BYO Food and Drink : Venue “Stockwell Gardens” Past Sun Herald awarded.
• 1.30pm Visit Tumut Landcare Nursery. Sales of tube and other stock available. Talk on Propagation – Cuttings and Seed Raising by Manager- Steve Hamil.
• 2.30pm Scenic drive around the Tumut River precinct and on to the Tumut African Violet Farm.(TAVF). Talk on African Violets and their TAVF processes by Leonie Jones.
• 3.30 pm Leave TAVF and travel to Talbingo via a brief stop at the Blowering Dam wall .

Overnight stay at Talbingo Caravan Park – Cabin or Unit accommodation. Cost own care. 6.30pm Dinner at the Talbingo Golf Club – Chinese and Australian Meals. Cost own care. (The Best Chinese in the “Mountains”).

Question: From what is the Talbingo “Maze” constructed ??

• Sunday “AM”: Breakfast approx. 7.30am : Bacon / Eggs/ Toast / Cereal / etc Provided.
• 9.00 am Visit Tumut T3 Power Station Exterior & Talbingo Shop-Scale Model of The Snowy.
• 10.15am Visit Yarrangobilly Caves . Guided or self guided tours available . Cost own care. Or Swim in the Thermal Pool/Spring. BYO Swimmers and Towel.
• (45 min from Talbingo). Will need Sturdy and enclosed footwear and a jacket.
• 12.30pm NSW Forestry Plantation Nursery. Talk by Phil Green about their 9 million plant cells.
• 1.30pm Lunch: Tumut. Tumut Riverside café Or Take Away’s to another Tumut Park . Cost own care.
• 2.30pm Depart for Wagga Wagga- home by around 3.30pm. Or Visit Tumut Broom Factory and /or Tumut
• River Brewing Co for return to Wagga Wagga around 4.30pm

Accommodation:

Talbingo Caravan Park :

21 Whitly Street , Talbingo NSW

Ph: 02.6949 5239

www.talbingocaravanpark.com.au

www.talbingocaravanpark.com.au/accommodation

Accommodation ranges from $74 to $105 per night based on two adults.

An Extra $8.00 per night per extra adult .

Please see the above links for full details.

Please book accommodation direct with the park “if you require” a private room / unit or have a special requirement. Ie: couples or prefer a room to yourself or have a group all ready organised to share together etc.

The club will book for those wishing to “share” accommodation and save some costs, note however there may be up to six(6) people per unit just depending on numbers.

Would look to have ensuite bathroom facilities in these club booked rooms and keep ladies and gents separate ie: The gents together in the one cabin and the ladies in another cabin.

General information:

Husband’s , wives , partner’s etc are all welcome to attend .

Please complete the Sign up sheets for the event , car pooling and accommodation requirements at the March 2018 meeting.

If from outside of Wagga Wagga and needing to leave a vehicle over the weekend please let Peter Fisk know on and we can arrange this and a lift to the ARCC Hall Departure site. Do not recommend

leaving your vehicle at the hall over the weekend.

The Golf Club for dinner on Saturday night is approx. 10 min walk (900 mtrs via a dedicated walking path or follow the town streets & signs ) from the Caravan Park…No Courtesy Bus available !

Alternatively will arrange some designated drivers on the day…

Yarrangobilly Caves : if not into viewing the caves or swimming in the thermal pool , there are other easily accessible activities and things to see and do around the area to fill in the hour or so…

More details as required at the March meeting… PLEASE keep a copy of this newsletter with the Agenda and Information for future reference. Thank you.

January 2018

Hello and happy new year to you all. I hope you have all had a relaxing break. At this time of year, the weather can be very harsh and I hope your trees have come through it well.

Our bonsai year is up and running. Yesterday we had another successful Bunnings Barbeque. Fortunately the weather gods shone on us in comparison to the previous weekend. A very big thank you to Terry and Joy, Peter and Jeff who did all the running around and especially Terry who did all the organising. Also my thanks to those of you who assisted on the day.

The Committee has had its planning meeting and this year we will be trying something different. We are not going to have set talks or demonstrations this year except for one at the August meeting at which I will give a talk on the AABC Seminar. The new format will start at 1pm. Beginner’s classes will commence then and other members will go into workshops and work on their trees. Beginners group will rejoin the meeting proper at conclusion of the class time permitting. As normal, we will break at 3pm for afternoon tea. The Committee will start their meeting at 4pmand those who wish to can go back to their trees. We would also hope the members will complete the clean up prior to going home. Under this system, anyone who wants a demonstration on a technique or tree style should see me and I will organise someone to do it. All of course are welcome to view this demonstration or continue working on their own trees.

We have booked Neil Padbury as our visiting tutor for the year at our September meeting (15th September). We have him for morning and afternoon workshops and for demonstration/dinner on the Saturday night. So lock in the date. We are also planning
a day trip to visit to Neil’s nursery at Yakandandah (26th August) which will give people the opportunity to buy stock for the workshop (or for other reasons). Neil also provides a workshop during these visits on a topic of interest. These are always very informative.

This Saturday (20th January) is our first meeting of the year and will primarily be a working bee for our cupboard. Helping hands will be very welcome. However any trees requiring advice and/or work are most welcome and someone will be available to look at it for you.

A reminder that the beginners classes will commence Saturday 17th February. Costs for classes is $10 per head (to cover cost of materials for the course). Nominations to Gail by close of business Friday 9th February. Participants must be financial members of the Club ($30 per annum plus $10 for Club badge). Joining fee also covers members for injury while on Club activities. Fees may be paid on day of classes. I won’t be seeing you this Saturday as I am going to Opera in the Alps. However, I look forward to seeing you all in February.

Gail
President

March Newsletter

Hello everyone,

Welcome Autumn! Tuesday nights are getting great attendance along with  our Saturday sessions. The newsletter will continue to be sent the week be-fore the 3rd Saturday of the month’s meeting.

The calendar has had more additions and changes. There are still some free spots later in the year. If you have suggestions or would like to do a talk or demonstration than please feel free to contact the committee.

To clarify the start times of each session:
Tuesday night will start at 7pm
Saturday afternoon will start at 1.30pm
(Committee meeting at 1pm—All welcome to attend)

In this month’s newsletter I'll share information and research on Fuchsia as Bonsai. I have been to a specialist nursery on the weekend and purchased established stock so the time to get a good tree should be significantly reduced. Also there is information in regards to Leslie Laws demonstration /workshop in August, the Facebook page and the revised calendar.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next club meeting.

Alana (Communication Officer)

Message from the Secretary

Hi All

Well we have had a good start to the year. Ten people attended on the Tuesday night and hopefully that will continue. On the March Tuesday night I demonstrated a technique grant Bowie showed us to force quick growth in Banksias. It does work. At the February Saturday meeting, Alana told us about her ‘playing’ with Fuchsias. At least three of us are going to ‘play’ with her so you may wish to check out the information below.

It has been decided that we will not be having an exhibition this year, but we shall be doing so next year in November, 2nd and 3rd weekends. That gives us more time to prepare our trees.

Chris is gave a talk at the March Saturday meeting on drawing your design for your trees. I have to admit this is an area I have not been very good at. There are still some empty spots towards the end of the year on our calender so if you are willing to do a talk or demonstration please let me know.

I must remind you about the BCI Convention in the Gold Coast in August. We have some raffle tickets to sell in support of the Convention. I’ll have them available at the next meeting. First prize is one full registration plus entry to the cocktail party and Convention Dinner. Second prize is one full registration. I must admit I’m looking forward to the Convention. Ring me for any further information required.

I have checked out masters and they are carrying Debco Bonsai potting mix. The price is very good

A plea - I am in need of some assistance. It would be most helpful if someone could act as a Minute Secretary at the Saturday meetings and write them up. I will continue to handle the rest of the Secretary’s functions. I’m finding I am not getting everything down at the meetings trying to handle both taking of minutes and trying to remember everything we need to cover at the meeting. Please ring me if you can assist.

Cheers, Gail

Trident Maple Root over Rock demonstration

 Work-shop 5 August 2014 

 A very beautiful Trident maple root over rock brought in by one of our members on the Tuesday night session in March.
On Tuesday 5 August at 7pm we are going to have a demonstration of a technique to achieve this. Following the demo there will be a guided group session to make your own. If you're interested in purchasing stock for this session email ww.bs@hotmail.com You'll also need to start looking for a rock!
I'm really excited about this!

Fuchsia as Bonsai

Fuchsias have varying degrees of hardiness. Regardless of which one chosen they are less There are more than 8000 hybrids to choose from. The best varieties to use are:
- fuchsia microphylla F. "Tom Thumb" & F. "Lady Thumb"
- fuchsia magellanica
In saying this most are suitable. In time you will get lead ramification.

To develop the trunk and branches remove all flowers and fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer. This may take more than one growing season (spring - autumn). The pruning will need to be done weekly.

Fuchsia do not take kindly to wire. The clip and grow method is the most suitable.

Once the desired trunk thickness and branch structure is developed and you want flowers move into a bright sunny spot. Morning sun is best, sheltered from the afternoon sun and hot damaging winds.

You will need to frost protect below 5 degrees and from frost. The Magelleninca will handle

Image source Bonsai 4 Me

 Image source Gardenbuddies.com Bonsai Garden forum

The watering regime is very similar to most other tropical/sub-tropical bonsai with normal watering. If possible misting too. It loves a humid environment. Be careful though it hates wet feet.

Annual reporting is required due to the rapid growth and this is best done in spring after the last frost. It is also interesting to note that it flowers best when it is root bound.

Fuchsia are susceptible to pests and diseases. In particular aphids are a common pest of the fuchsia and regular inspections should be carried out. Trees experiencing wet soil conditions and poor air circulation are more susceptible to attacks of mildew and should be sprayed with fungicides.

The best way of propagation is through soft wood cuttings.

I visited a Fuchsia specialist nursery after this talk and she also mentioned that when increasing the pot size to do it incrementally. She said it would be possible to do it every 6 months. She strongly recommended keeping them root bound to flower. Regardless of whichever stage her recommendation was not to over pot.

She also mentioned going easy on the fruit and flower fertilizer. While you might have an impressive extended display the tree may be under so much pressure that it dies.

This is a trial and error of not your typical bonsai species. If you're having a go too, I wish you good luck and happy bonsaing!

Alana

Image source This is local London

Facebook 

The Facebook page is really starting to grow. In January we had 57 people liking and following our page. We are now up to 64 people as of this mornings check. An increase of 14% since Thank you for liking and sharing the posts. This builds our following and of the page and helps people find us to join the

Facebook sends us (Sarah & I) weekly page updates. Last week our page reached 255 people. This happens when people like & share the posts that are put up. It’s fantastic to see so much
The page is managed on a daily basis and any messages are answered as soon as possible.

Thank you for supporting this new medium to the club.

The page name is: “Wagga Wagga Bonsai Society”

August Newsletter

Hi All,
It’s the AGM meeting was this month. If you didn't get to it don't worry you can catch up on the minutes next meeting, but we would also like to remind you that membership fees are also due. After the Meeting we all had a chance to work on some trees and enjoy afternoon tea.

Many thanks.

We have reached 37 Likes on our Facebook page. Please like us if you haven’t already done so.

Some More pictures from the Chris Allnutt Workshop

Chris Allnutt with Mike and Chris. Major restyling on thistree was undertaken.

The pine from another view

A view of the workshop group

Chris demonstrating

Bunnings night in June with Vic

Vic  demonstrated on a Shimpaku Juniper at Bunnings in June. It was an entertaining night.

It had been sometime since Vic had last demonstrated although you would never have known it.

A tree with real potential

The fruits of our labour (The results of our dig)

This is the team of bonsai dig enthusiasts that headed out to collect Olives. We collected some excellent specimens. There is many more Olives available. The location is available to financial club members.

NEWSLETTER Chris Allnutt is coming this July

Hi All,
Lots happening this month. To start the ball rolling we have Chris Allnutt here on the 20th and 21st July. The Olive dig is on Sunday 4 August. It is re-potting season too, a busy time for many.

We have reached 31 Likes on our Facebook page. Please like us if you haven’t already done so.
Look forward to seeing everyone at the coming events.

Cheers


From The President 
Hi All,
I haven’t got an article for you this month as time has gotten away from me. This is mainly housekeeping for our next meeting and our visitor Chris Allnutt. On Saturday afternoon, we’ll start Chris’ presentation at 1.30pm. We want to be on time so please try and be there by that time. The Committee will have a quick meeting before.
On Sunday morning, we will be having a workshop with Chris so if you have a tree to work on, please bring it. Pines are not the only thing that Chris will be talking about. The workshop will start at 9.00am. Here again, we wish to start on time so it is preferable if you can arrive a little earlier and be set up by 9am. There is no charge. Chris is very generous with his time. It would be good if you could bring something along for Saturday/Sunday afternoon and morning teas.

The Dig: The dig is Sunday 4th August. We are meeting at Chris Helyar’s place – 79 Simmons Street. There is plenty of parking there and on the way out. We may be able to car pool if people wish to. The dig is at Yanco at the back of the Agriculture School. Besides tools, you will need to bring your own lunch, drinks etc. I’ll have a dig list available next weekend.

Winter Maintenance: I'm leaving for Queensland early August and will be away for about a month. As August is the main month for re-potting my deciduous trees, I am trying to get them all done before I go as it will be a bit late when I get back. I will have to wait for spring to see the results.

If you haven’t already done so, winter is the best time to look at your deciduous trees and tidy them up, and review the structure of the tree. The evergreens can be done later if you haven’t the time to do the lot now. What you can also be doing now is preparing your soil mix, check pots and in general have everything ready for your re-potting.

Ladysmith: We have been asked by the Ladysmith Community Hall Committee to put on a small display in early November – on one day only, a Saturday. More about that later but, with Spring approaching, we would appreciate your selection of a tree for the display. Also keep in mind that we will have another tutor coming for our November meeting. More details later.

Cheers


A Little about our demonstrator Chris Allnutt
Chris has a broad background as both a student of bonsai and teaching students of both Imperial Gardens Bonsai and the School of Bonsai. He holds a Certificate in Horticulture – Nursery Studies from Ryde School of Horticulture, passing out with an Award of Excellence for Best Achievement in Practical Studies. Chris has attended two world bonsai conferences and travelled China, Korea and thrice to Japan on bonsai
tours. These days he prefers to work with minis, as they are more challenging than larger trees.
Source: Bonsai by The Harbour flyer 2013—http://www.cbs.org.au/pdfs/events/bfa%
20seminar%20flyer%2013.pdf Accessed 15 July 2013

Photo Courtesy of Japan Journey’s Album BCI Grand Bonsai Tour 2011 Facebook page—
Accessed 15 July 2013 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
fbid=10150422003748695&set=a.10150419443363695.377791.178417873694&type=3&theater

Items required for the dig
Please note the list below is an indication of what's required, in no means are all these items necessary.
1. Water (both for yourself and the trees), and possibly a little extra to clean up afterwards.
2. Sun tan lotion, Hat
3. Comfortable boots, sturdy shoes, gum boots
4. Food for the day
5. Toilet roll
6. Wet hessian / newspaper to wrap the root ball in after collecting.
7. Black bags, to cover the roots once wrapped to retain moisture.
8. Styrofoam boxes with holes. Available from Duffy Bros.
9. String
10. Knife
11. Handsaw to remove large branches.
12. Small handsaw to cut roots.
13. Tree sealer
14.Wiltpruf (to seal in moisture, to slow down transpiration)
15. Lopers to cut roots / branches (extremely useful)
16. Gloves
17. Hook (for example a bent screw driver) to loosen soil / stones between roots.
18. Spray bottle
19. Small spade
20. Axe (must be sharp)
21. Pick
22. Crowbar (to remove rocks)
23. Backpack to carry tools in
24. Chain saw
There was some talk about a BBQ—Sausage sizzle camp style. We can chat more about it this weekend.

NEWSLETTER, Canberra AABC seminar, May 2013

Hi All,
The AABC seminar is on in Canberra this month and a small con- tingent from the club will be attending. We will bring back loads of photo’s and information to share at the June meeting.
This month the club meeting falls on the same weekend as the AABC seminar. For the members staying behind you will be well looked after by the lovely Pat who is going to assist you with wiring and pruning deciduous trees. Pat has some amazing deciduous trees from the “motherland” and her knowledge on the English varieties is second to none in our club. I strongly suggest chatting to her about her trees especially if you have purchased one from her, have the same species or are looking at trying one.

Enjoy the AABC Seminar or the local club meeting 
Cheers

Junipers

The Juniper is an excellent subject for Bonsai especially for beginners. The two main varities used in Bonsai are Juniper Procumbens and Juniper Chinesis. Juniper Procumbens have a needle type foliage. The main varieties are Procumbens ‘Nana’, Juniper Rigida and Juniper Squamata. Juniper Chinesis has a soft foliage and the main varieties are Juniper Shimpaku (also known as Sargenti in some areas) and Blaauws Juniper. There are others but these are not readily available in Australia. 

When selecting a plant, the main elements to look for are the same as for any other plant so let’s have a quick revision. 

Roots – The roots should spread evenly all round the tree and divide at the base of the tree. These trees are mainly surface rooting and so have a fibrous root ball that will need to be untangled.

Trunks – trunks should taper as they go upwards. These trees look good with twists and bends. If you have something special in mind and can’t find it, get a
young plant and wire the trunk to the shape you want. Before doing so, check
that the material is supple enough and protect the trunk for the wire with raffia or bike tubing. The latter is my preferred material at this time. With this protection, you can leave the wire on longer than normal and so get a better result.

Apex – Every tree has an apex. When reducing the height, make sure you know
the front of your tree and that you have a suitable branch you can bring up to replace the old apex.

Branches – Select a tree with plenty of compact foliage from the base of the
branches. With the procumbens, if the needle type foliage is too long, you can
cut it with scissors. The cuts will go brown but you can remove the brown parts later on. In the case of the Chinesis foliage, cut to the base of the foliage and not straight across – this will probably prevent browning.


Pots – Evergreen trees look best in earthenware pots. Pat Kennedy’s earthy
glazes are also good. The Juniper is one plant I have managed to grow in a slender pot. They do tolerate our heat well and will stand a little drying out. As
usual, the shape of the pot will depend on the style of the tree. We have a much
longer potting time with Junipers being able to pot in the Autumn as well as in
the Spring. I do mine in the Autumn.

Pruning – For your regular maintenance, pruning is best done by plucking. You remove the tips of the foliage when the tips are long enough to grasp. This constant plucking, thickens up your foliage pads. Keep underneath the pads clear. I find the foliage of the apex of the Chinesis get very heavy and need thinning out.

Fertilizers – I have the same programme for all my trees. I mainly use liquid fertilizers – seasol and powerfeed. The Chinesis like lime and I sprinkle 1 or 2 teaspoons of Dolomite on top of the pots in December and February. I did try it on Procumbens but I found they didn’t like it as much.

Repotting – I repot the trees every 2 years except for miniatures which I do annually.

Styles – The Junipers are suitable for all the styles except the Broom.

NEWSLETTER, Autumn is here! April 2013

Hi All,

The warm days and the colder nights mean a great show of Autumn colours around town and in the Bonsai collection. This is a good reminder to move your frost prone bonsai to their winter protected homes and to start preparing for the winter months by cleaning away fallen leaves and debris and final feedings before winter sets in. Check your watering system/regime and start to reduce the water as required. Stop pruning your deciduous flowering trees now, these have started forming the buds for the springtime.

This month the club meeting is based on re-potting conifers and of course working on any trees you wish to bring in.

The AABC seminar is on in Canberra next month and this is your last chance to buy tickets. If you would like more info please email. Look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

Cheers

The Jade Tree—Crassula Arborescens

The Jade is a native of South Africa, where it can reach 3 metres (10ft) in height. It has thick branches and smooth rounded fleshy leaves. There are a number of species. I have tried the common dark green and a striking lighter green variety with red tinges on new stalks and leaves. I find the latter is better for developing the foliage. The darker variety does not thicken up so well. The jade is a succulent so does not require as much water as other species. This said, I now water mine at the same time as all my other trees and it does equally as well less water. They are not frost tolerant so need protection during the winter. Just under the eves seems to be enough. They do drop leaves during winter and you may find some wrinkling—might need a little extra water.

Feeding
I feed the same as all my other trees with fish emulsion and powerfeed.
Re-potting
Every 2-3 years is fine. I just use my usual mix with a little extra stone for drainage. Being a succulent you do
not want root rot
Wiring
I find they take wiring well
Pruning
Major pruning can be done throughout the summer. To thicken the branches pinch back the shoots. Like the Olive they have a tendency to put out shoots along the trunk where they are not required and at the base. Pinch these out instead of cutting. Remove leaves under branches to develop the pads.
Getting new trees
Being succulent they strike from cuttings easily. Even I can get them to strike. I find they are slower to develop  in a pot. The quickest way to get a tree is if you are able to find an old specimen. Look at it carefully and see if one of the side branches is a potential bonsai. If you find one cut it off, watching the length of the trunk. Five (5) longitudinal cuts approx 2cm long have to be made around the base of the trunk and from these cuts the roots will strike. Place in a sandy mixture an hopefully in time you will have a nice nebari. The branches and the foliage pads will still have to be developed.
Styles
Jade lends itself best to upright styles of informal upright and multiple trunk. If a good specimen can be found it is possible to have a cascade.

FOR SALE - CLUB DISPLAY STANDS

The Club stands which have been used for display purposes since we hosted the National Convention in 1999 are up for sale at the princely sum of $5 each.
There are 10 in all – $ are alreadry sold.
They range in height from 820mm to 1255mm, with tops ranging from 350 x 350mm to 580 x 490mm.
Not suitable for leaving out in the weather but will last a long time in semiprotected areas such as under covered patios or on veranda's.
First in best dressed – we can deliver in Wagga Wagga.
Please contact the club for further details