On Saturday and Sunday, 15-16 October, the Wauchope Bonsai Group is presenting a major Bonsai Exhibition, featuring a magnificent display of both traditional and native bonsai as well as suiseki (viewing stones).
This exhibition will be held at the Laurieton United Services Club from 10am-4pm each day. Demonstrations will be held daily at 11am, 1pm. There will be sales of bonsai, plants, and pots. Repotting will be available for a small fee and free advice on growing bonsai will also be available. Entry is adults $3, and children under 12 free if accompanied by an adult. Enquiries phone Steve on 0413 585 116 or Jan on 6585 3995.
Bonsai is the art of growing trees in miniature. It originated in China, and like many other art forms, was adopted by the Japanese, and has since spread to the western world.
Whilst artistic design plays an important part in creating a bonsai, growers need certain horticultural skills in order to keep their trees alive and thriving. These skills can be acquired and learnt. For most practitioners of the art it is the enjoyment of learning and acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary that make for a most interesting and challenging hobby.
Bonsai are modelled on trees in nature, and many trees and shrub species make suitable bonsai – conifers, tropical trees, and flowering and fruiting species are most prized. More recently Australian native species are being used, the most popular being banksia, callistemon, lilly pilly and melaleuca.
Suiseki, a Japanese word meaning water stone or viewing stone, is a classic oriental art form which is frequently shown in conjunction with bonsai. The art of suiseki involves the collection, preparation and appreciation of unaltered, naturally formed stones.
These stones are found in mountain streams, on windblown deserts, along ocean beaches – anywhere the forces of time and nature may have deposited them. They are chosen for their perceived resemblance to familiar scenes in nature or to objects closely associated with nature.
Wauchope Bonsai Workshop Group Inc provides educational opportunities for its members to learn the art of bonsai by providing demonstrators and workshops. The Society meets at 10am on the second Saturday of each month at the Rotary Hall, Oxley Lane, Wauchope and visitors and new members are always welcome.
