CLUB UPDATES
~ Upcoming Club Meetings
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.
Each month we focus on a new topic/aspect of bonsai design and horticulture. Throughout the year we also host some special guest speakers and demonstrators to share their extensive knowledge on the world of bonsai. Please contact our Committee if you would like any information on the upcoming club meetings and workshops – our Committee members details are on the ‘Contact Us’ webpage.
Our next scheduled club meeting is to be held at 1pm in our usual location at the Forest Community Arts Centre. For more information please refer to our bi-monthly newsletter or contact one of our committee members.
~ 2025 Exhibition
Our Bonsai Exhibition for 2025, featuring Ikebana displays, will be held on Saturday, August 16th from 9am – 3:30pm at the Forest Community Arts Centre, 6 Darley Street Forestville NSW 2087. Admission is free for everyone although gold coin donations are greatly appreciated. Further details will be published closer to the time. We hope to see you there.
What does bonsai mean?
The literal translation of the word “bonsai” is “bon” being a bowl and “sai” meaning “to plant”. It can be interpreted as a planting in a bowl. The Chinese version “penjing” can be translated as “artistic pot plant”, which is perhaps more descriptive of what bonsai is all about. Modern definition. Bonsai is more than just a small tree in a container, or pot. It is also more than just a miniaturised version of a tree as seen in nature. It is an artistic rendering of such a tree. However, while it can be regarded as a true art form a living sculpture, it can also be regarded as merely a hobby.
The art of bonsai involves both artistic creativity and horticultural knowledge. So keeping you bonsai alive involves knowing how the species grows and whether it is endemic to your area. Trees that do not grow in your area are going to need extra attention and knowledge. The most important element remains to be water, followed by light.
Newcomers to bonsai culture are often satisfied to accept a very ordinary-looking tree in a pot, as a bonsai. However as the grower perseveres and progresses with bonsai, culture improves and a more critical judgement is taken on what comes a true bonsai. Therein lies the real joy of growing bonsai, the more you work at it – the better your efforts turn out.
Here at the Bonsai Society of Sydney we are a group of friends who enjoy getting together monthly and working on our little shrubs. If you are interested in learning the art of Bonsai, then why not join us at our next meeting.