OPEN WEEKENDS for 2012
Jan	7,8	July	7,8
Feb	11,12	Aug	11,12
March	10,11	Sept	8,9
April	7,8 (Easter)	Oct	13,14
May	12,13	Nov	10,11
June	9,10	Dec	8,9
(or you are welcome to make an appointment for a weekday)

The nursery is in its formative stages, with hundreds of plants out the back, waiting to be worked on, and as yet so little time to do so! By the end of 2010, with other commitments released, I will be able to spend quality time with my plants, and move Island Bonsai forward into an exciting future!

Future plans include, firstly, creating more bonsai and also having a go at designing miniature alpine landscapes. The Tasmanian mountain landscapes with their alpine plants, rocks and lakes are exquisite, and it would be wonderful to attempt to replicate their essence.

There is also the opportunity, if there are enough interested folks, to set up a study group to meet regularly, and learn and share our thoughts and experiences of bonsaiing with the Tasmanian flora. The odd trip into the wilder (but still reasonably accessible) parts of Tasmania to visit these plants in their natural habitat, would be a possibility.

In future newsletters, I hope to have information on many of the various aspects of bonsaiing with Tasmanian plants, with photos of course (after I've mastered the camera and how to set everything up etc… I know, I know… it's easy… I'm just notoriously slow when it comes to comprehending gadgetry of the modern age… give me a tree to work on any day!).

So far, I have tried about 50 species (and varieties) of Tasmanian plants as bonsai and almost 90% of these seem to be quite amenable to culture in a small pot.  Quite a few I have had in bonsai pots for ten years or more, so I feel this is a good time period to either confirm or reject a particular plant as being suitable.

Many of Tasmania's better known indigenous plants are well suited to bonsai culture, including Huon Pine (Lagarostrobus franklinii), Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii), Teatrees (Leptospermum sp), Banksias, Hakeas, some of the Acacias, and the Deciduous Beech (Nothofagus gunnii), although the latter (our only winter deciduous plant) is not the easiest plant to cultivate successfully. However, it is a beautiful plant, so I'm working on mastering its secrets.

Other well known plants such as the Leatherwood (Eucryphia lucida) and Sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum), show promise, but I've yet to explore their possibilities.

The Eucalypt, Australia's signature tree, with 26 species in Tasmania, remains a challenge, and I'm looking forward to trialing trees and methods, along with other enthusiasts around the country, hopefully to come up with guidelines on how to successfully cultivate and style these iconic trees so that they present themselves with dignity in a bonsai pot.

There is one Eucalypt (and one Angophora) that I have seen, as very successful bonsais, on mainland Australia. Both these trees were of good size (about 80-100cm) from memory. I suspect that we will be more likely to have success with trees of this size, due to the habits of both the roots and branches. A wonderful challenge!

I look forward to the day when there are dozens of Eucalypts of different species, on proud display at bonsai shows! And at the door, a book available "Successful Bonsai with Eucalypts - Australia's Iconic Tree"! Mmmmm…. wouldn't that be great!

Bonsai Classes

Create your own bonsai using Tasmanian plants. All classes are for beginners except where noted. If you can't find a time that suits, please let me know. If enough people would prefer alternative dates, we may be able to run other classes. A minimum of 4, to a maximum of 7 students are required for a class to go ahead.

Classes are held at Island Bonsai, 37 Hall St, Ridgeway. The cost of each class is $80. Plants and pots are extra (eftpos facilities are available), and you are welcome to bring your own or purchase some from our extensive range at Island Bonsai.

To book a class:

Enrol online or
Phone Island Bonsai (03) 6239 1920
Fill out the enrolment form and then Post to Island Bonsai, 37 Hall St, Ridgeway, Tas, 7054

To confirm your place, we require payment within 7 days of us confirming we have a place for you in the class. You can pay with your credit card over the phone, with cheque or money order by post, or by paying in person on one of our open weekends, or if you have made an appointment to drop by. (Please do not send your credit card details by email)

Cancellations:

If you need to cancel, and can do so up to one week before the class, we will refund your payment, less a $20 admin fee. If you cancel during the 7 days immediately before the class commences, you will not receive a refund. However if you can find another student to take you place, or we have someone available on the waiting list, we will refund your payment, less the $20 admin fee.

If we have to cancel, or change dates or times, and this does not suit you, we will return a full refund (or transfer you to another class if you wish).

Bonsai Classes 2012

(Note: all classes are $80 + materials)

Note: Tea and coffee is provided for all classes. Classes include time for a 30 min lunch break. (Please provide your own lunch)

Newsletter email list

If you would like to receive our newsletter by email, please subscribe
to our emailing list. I look forward to hearing from you or meeting you at the nursery some time.

Best wishes,

Will Fletcher