The Australian Bonsai Gallery is examining the viability of establishing a comprehensive FREE Bonsai Club/Association Directory System on our website.

Most existing club directories fall short of providing a comprehensive representation of what is on offer in the Australian Bonsai community.

To this end we are surveying all of our contacts to guage the level of interest in this project.

The directory would be a free service but for it to work efectively it would require an 'All In' idiology.

Services included are:

• a banner page for each listing
•  an image gallery
• all contact details including website and social media links
• an events portal
• social media sharing
• a user Dashboard for easy updating.
• a contact form
• map location of meeting and events
• a powerful search engine strategy 

 We also offer a free suppory system to help you set up and maintain your listing.

The 'All In' phillosophy will create a very powerful presence on all search engins and help to drive traffic to and increase interest in bonsai in Australia.

If you feel that this project could benefit your association  or you require any further information please don't hesitat in contacting us.

Japanese Red Pine first flush

 This Japanese Red Pine is one of my favorite bonsai in the collection.  Not because it is a fine bonsai but because of the 'ordeal'(Shiren) it endured over the 48 years I have been learning the art of bonsai.  There are many mistakes still hidden within its form and branches.

This seasons first flush is pushing better than ever due, in part to a greater percentage of Akadama in the soil mix. 

I don't think that there is any substitute for a good quality Akadama, particularly for older trees.  It seems to promote fine and even growth in the roots... and this translates into fine and even growth in the foliage.

I will give this bonsai a few more weeks of growth to mature the first flush before cutting it all off..... and hoping for a second flush of buds and continuing the cycle. 

More info on this HERE

Improvements to an Old Cedar Bonsai

Improvements to the balance and movement of this very old cedar are evident in the following image.  The lower branch has been divided to produce an additional layer and the upper part of the trunk has been exposed to enhance the overall movement in the tree.

The Australian Bonsai Gallery has been refining this old tree for over 16 years now.  We were delighted to have acquired it from Ian Hearn who had been developing & refining it for over 30 years.

We love working on this bonsai.  Atlantic Cedars are a great species for bonsai.  Very flexible branches,  very small needles, and compact growth habit.

 Shimpaku Bonsai Styled

Just a quick update on this Shimpaku (Kishu) styling.  

This bonsai has been for sale on the website for some time now.  It was due for some refinement so here it is.!!

A great subject for the 'initiated' to further style and refine.  For sale HERE. 

A Criticised Black Pine

Back in August 2019 I was 'slapped on the wrist' (via Facebook) for the first styling of this Black pine.

The RHS image here is an update on it's progress.  I must admit that it is not the best bonsai in the world but it does demonstrate what can be done with very few primary branches.

Yes, there are no back branches but this will be corrected over the next few years.

Buddha's Knee Pine Update

Continuing the transformation of this old 'Mikawa' Japanese Black Pine from a 'literati' style to a more Informal Upright style.

Even after some significant needle thinning and bud selection it is still quite dense.  A feature of this variety is it's prolific budding on old wood.

 2020 - 2023 Black Pine Development

This stock plant was purchased in July-2020.  At the time I regretted my decision to attempt to make something of this difficult and uninspiring black pine.

I am still in two minds about this tree so I will persevere with is for the next few years and see where it leads. 

Fuyu Momiji - 冬もみじ

Last day of Winter and this old Japanese Maple is still very dormant.  It needed some bud selection and thinning and some adjustments to the primary branches.

I often listen to Japanese Koto/Shakuhachi music when working on my bonsai and, in this case the music I was listening to today was called 'Fuyu Momiji' - Winter Maple.!!

This tree was purchased as small nursery stock from the Koreshoff Bonsai Nursery over 40yrs ago and has been developing ever since.  It has developed a good nebari and is really starting to show some refinement.

Bonsai Pot Upgrade

Another bonsai 'pot upgrade' for this old English Oak. The Australian Bonsai Gallery has been progressively upgrading the quality of the pots in the bonsai collection.

This bonsai looks so much better in this Tokoname Yamafusa pot.  

The connection between bonsai and pot is of great importance and requires considerable contemplation if the true character of the bonsai is to be realized.  

You can read more about the history of this bonsai HERE.

Black pine refinement

It is always a pleasure to reflect on the art of continuous improvement of your bonsai.

This old Mikawa Black Pine, from 1970 Japanese seed, is a great example of what can be achieved with time and a great deal of effort in needle thinning,  bud selection and wiring every year in Autumn/Winter.

Many of the workshop students at The Australian Bonsai Gallery are realizing the rewards of their efforts with their pines over time. 

The process is not a difficult one.  Most pine species are relatively easy to develop and refine.  All it takes is to sign yourself up for a series of Workshops with us, or any other reputable artist and see for yourself how easy and enjoyable pine bonsai can be.