From an early age I was fascinated by bonsai. I loved these tiny trees that captured the essence of their larger counterparts growing wild in nature. One day in the supermarket garden section I found a Japanese Black Pine seedling. Black Pines have wonderfully textured bark and clouds of fine needles, the quintessential bonsai, and so it found its way to my home. It grew into a wonderful pot plant but did not possess any artistic merit deserving the label of bonsai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing bonsai is a delightful hobby that involves horticultural knowledge, an artistic bent and a good deal of patience. Twenty\u2013five years down the bonsai path I am still just as fascinated. I enjoy the way my bonsai trees herald the seasons with coloured autumn foliage and bare winter branches on species such as maples and crepe myrtles, spring flowers on species such as wisteria, cherries and azaleas and with vibrant summer growth species such as figs and Chinese elms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonsai need to live outdoors and most species require at least 5 hours of sun a day. Due to the small amount of soil in a bonsai pot they require watering every day through summer and in extreme heat, maybe two or even 3 times a day. Keeping a bonsai small, healthy and in shape requires quite a lot of attention. Many bonsai need repotting every year, some species require pruning four to six times a year. You may need to wire branches to alter their shape, then keep a watchful eye so as the branch grows the wire does not cut in and scar the bark. Bonsai need to be fertilised regularly and be monitored for pests and diseases which can devastate small trees quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The art of growing bonsai is one of vigilance and frequent nurturing, but the rewards are plentiful and the enjoyment increases as your bonsai matures and improves with age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have an interest in bonsai don\u2019t miss the Bonsai Open, an Australia wide bonsai competition with over $5000 in prize money. This event is run by the Central Coast Bonsai Club. Visitors will be treated to a superb display of over 120 bonsai trees and for the first time this year a display of handmade Shohin bonsai pots. Shohin are the mini Bonsai no more than 25 cm in height and shohin pots can be. Across the weekend you can learn from demonstrations by three of Australia\u2019s top bonsai artists. There will also be vendors selling bonsai trees, handmade pots, tools and a wide range of bonsai related items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan to stay for several hours or all day and enjoy a meal or a snack at one of Mingara\u2019s restaurants of the caf\u00e9 between viewing the trees and watching a demonstration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n