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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: bonsaiart@megumibennettbonsai.com

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: bonsaiart@megumibennettbonsai.com 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 bennettmegumi@gmail.com

President Curtis Smyth curtsmyth@hotmail.com

Vice President Diane Cox cox3742@bigpond.com

Secretary Alex Bennett alexbe.415@gmail.com

Treasurer Keith Gallie keithgallie@bigpond.com

Newsletter Editor Curtis Smyth curtsmyth@hotmail.com

Committee Member Galen Gannon gig45@bigpond.com

Committee Member Graham Pople

gpinoz2010@hotmail.com

Committee Member Judy Wallace judyannewallace@bigpond.com

Committee Member Valma Wright

valma.wright@optusnet.com

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.