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www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au
President’s Report
Always remember to keep those trees watered well
at this time of year. To those affected by the raging
fires tearing through our state, I can only pray that
they resolve swiftly and innocuously. I also hope
that, retrospectively, the entire state, nation and
hopefully the world, can learn from what has
unfolded. As the ancient philosophy of wabi-sabi
teaches us, the past is not something to be tossed
aside or ignored, but something that should be
venerated, and to what time may chip away and
expose of our past troubles, we rectify by filling
those empty cracks with gold.
Curtis Smyth President of the Bonsai Society of Sydney Inc.
Image: Picea jezoensis (Yezo Spruce) named
‘Todoroki’ on display at the Omiya Bonsai Art
Museum in Japan. Estimated age: 1,000 years.
A Member of -
❖ The Bonsai Federation of
Australia Inc.
❖ Association of Australian
Bonsai Clubs Ltd.
❖ Garden Clubs of Australia
Inc.
Newsletter No. 113
December 2019 – January
2020
Meetings are held on the 4th Saturday of
each month February – November from
1pm at the Forest Community Arts
Centre No. 6 Darley Street, Forestville
NSW 2087 (subject to change)
Good day all members and associates of our
society. What a year it has been and what a
fantastic end to our club events. An extended
thanks to all of those who contributed to the
gourmet array of food and drink for our end of year
Christmas party, and to those who took the time to
dress up their bonsai trees in true Christmas spirit.
I would also like to thank my fantastic committee
for all of their diligent efforts throughout the year;
to Keith Gallie for your continual multifaceted
contributions and stringent editing skills, to Alex
Bennett for the physical labour and wise guidance
in teaching me all there is to know about the BSS,
to Di Cox my gracious Vice President, Valma
Wright for your hospitality and pragmatic
philosophies, Galen Gannon for your classic wit
and transportation services, and of course to our
exemplary and ever inspiring honorary patron,
Megumi Bennett, with whom I have had the
utmost pleasure to work along side. To all the
volunteers who also helped throughout this year
that go unmentioned, my deepest gratitude from
the bottom of my heart. It has been a pleasure
serving as your president for 2019 and I can only
hope that my sophomore year bears as much fruit.
I would like to officially welcome our new
committee members for 2020, Judy Wallace and
Graham Pople. I hope that your involvement in the
BSS brings you valuable learnings and many
friendships. As it stands our calendar of events for
next year is still rather nebulous, hopefully we
should have some more clarification by the end of
January. Of course, I will keep you all updated as
things progress. To the entire club, our associates
and fellow bonsai enthusiasts, I wish you all a very
merry Christmas and safe and happy holidays.
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Once again, a big thanks to everyone who contributed a
Christmas dressed tree and delicious food to our end of
year party. The committee for 2019 has decided to stay
on for another year, and we have two additional
committee members to help keep our events and
workshops running smoothly. Your committee from
November 23rd 2019 up until our next AGM on
November 28th 2020 is:
Honorary Patron Megumi Bennett President Curtis Smyth
Vice President Diane Cox Secretary Alex Bennett Treasurer Keith Gallie
Newsletter Editor Curtis Smyth Committee Member Galen Gannon Committee Member Graham Pople Committee Member Judy Wallace Committee Member Valma Wright
Jacki Gracey was awarded a lifetime membership as
decided by the committee and Megumi delivered a
wonderful speech detailing Jacki’s efforts and hard work
for our club. Also discussed was the newly appointed
BSS Scholarship award. This scholarship is awarded to
a member of the BSS, inclusive of committee members,
who has contributed something of substantial value to
the club throughout the year. The contribution is
amorphous in its nature, and may consist of a
demonstration, workshop or various newsletter articles,
to name some possible contributions. The recipient of the
award is unanimously decided by the committee. The
scholarship itself consists of $250 donated by the BSS
and is given at the end of the AGM every year that it
finds a worthy recipient. This year the scholarship award
was decided by committee to be awarded to the
President, Curtis Smyth.
We also had some lucky winners for some fabulous
raffle draws and lucky door prizes. A vote was taken, and
Jorgen Rasmussen’s ex-juniper bonsai dressed up with
silver paint and Christmas baubles took home the elusive
prize for the best dressed Christmas bonsai.
Just a quick reminder as well to those who haven’t
already, please renew your club memberships for the
coming year. Membership forms and reminders will be
sent via e-mail over the next few months.
Jorgen Rasmussen’s winning tree for the best dressed
Christmas bonsai. A novel use of an ex-bonsai.
Some of the other trees on display for our Christmas
celebrations.
There was a great variety of Christmas creativity on
display this year.
November 2019 AGM and Christmas Party
~ COMMITTEE FOR 2020 ~
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Megumi delivering a wonderful speech on behalf of
Jacki Gracey’s many achievements and hard work over
the years at the BSS.
Article courtesy of Curtis Smyth. Photos courtesy
of Keith Gallie.
Due to a very busy schedule, Megumi’s plant profile will
be on hiatus until further notice. Megumi would like to
apologise to all of those who enjoy her column.
MEGUMI’s PLANT PROFILE
~ on hiatus until further
notice ~
A NOTE ON OUR BONSAI LIBRARY:
➢ Only 2 items, per person, per month
➢ Ensure library items are returned the
following month
➢ If you would like to borrow something for
longer, please indicate on the library card
when borrowing
➢ Please ensure the library items are returned
correctly. Please don’t just leave them in the
cupboard or on tables
➢ Please do not borrow items if you are unable
to return them after more than 2 months
Please talk with our committee if you have any
questions or if you would like to see what we have on
offer in our library. Thank you for your co-operation
and happy reading!
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countless time listing books, making cards, keeping
records, etc. Her passion as our librarian has continued
until now. I know how much members enjoy borrowing
books and learning bonsai culture through Jacki’s efforts.
She has become the matron of the BSS Library.
One more thing I should mention about her achievements
is that Jacki, together with Glenda Wong, found our new
meeting venue here at the Forestville Community Arts
Centre and Library. Our first meeting here commenced in
February 2015. When Glenda became President from
2015 to 2016, Jacki helped support her with all the BSS
activities. In 2017, Jacki became BSS President for one
year. However, she has achieved a lot and established a
wonderful new BSS with all her wonderful committee
members. I mentioned some of Jacki’s achievements
briefly, but her countless accomplishments behind the
scenes with her warm heart and love for our BSS has made
our bonsai society very successful and what it is today.
Now we should recognise and show our appreciation to
Jacki for all her timeless contributions to the BSS. Jacki is
quite an achiever and a wonderful bonsai person and our
matron of the BSS library. On behalf of members of
Bonsai Society of Sydney, I would like to thank her for all
her support and achievements. We hope your support for
our club will continue. Thank-you Jacki.”
- Megumi Bennett, November 23rd, 2019
Jacki receiving her gifts and a beautiful flower arrangement
from Megumi Bennett to celebrate her life membership at
the Christmas Party, November 2019.
BSS Life Membership Award 2019
~ JACKI GRACEY ~
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“I have known Jacki for more than 30 years and she has
remained a very good friend over that time. In June 1999
I formed Megumi’s Bonsai Kai along with lots of help
from my students. The group started as a small
membership of about 60 friendly people, but in 2004
Megumi’s Bonsai Kai it then became necessary to change
the name to the Bonsai Society of Sydney because the
membership grew to over 120. Also, as we were
organising the AABC Bonsai Convention, Megumi’s
Bonsai Kai needed to change its name to make it more
suitable as a bonsai group and society, our most
distinguished guest demonstrator invited for the event was
Mr Masahiko Kimura.
Jacki was a foundation member of Megumi’s Bonsai Kai.
At the AGM in June 2004, Jacki was appointed treasurer
after the late Mr Robert Murch became treasurer of the
sub-committee for the AABC Convention in 2005. Jacki
served as an excellent treasurer using her banking
background, she enjoyed meeting many people who all
became friends through the society. In June 2006 Jacki
was appointed vice president and also BSS delegate for
the Bonsai Federation of Australia. Jacki is not only good
at looking after the BSS’s money but is also a good writer.
She contributed her article, Issue 32, June/July 2006, BSS
Newsletter. "Some Highlights of our Trip to Japan with
Megumi-san". We had a wonderful cherry blossom time
in Japan.
In August 2006, Jacki kindly offered the BSS guest
demonstrator from Western Australia, Mr Arthur
Robinson, to stay at her house for five nights during our
Bonsai Exhibition. This saved the BSS huge
accommodation fees. I was honoured with a Lifetime
Membership of the Bonsai Society of Sydney by Jacki
Gracey, the vice president on 26th August, 2006. I
resigned my position as Life President at the AGM in June
2010, I thought it was time to pass my hopes and ideas to
members to create a new life for the BSS. Dennis Lavell
offered to become our new president.
In 2011, Jacki volunteered again as a committee member
and organised to purchase a second-hand wooden cabinet
from the Dee Why area to store the BSS bonsai show
stationery, bonsai books and uniforms at the Bonsai Art
studio at Terrey Hills. I was surprised at her ability and
determination. In 2014, Jacki was keen to establish a
library for the BSS and became its librarian. She spent
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Jacki at Evan Marsh’s shohin demonstration, October
2017.
Jacki and Megumi at Megumi’s fig workshop, March
2019.
Jacki and Megumi with the Consul General of Japan,
Mr. Keizo Takewaka, and his wife, Mrs. Miyuki
Takewaka, at the BSS exhibition, August 2018.
Jacki at the BSS Christmas party in Terrey Hills Bonsai
Art, December 2013.
Megumi Bennett, Jacki Gracey and Curtis Smyth at the
Annual AGM for 2019, when Jacki was awarded her
Life Membership.
Article taken from a speech delivered by Megumi
Bennett on November 23rd, 2019, courtesy of Keith
Gallie. Photos courtesy of Keith Gallie.
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BONSAI INSPIRATION
~ Canberra Bonsai Society Annual Show ~
Article and photos courtesy of Keith Gallie
Another week, another bonsai show! This time the
Canberra Bonsai Society held their Annual Show on
Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13 at Canberra High
School.
The school’s spacious gymnasium was more than
enough room, one large room for sales and a cafeteria,
the other to display bonsai, suiseki and for
demonstrations of various bonsai techniques. There was
more than enough space to walk comfortably around and
view all the trees.
Members of the Canberra club displayed over 80 bonsai
trees including shohin, the trees ranged in size from the
smallest bonsai up to vast forest settings almost a metre
tall.
Flowering trees included azaleas, a rose and a white
dogwood, then there were different species of conifers:
various pine species; juniper species; larch; cedars and a
hinoki cypress as well as Australian natives and other
varieties of trees, all beautifully presented and displayed
to their artists’ perfection.
It was the first time I have visited the Canberra Bonsai
Society’s show, as usual I ran into a few friends and
other people I have met at bonsai gatherings. I look
forward to seeing their annual show next time.
White dogwood.
Japanese Maple forest setting, almost a metre tall.
Ficus obliqua, the 2018 Public Choice winner.
One of the vast display areas.
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BONSAI INSPIRATION
~ Newcastle Bonsai Exhibition ~
Article and photos courtesy of Keith Gallie
The Newcastle Bonsai Society Inc. held their annual
exhibition at Club Charlestown over three days from
Friday, November 8th to Sunday, November 10th, 2019.
The exhibition was held in specially allocated rooms of
the club with one large area displaying the bonsai trees
and smaller shohin, while a separate room was set aside
for demonstrations and sales tables featuring members’
trees, nursery trees and plants by Ray Nesci and several
stalls selling bonsai pots and tools. Approximately fifty
beautiful carefully maintained bonsai trees and their soe
companion plants were exhibited by the members along
with a smaller selection of shohin trees.
I attended their show on the Sunday, my arrival
coincided with a demonstration with Clinton Nesci
showing his skills on a Banksia serrata, so I observed his
display until the end. Among those displayed were a few
native trees including Port Jackson and Moreton Bay
figs, Leptospermum, Melaleucas and Baeckeas, also
varieties of conifers, Japanese black pines and a mixed
assortment of Junipers. After the long drive from
Sydney, I settled in and had a beautiful lunch at the club,
I stayed for about four and a half hours and in that time
I met and talked to members of the Newcastle Bonsai
Society, some I had met before at various bonsai
gatherings.
Thanks to Newcastle Bonsai Society Inc. for putting
together another wonderful exhibition. Well done
Newcastle. Another long year of visiting all these bonsai
events, I look forward to a rest, I think I am bonsaied out
for now.
Forest setting of Japanese Black Pines.
Clinton Nesci working on a banksia serrata.
Some of the incredible bonsai display.
Port Jackson fig.
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Shohin display of melaleuca (left), Chinese Azalea
(middle) and a Wild Olive (right).
Juniper as root over rock setting.
Tristaniopsis laurina, Kanooka gum.
Juniper prostrata.
Juniper procumbens.
Leptospermum petersonii.
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SEASONAL NOTES with Alex Bennett
~ SUMMER December – January ~
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WATERING
Watering is still the most important job. If you do want
to keep your tree in good health with strong vibrant
growth you will need to water the trees every day, even
if the soil is wet. Watering helps cool the soil and pot
down. Keep in mind consistency is most important;
bonsai are things of habit. Even if it has been raining it
still pays to check on the plants. I have noted with some
of my trees, that the soil underneath the surface was still
dry, despite a heavy downpour. Also remember my
saying, “if the tree is dry water it; if you’re not sure water
it anyway.” Keep all deciduous, flowering plants, other
cool climate plants and sensitive natives in a shaded
place. If you are only watering in the evenings, there are
ways to preserve water loss. The best is to move the trees
into a shaded place. Another way is to use a humidity
tray that can trap water. If you have a lot of small trees,
you could place these trees into a large tray filled with
sand. The sand can act as a water absorber and protects
the tree and soil from any accelerated drying out. Water
the entire foliage as well as the root soil area. Foliage
watering upsets any insects that may infest your bonsai
from time to time. It also cleans the leaves, so it can
improve photosynthesis. If you are going away on
holidays, place the bonsai into the care of someone who
is dependable. I always say to my customers, “the last
thing you want to do is give your tree to someone who
knows less about bonsai than you do.” If the person does
not know, show them how you would like it done. That
way it will clear up any confusion and assumptions.
Short of that, please take your trees to your local bonsai
nursery. Do not underestimate a bonsai’s needs for water
even on cloudy days, at this time of year especially.
Remember, it is impossible to overwater your trees in
summer. Any signs of wilting or death is usually related
to drying out or insect damage. In summer it is one or the
other.
PRUNING
If your trees have received good watering and you have
a consistent fertilizing regime. You may need to continue
to lightly prune your trees during the summer. The idea
is to trim any leaves that have overextended the outline
of the tree. If you’re not sure, count the internodes on the
branch. If it has more than five or six, it is too long. Cut
back to the second internode. Leave longer the weaker
branches. If you are working on a conifer, pluck about
the top one third of the foliage mass. Envisage the shape
of a fan. Then pluck the foliage into a fan shape.
WIRE
Remove all your wire in December, to give the plants a
rest. You are able to wire figs, conifers and olives, but
for most other trees it is best to wait until the weather is
cooler.
PESTS/DISEASE
Some problems to watch for over the summer months.
A) Ants - These insects are a result of living in soil
conditions where no water reaches their uninvited nest.
If you are able to find a way to collapse those tunnels,
you destroy the nest. Removal of the old soil is one way
and replacing it with fresh soil is what to do. New soil is
more water permeable, it will flood any remaining
tunnels. B) Azalea lace bugs - these bugs are fast
breeding which show typical signs of black and silvery
markings, particularly under the leaves. Spray with an
imidacloprid based insecticide i.e. RICHGRO Bug
Killa®. C) Powdery mildew - use eco-fungicide®
(formally known as eco-rose®), however you will need
to spray twice. Once and then ten days later. D) Aphids
– a small insect with a large abdomen that breed in
colonies, produces honey substance that causes leaves to
go black. Use Pyrethrum®, eco-oil®, Pest Oil®,
Sharpshooter®. E) Scale - extremely damaging in
numbers. Tiny flat limpets that are white and can cause
discolouration and die-back. Damage can be accelerated
if the tree is in a deteriorated state i.e. needs re-potting or
is watered infrequently. Be careful not to spray on hot
days. Use Pest Oil® or eco-oil®. Use eco-neem® for
conifers. F) Mites - usually affects Junipers and Black
Pine. Leaves become pale green/yellowish for no reason.
Not brown, that indicates drying out. Can spread over
and affect the entire trees foliage within weeks. Use eco-
neem® or Yates Nature’s Way Miticide®. G) Black
sooty mould or fungus - indicative of scale or mealy
bug. Use Pest Oil® or eco-oil®. H) Mealy bug; 1. On
the foliage - white and fluffy, similar in size to scale.
Often confused as scale, most noticeable on black pines;
eco-neem® is ideal but will require two or three follow
up sprays every 10 days. Can also use Sharpshooter® 2.
Found in the roots - I have found some mealy bugs in
roots upon washing out with water on a jet spray. Change
the soil and if required add RICHGRO Bug Killa®, a
soluble powder that melts into the soil and stays active
within the soil for two months.
Article Courtesy of Alex Bennett
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Bonsai Society of Sydney Inc. – 2020 CLUB CALENDAR
2020 Workshop/Topic Description
February 22nd
FIGS Workshop with Megumi Bennett
Bring your figs big and small for a hands-on workshop with our honorary patron Megumi Bennett. Any style, any age, any size, but it must be a fig.
March 28th
Sean Hood Workshop
TBC
April 18th
TBC
NOTE*We have changed the club day to the 3rd weekend of this month as the following weekend is a Public Holiday (Anzac Day).
May 23rd
21st Anniversary Club High
Tea/Luncheon
TBC. Details to follow. Please make sure you express your interest before the 1st of February 2020 as numbers are limited.
June 27th
Workshop and
Demonstration with Joe Morgan-Paylor
TBC
July 25th
Exhibition Preparation and
Display Critique
TBC
August 29th – 30th
Annual Exhibition
TBC
Calendar of Bonsai Events and Exhibitions – Important Dates
2020 Event/Exhibition Details
March 23rd – 29th
Bonsai Week at the National Arboretum Canberra
The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia (NBPCA) is hosting a week of special events for all levels. For more information please visit; https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/living-collection/bonsai/bonsai-week-2020
May 15th – 18th
33rd AABC National Bonsai Convention hosted by the Illawarra Bonsai Society
The 33rd AABC convention hosted by Illawarra Bonsai Society on their 50th anniversary. It will be held at the Bankstown Sports Club. For more information please visit; http://www.illawarrabonsaisociety.org/aabc-convention.html
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EGINNERS BONSAI COURSE for 2019
Bonsai Art Pty Ltd ABN: 30002816248
206-208 Forestway Belrose 2085
ph: 0423 763 506
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.megumibennettbonsai.com
Megumi’s Bonsai Class 2019
Schedule and Tuition
A. Saturday, 1st of each month (Feb-Nov) 10
lessons -
Time: 9am – 11am
9am – 11.30am
2pm – 4pm (2 hours only)
B. Saturday, 2nd of each month (Feb-Nov) 10
lessons -
Time: 9am – 11am
C. Sunday, 3rd of each month (Feb-Nov) 10
lessons -
Time: 9am – 11am
9am – 11.30am
11.30am – 1.30pm
1.30pm – 3.30pm
D. Monday (1st,2nd and 3rd Monday) 10
lessons -
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
11.30am – 1.30pm
Regular students only
Tuition: 2-hour lesson, 10 lessons $400
1 lesson $45 each for each lesson
2.5 hours lesson 10 lessons $460
1 lesson $50 for each lesson
Non-Regular
1 off lesson $55 for 2 hours
2019 BONSAI WORKSHOPS at
BONSAI ART
These workshops are suitable for beginners,
amateurs and for any bonsai enthusiasts who wish
to further their knowledge
ALL workshops run for 2.5hours from 9:30am –
12:00pm
Each attendee can only bring a MAXIMUM of
TWO TREES
Tuition Fees:
$60.00 for General Bonsai Workshops (Any type
of Tree)
$65.00 for Japanese Black Pine Bonsai
Workshops (Pines ONLY)
*Children 15 years and under = $25.00
10th February Sunday – General Workshop
10th March Sunday – General Workshop
16th March Saturday – Japanese Black Pine
AUTUMN Workshop
7th April Sunday – General Workshop
5th May Sunday – General Workshop
15th June Saturday – General Workshop, Figs
EXCLUDED
14th July Sunday – Japanese Black Pine
WINTER Workshop
20th July Sunday – General Workshop, Figs
EXCLUDED
11th August Sunday – General Workshop
8th September Sunday – General Workshop
6th October Sunday – General Workshop
19th October Saturday – Japanese Black Pine
SPRING Workshop
3rd November Sunday – General Workshop
1st December Sunday – Japanese Black Pine
SUMMER Workshop
8th December Sunday – General Workshop
We also offer more comprehensive courses. Please
enquire on 0423763506 for further information, e-
mail: [email protected] or
visit www.megumibennettbonsai.com/
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A Member of -
❖ The Bonsai Federation of Australia Inc.
❖ Association of Australian Bonsai Clubs Ltd.
❖ Garden Clubs of Australia Inc.
Club meetings are held on the 4th Saturday of each month February – November from 1pm at the
Forest Community Arts Centre No. 6 Darley Street, Forestville NSW 2087 (subject to change)
Web: www.bonsaisocietysydney.org.au
Mail: Bonsai Society of Sydney, PO Box 186, Terrey Hills NSW 2084
Bonsai Society of Sydney Committee 2019
Honorary Patron Megumi Bennett [email protected]
President Curtis Smyth [email protected]
Vice President Diane Cox [email protected]
Secretary Alex Bennett [email protected]
Treasurer Keith Gallie [email protected]
Newsletter Editor Curtis Smyth [email protected]
Committee Member Galen Gannon [email protected]
Committee Member Graham Pople
Committee Member Judy Wallace [email protected]
Committee Member Valma Wright
All written articles and photographs remain the copyright of the contributor. No stories or
photographs are to be used in any form without the express written permission of the author.