March 2021 Meeting this Sunday 21st at West End Hall, View St Castlemaine from 11am
Founded 2001 Incorporated 2002
Trevor Wheeler President. 54 762286 Kristy Dodder Secretary Stuart Cochrane Treasurer Newsletter– GoldfieldsBonsaiSociety
Presidents Notes
GBS Facebook page
Hi everyone, thank you for your confidence in choosing me to be the president of the club. I am surprised to find myself in the position again after 17 years I took the position briefly when Warren Hamilton moved away in 2003. I am pleased that Kristy, Catherine and Stuart have accepted their roles and sure they will do great work this year. I appreciate the work of everyone who helped our group. Special thanks to the long serving Committee Members The longest continuous in a position is David who accepted his position as treasurer in 03,04 Helen who is the next longest in a position as secretary. Helen has also done great work behind the scenes for the 20 years of the club’s existence. Paul our immediate past president for 10 years also being newsletter editor for 5 years. We all appreciate their commitment. This year’s plan is looking really good… I look forward to seeing everyone at our meetings. Trevor. Remember social distancing is still required in the hall. Right - David and Shrua’s advice and help rewiring this cedar is much appreciated I had taken the wire off too soon. Cedars May take up to 2. years to ‘set’ Left - Davids suggestions re branch placement on a pine...Trevor
Feb Meeting 2021 Meeting Shura and David gave some much welcomed one on one advice with members working on their own trees, Shura then talking about how to best help people learn Bonsai, Bonsai is an Art, Art is your interpretation of the tree, using the rules of Bonsai Styling how to, Starting with the 5 main styles, Formal upright, Cascade full, cascade semi, slanted style and informal upright. What to do? Find the front, 2 main branches, David talked about how to look for the best tree material to create your tree using this advice. This meeting was a excellent start to the clubs year.
Thankyou to Kristy for the photos. Shrua and David helped reshape and wire many trees. The display table was full as well as a selection of trees for sale.
Member profile- Stuart our new Treasurer My first bonsai was given to me when I was 21 and living in Townsville. It was some sort of tropical fern It lived for about 3 years. I think in my eagerness to learn about bonsai, I repotted it and trimmed the roots too much. My favourite type of bonsai are Deciduous trees. I really like the fact that you can clearly see the tree structure in winter. I also like the different leaf colours throughout the year. I am looking forward to learning the different styles and how to visualise the bonsai that the tree could become.
Yvonne’s Bonsai care notes Kristy asked if I could do a bit about the different bonsai styles. Since I wasn’t at the last meeting I collated the following from grow your own bonsai.com and bonsai empire. When you want to grow a bonsai tree, you must start by choosing the appropriate style. Choosing a bonsai style is a personal decision based on the gardener’s skill level and creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there is a bonsai style for you. Different bonsai styles closely resemble trees found in nature. There are many different tree style variations- from slanting to upright and groupings. The weather, wind, and other elements reflect the shapes of trees in nature. A bonsai gardener aims to recreate that same shape in a shallow pot. There are many different bonsai shapes and forms for a gardener to choose from. This article provides a bonsai style chart with explanations of each style. Basic Bonsai Tree Style When you begin to shape a bonsai tree, you need to choose a style that compliments your tree’s natural design. There are five basic bonsai tree styles based on the tree’s shape and the angle it grows. These styles are best suited for beginners who are learning proper pruning techniques. These basic styles are: Formal Upright, Informal Upright, Slanting, Cascade, Semi-Cascade Formal Upright | Chokkan The Chokkan, or formal upright style, is one of the most common bonsai shapes. This style gives a bonsai tree a conical shape, sometimes rounded. You’ll find many trees in nature with a similar style because it does not cause a lot of stress to the plant. Formal upright bonsai trees are known for their straight, upright trunk and thick, long branches. Formal Upright Style Characteristics —There are a few distinct features of a bonsai tree with a formal upright style. Trunk—The formal upright style has a perfectly straight trunk line. Another defining characteristic of a formal upright style tree is the tapered trunk. A tapered trunk is wider on the bottom and gradually gets thinner with height. It takes years to achieve the perfect tapered trunk. Branches—A formal upright style bonsai tree will have branches at about one-fourth of the way up the trunk. The lowest two branches are usually trained to extend to the front side while the third branch extends toward the back to create depth. The lower branches are pruned and trained until they achieve a “Christmas tree” look. The branches are thick and long on the bottom of the tree and get shorter with height. Tree Top—The top of a formal upright style bonsai tree should be formed with one branch. The very top of the tree will be a branch, not the trunk. Roots—A formal upright bonsai tree may have visible roots above the soil. Why Choose The Formal Upright Bonsai Style The formal upright style is one of the most basic styles for bonsai trees. It’s also the easiest style for beginners. The features of the Formal Upright Bonsai Style include: Easy Shape, No Advanced Pruning Techniques Necessary, Quick To Shape Best For: Beginners Informal Upright | Moyogi The Moyogi, or informal upright style, is the most popular style for bonsai trees. This style mimics the shape of a tree in nature that has grown in rough conditions. Unlike the formal upright style, the informal upright style does not have a straight trunk line. Instead, an informal upright style bonsai tree will have a “S” shaped trunk to show contortion. In nature, this shape is created due to the constant breaking of the tree trunk by weather or animals. Informal Upright Style Characteristics —There are a few distinct features of a bonsai tree with an informal upright style. Trunk—The informal upright style has a tapered, single trunk in which the base of the trunk is thicker than the portion above it. The trunk grows outward, creating an “S” shape rather than growing straight up. The trunk should have some curves and angles. The trunk bends slightly forward which can be achieved by using wires. Another way to create this slant is to repot the tree and tilt it before covering the bottom portion with soil. Branches—An informal upright style bonsai tree will have branches starting at about one-fourth of the way up the trunk. The branches should only be growing outward and away from the trunk. Tree Top—The top of the bonsai should be bent toward the front. This bend is what gives this style a sense of informality and gives the bonsai tree the appearance of being in motion. Roots—An informal upright bonsai tree may have visible roots above the soil. Why Choose The Informal Upright Bonsai Style The informal upright style is the most popular bonsai tree style. It works well for different kinds of trees and gives the illusion of being in motion in nature. The features of the Informal Upright Bonsai Style include: Easy Shape, Stunning Look Even When Trees Lose Their Leaves, Good Style For Trees That Already Show Stresses Best For: Beginners
Slanting | Shakan The Shakan, or slanting style, mimics a tree that has been exposed to a strong wind blowing in one direction. With this style, the tree trunk slants dramatically in one direction. In nature, this style can also be achieved when a tree is grown in a shady area and it begins to bend toward the sunlight. Slanting Style Characteristics—There are a few distinct features of a bonsai tree with a slanting style. Trunk — The slanting style has a tapered, single trunk in which the base of the trunk is thicker than the portion above it. The trunk grows at an angle of about 60 to 80 degrees relative to the ground. For a slanting style, the trunk can be either straight or slightly bent. The slant can be difficult to achieve because there needs to be a balance between the trunk and
the branches. Branches — A slanting style bonsai tree will have its first branch growing in the opposite direction of the slant of the tree. The lower branches are arranged in groups of three and start about one-third up the trunk. It’s important to arrange the branches in a way so they don’t cause the tree to appear lopsided. Any large limbs should be grown on the opposite side of the tree’s slant to maintain visual balance. Tree Top — The top of a slanting bonsai tree is slightly bent toward the front. Roots — On the side in which the tree is leaning, the roots of a slanting bonsai are not well developed. Because of this, the other side of the tree trunk will have a well-developed, overly strong root system to counter the weight of the tree’s slant. Why Choose The Slanting Bonsai Style The slanting style is a symbol of longevity and power. The features of the slanting style include: Popular Shape for Coniferous Trees, Trunk Can Be Straight Or Slightly Bent, Number of Branches and Their Placements Aren’t As Significant Compared To Other Bonsai Styles Cascade | Kengai The Kengai, or cascade style, mimics a tree in nature that lives on a steep cliff and is bent downward. With this style, the trunk grows upward slightly and then abruptly goes down to a point where the treetop reaches the bottom of the plant’s container. If you choose a cascade style bonsai tree, you will need to keep the plant on the edge of a table or in a tall pot. Most of its foliage will be below the soil surface. Cascade Style Characteristics—There are a few distinct features of a bonsai tree with a cascade style. Trunk—A cascade style bonsai tree will have a trunk that grows upright briefly and then abruptly bends downward. The trunk will form a “S” shape on the way down. Branches—A cascade style bonsai tree will have alternating branches on the outermost curves of the trunk. The branches grow horizontally to maintain visual balance. Tree Top—The top of a cascade style tree will be hanging over the pot and will be below the soil surface. Roots—On the side in which the tree is leaning, the roots of a cascade bonsai are not well developed. Because of this, the other side of the tree trunk will have a well-developed, overly strong root system to counter the weight of the tree’s abrupt drop to one side. Particular pots allow for roots to grow deeper to ensure that the tree won’t tip over. Why Choose The Cascade Bonsai Style The shape of a cascade bonsai tree represents perseverance during a difficult time. The features of the cascade style include: Longer training time compared to other basic styles, Requires more advanced wire training and pruning techniques to achieve the look Semi-Cascade | Han-Kengai The Han-Kengai, or semi-cascade style, is similar to the cascade style because it mimics a tree in nature that lives on a steep cliff and is bent downward. With this style, the trunk grows upward for a small distance and the bends slightly downwards, almost sideways. Unlike the cascade style, the trunk will not grow below the bottom of its container and the top of the tree is around the rim of the container. Semi-Cascade Style Characteristics—There are a few distinct features of a bonsai tree with a semi-cascade style. Trunk—A semi-cascade style bonsai tree will have a trunk that grows upright briefly and then bend slightly downward or to the side. The trunk is curved but does not reach the bottom of the pot. Branches—A semi-cascade style bonsai tree will have alternating branches between the front and the back to create an illusion of depth. The branches and foliage of a semi-cascade style bonsai tree will never touch the bottom of the container, but it will be under the soil surface level. Tree Top—The top of a semi-cascade style tree will be hanging over the pot, but will not reach the bottom of the plant’s container. Roots—The root system on the semi-cascade style tree is similar to that of a cascade style. On the side in which the tree is leaning, the roots are not well developed. Because of this, the other side of the tree trunk will have a well-developed root system to counter the weight of the tree’s abrupt drop to one side. Why Choose The Semi -Cascade Bonsai Style Although the semi-cascade style is very similar to the cascade style, it is still defined as its own distinct form. The features of the semi-cascade style include: Longer training time compared to other basic bonsai styles, Requires advanced wire training and pruning techniques to achieve the look Next month: Advanced Bonsai Tree Styles Advanced bonsai styles are: Literati, Windswept, Broom, Double Trunk, Multi-Trunk, Forest, Raft. Cheers Yvonne
Bonsai Reshaped
Experience the beauty of Japanese culture through bonsai, ikebana and kusamono with a focus on Australian native plants. Held at the National Arboretum Canberra, home to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia 26 – 28 of March 2021 www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au Bonsai Reshaped - Full Day Demonstration and Discussion Forum - Live and Online. Watch from the comfort of home for $50 for the entire days viewing with your online questions answered as well. Link below is for online booking. Saturday, 27 March 2021 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/whats-on/school-holidays-andhttps://www.facebook.com/Moongate-bonsai-specialising-in-Yama-dori-992620610873220/
Goldfields Bonsai Society Program 2021 March 21st- Maples workshop with Shrua April 18th- In Harcourt ? Shura and David grafting Air layering May 16th- Pine workshop/Demonstration with Joe Morgan-Paylor June 20th– David and Shrua designing trees July 18th– Repotting August 15th– Painting with Flo September 19th– Pottery with Trevor October 17th– Prepare trees for exhibition October 30-31– Exhibition Melb Cup weekend Meeting this Sunday 21st from 11am - 3:30pm BYO Lunch and a snack for afternoon tea
See you Sunday for a Maples workshop being hosted by Shrua. Bring along your trees for advice and to work on.