Casuarina sp.
          (She Oak)
     Casuarina equisetfolia
          (Coast She-oak))

     Doryphora sassafras
          (Sassafras)

     Elaeocarpus reticulata
          (Blueberry Ash)

     Eucalyptus nicholli
          (Narrow-leaved Pepperming Gum)
     Eucalyptus vernicosa
          (Varnished Gum)

     Ficus rubiginosa   (5)
          (Port Jackson Fig)
     Ficus rubiginosa 'Little Ruby'  (2)
          (Port Jackson Fig)

     Kunzea ambigua
          (Tick Bush)
     Kunzea ericoides   (3)
          (Burgan)

     Leptospermum laevigatum
          (Coastal Tea Tree)
     Leptospermum petersonii
          (Lemon Scented Tea Tree)
     Leptospermum rupestre
          (Tasmanian Mountain Tea Tree)
     Leptospermum scoparium
          (Coastal Tea Tree)

Acacia howittii
       Sticky Wattle
              13 years in training
                     Bonsai Society of Sydney

The tree was purchased from Ray Nesci's Nursery in 1998. The shape of this tree has evolved over the years and its appearance has changed sev-eral times. At present it reminds me of weeping willows along the river banks. Its long thin branches are almost like a fine curtain and the solid and interesting shape of the trunk gives it a dramatic look. It is approx. 800 mm wide and 800mm high so it is quite a large tree and is in a brown pot 70mm x 320mm wide 450mm long. It was pruned fairly heavily in 2010 but has had a lot of new growth since then. There are quite a lot of this acacia as bonsai but this one is quite different to others I have seen.
The soe is a Borya nitida.

Backhousia myrtifolia
       Grey Myrtle or Ironwood
              6 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

The grey myrtle, or ironwood, is a tall shrub or small tree, found near water courses of the coastal regions of southern NSW through to central Queensland and grows to a height of 5-10 m. It responds very well to pruning and it will shoot from old wood. If regularly tip pruned during the growing season, it ramifies strongly and also reduces in leaf size. Young leaves can be a rich velvety, burgundy red, later becoming shiny dark green. The grey myrtle has small white to cream flower heads but as yet my tree has not flowered. The species can be adapted to most bonsai styles. This tree was a starter plant obtained from Roger Hinnrichsen's Cambewarra Bonsai Nursery in 2005. I am using clip and grow techniques to develop it in a Chinese influenced root over rock style. The tree was re-potted into a shallow, round, Mirkwood Forest Pottery, bonsai pot, by Pat Kennedy, in 2007.

Baeckea linifolia
       Weeping Baeckea
              14 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

A sentinel pair, standing together to display their delicate floral arches. Like dancers at mardi gras with over-size costumes, the small but sturdy trunks carry huge, light, exploding red arcs emblazoned with white-pink stars of sequins. Or maybe they are arches of fire-works. In any case, they speak to me of mature miniatures that haven't lost the verve of youth.

Banksia 'Birthday Candles'
       Cultivar of Banksia spinulosa
              14 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

In wet heath on cliff edges, where sea breezes clip the tops of all shrubs, lives a low, gnarled, dwarf banksia. This miniature of a miniature surprises me each time I see the exuberance of flowers that it sends forth each year. Drought and floods, fire and wind are the heritage that shape its trunk and braches, but it bursts forth with rich green foliage, then rewards with candles of yellow.

Banksia ericifolia
       Coast Banksia
              8 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This tree originated as an aerial layer from a tree in the garden taken in about 2003. It has been styled in the informal upright style and kept in-shape mainly using the clip and grow method.

Banksia marginata
       Silver Banksia
              6 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

Originally small nursery stock, this tree was allowed to grow on in the ground for several years with occasional cutbacks. I like its strong, comfortable look, its bark and small leaf size for a banksia. If starting today, I would not have horizontal branches but the foliage is now full enough to camouflage this. Now that the tree has filled out I am reconsidering whether to keep the third trunk.

Callicoma serratifolia
       Black Wattle
              ~ 20 years in training
                     Ray Nesci Nursery, Dural

One of the greatest challenges I have had with this plant is leaf reduction. This is because the leaves are normally up to 10 times larger than you see on this particular specimen. The other challenging feature is that it tends to develop long internodes. So you can see not exactly your typically endearing plant for Bonsai! But I have been able to successfully produce an aesthetically pleasing image with great proportions by defoliation and regular trimming of young shoots. The image that this tree displays in nature is not one that you would choose to replicate. It grows under tall trees along creeks with a spindly and elongated growth habit. So the image I have achieved is one that highlights the plants potential beauty for bonsai rather than replicating it's actual image in nature. This plant started from a small beginning, so when I view this plant I get great pleasure knowing that much has been achieved with it and that lots of exciting things can be achieved with our natives even though at times certain native plants may not look as likely bonsai candidates. This plant is a constant reminder to me that there is still much to explore with our native species.

Callistemon sp.
       Bottlebrush
              13 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This tree has been styled as a bonsai since 1998. It had been growing in a nursery pot for some years when I acquired it in 1996. It has been reluctant to flower most years probably because it is in too much shade.

Callistemon sieberi
       River Bottlebrush
              16 years in training
                     Shibui Nursery, Yackandandah

Inspired by callistemons growing on rocky outcrops in the Ovens river, this tree was started about 1990 by ar-ranging the roots of a tube stock seed-ling over the rock. It was allowed to grow on in larger pots and polystyrene grow-boxes to establish the basic root/ rock/ trunk structure. Basic shaping began about 1995. This tree reflects the hardships of life in the mountain rivers: roots hug the rock searching for footholds and pockets of nutrients; branches are forced downstream and deadwood is created by regular floods.

Casuarina sp.
       She Oak
              11 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

Grown from collected seed and plant-ed in the ground for some years. It was dug up in 1999 and potted into a bonsai pot in 2000. Styling is still a work in progress and, apart from using native plant, slow release fertiliser, I treat it much the same as my other bonsai.

Casuarina equisetfolia
       Coast She-oak
              8 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

Sitting perched on crumbling coastal rock, I can hear the wind whispering through the thin branches overhead. Roots that are strong, hold firmly to an infirm base. I'm reminded of the beauty of life, the strength to survive, and the impermanence of all.

Doryphora sassafras
       Sassafras
              15 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This tree was a victim of a flooded stream in a canyon at Bundanoon. Its perch on a rock was not sufficient to withstand the torrent that washed it away, but it did serve to initiate the shape of the trunk. The tree in its present state mimics the struggle for these plants to reach the light far above and to grow past the looming rocks in the canyon. This shape invokes the passing of many floods and changing aspect in a turbulent world hemmed in by sheer cliffs on either side.

A spreading canopy of vibrant growth above a gracefully curved trunk gives me a feeling of tranquillity and admiration of its survival in a remote valley somewhere. These quiet places in that valley are hinted at when I look at this tree.

During one of our house moves, the tree grew too much to get to the light in its cramped position which made it necessary to be trimmed to reduce its height. The top of the trunk was disproportionate and the new growth had to be trained to hide the cut and appear to be a natural crown. This transition is not complete but it is developing satisfactorily.

Elaeocarpus reticulata
       Blueberry Ash
              7 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This tree was collected from my father's vegi patch at Bermagui in 2004, after he requested that it be removed due to its excessive size. At 4 metres I cut it down to the first branch and removed it, much to his delight.
Over the next 2 years it was hit hard by the Canberra frosts. Since 2006 I have been keeping it inside during winter allowing faster development of the foliage. This may also contribute to the lack of flowers which are quite delicate in the few areas it does flower.

As with my eucalypts, pinching out the new leaves and removing the odd larger leaf seems to be a better option to reduce leave size than defoliation.

Eucalyptus nicholli
       Narrow-leaved Peppermint Gum
              16 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

Found at south Canberra dump in the Revolve section in the summer of 1995.   It was in very little soil and full of disease (mealy bug and sooty mil-dew).   Over the following months I removed the pests, re-potted, cut back and trained a new leader.  It was kept as an experiment as I was unsure how a Eucalypt would react to Bonsai techniques.

In 1999 I potted it into a bonsai pot and continued shaping it into a gum tree style. After the 2001 show I carved the lower and mid sections of the tree and then re-potted. Since that re-pot I have re-potted it four times into an Australian made pot by “Pat Kennedy”.   Over the years I have had a battle with die back and have lost some of the original branches. Generally when this happens the tree goes through a redesign, utilizing old branches and new shoots.

Ficus rubiginosa
       Port Jackson Fig
              17 years in training
                     Ledanta Bonsai Nursery, Canberra

The tree started life on the north coast of NSW but has been in Canberra now for about 4 years. Figs are generally a very versatile and hardy species. The proof of this is its year round use in my hire business, spending time in private and government offices where it is enjoyed by the staff. Between these office engagements it also gets a 'coffee break' with the patrons in a number of cafes around Canberra.

To keep it in good health, it gets suitable breaks between engagements; I defoliate the tree in mid-summer and during winter keep it in a heated garage overnight. During the day, it is placed in full sun. The less humid and colder Canberra conditions mean that I have not been able to retain the aerial roots that are often seen on older figs.

Ficus rubiginosa
       Port Jackson Fig
              8 years in training
                     Illawarra Bonsai Society

I got this tree from a collection cull when the owner didn't think it had enough going for it. I loved the trunk but not the top and substantially re-styled it. Although I did not do the initial work I have given it such a new persona that I definitely call it 'my' styling. After two years, I discovered that the back made a better front, more styling readjustments and this bonsai has become my favourite fig. I feel it now has a lot going for it and will continue to improve.

Ficus rubiginosa
       Port Jackson Fig
              36 years in training
                     Illawarra Bonsai Society

Being in the right place at the right time, with the will to cover the cost of just the trunk [but what a trunk], and this tree had a new home. Two years growth and styling has produced a fun mini, showing that majestic old growth forest giants can be less than 15 cm high.

Ficus rubiginosa
       Port Jackson Fig
              30 years in training
                     Illawarra Bonsai Society

Bought 6 years ago as a wild, unkempt and out of control bonsai; systematic pruning and styling is enhancing the strong idiosyncrasies of this fig. Its massive trunk with innumerable lumpy, bumpy protrusions and aerial roots gives it the ambience of a tree in an ancient wild wood with great age and attitude. Have the Ents returned?

Ficus rubiginosa
       Port Jackson Fig 'The Mermaid'
              10 years in training
                     Illawarra Bonsai Society

In 2002 I bonded with a wee curvy fig-starter and established it as a root over rock. As the fig grew it assumed the shape of a Mermaid sitting on a rock and hence the name. This is one of my earliest trees and it has been a good trainer for my bonsai styling. I was never much of a 'fig person' but as The Mermaid grew as a bonsai so I gained a love for Port Jackson figs.

Ficus rubiginosa 'Little Ruby'
       Port Jackson Fig
              2 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

I acquired this tree as a small stock plant from Bonsai South Nursery in 2005. It is not a fast grower and it was not until 2009 that I felt sufficient trunk size had developed to be able to create the image of an old fig. As is the practice by many bonsai artists with figs, I defoliated it in January this year to generate a new set of smaller leaves and a more compact foliage appearance. Over time I hope to create the look of a distant, very old, spreading tree.

Ficus rubiginosa 'Little Ruby'
       Port Jackson Fig
              16 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

'Little Ruby' was purchased in 1995, as a small bonsai starter from Ray Nesci Bonsai Nursery. Since then the tree was re-potted into a larger pot. Over the years, styling has been of the 'clip and grow' method. In autumn 2008, the original apex died and a side branch has taken over as the main apex. The tree was potted up into a Pat Kennedy pot in 2006. The tree is still over-potted to encourage more growth. In late February 2010, the tree was completely defoliated and new growth was slow to appear and has remained small over the past year. Some pruning was done earlier in February 2011 to shorten the branches. <

Kunzea ambigua
       Tick Bush
              8 years in training
                     Illawarra Bonsai Society

The Kunzea was at the 2010 All Native Show but in a very different persona. Bonsai is a living art form and as the tree grows and changes so the artist must be alert to make major changes to improve styling. In September 2010 the major branch was removed leaving only the back branch to become the tree. The original rock was replaced and the roots were repositioned. The same pot was used because the tree should give the impression of a wisp of a plant growing from an inhospitable cliff face, moving out and away to seek the sun.

Kunzea ericoides
       Burgan
              16 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

Kunzea obtained as a small seedling (1995) and potted with a view of keeping it very small (mame); however it outgrew this style to the size it is now. Flowers in December and I am hoping to maintain the present style into the future.

Kunzea ericoides
       Burgan
              5 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This tree was one of the demonstration trees at the Australian Native show in November 2006. Since then it has been re-potted twice and is currently in an oval Pat Kennedy pot. It flowered for the first time this last spring with a small display of white flowers.

Kunzea ericoides
       Burgan
              7 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This group planting was inspired by the native trees planted outside the Japanese Gardens in Cowra, NSW. The group, consisting of seven trees, was first styled in a demonstration at the Australian Natives as Bonsai Exhibition in 2004. The group is planted in a Pat Kennedy pot.

Only two of the original trees survived and in 2006 the group was reconstructed with five new cuttings, also from the parent tree. The group was re-potted on 6 August 2008. Two trees did not survive as the pot depth is quite low in the front and the potting mix washes out if not watered correctly; the remaining trees flowered in November/December 2008. In February 2010 self-sown seedlings from the parent plant were combined into the group planting in several groups of three. The older trees flowered in November 2010. Currently there are 15 trees in the group. Powerfeed, Seasol, Dynamic Lifter and Rooster Booster are used to fertilise.

Leptospermum laevigatum
       Coastal Tea Tree
              15 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This tree was grown from a small tube stock plant and has always been grown as a bonsai. It is about 15 years old. The Coastal tea tree has all the attributes that make it a good bonsai subject – having small leaves, vigorous growth, rough bark and a habit of twisting and muscling as it ages and develops.

Leptospermum petersonii
       Lemon Scented Tea Tree
              6 years in training
                     Sydney City Bonsai Club

The tree was the best of a bad lot, in very poor condition and it took several years to really start to grow and lose its long time arid look. It has only been in the past few months with the growth spurt from the Sydney rains that the foliage has finally filled out. Of all my trees this is my favourite to prune as the lemon scent of the foliage is wonderful.

Leptospermum rupestre
       Tasmanian Mountain Tea Tree
              4 years in training
                     Island Bonsai Nursery, Tasmania

In Tasmania's high country, Leptospermum rupestre will grow as a many-trunked shrub to 3m, but on the exposed mountain peaks it usually appears as a mat, clinging to the rocky landscape for dear life, as gale force winds whistle overhead.

This exhibit is based on the shrub form, and was actually two separate shrubs, growing right up against each other. However the foliage on each was slightly different, and it annoyed me, so I turned the shrub on the right into a section of dead wood.

The form of this tea tree (including the fine dead branches within) is very reminiscent of this species in the wild.

Melaleuca sp.
       Melaleuca
              8 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

This tree started out as a small cutting about 5 cm long in 2005. It has formed into quite a good looking tree by continual pruning over the years. In November 2010, the tree had its first formal styling. The first flower was in mid January this year. The single flower, situated at the end of a branch, was round, mid purple in colour, fading to white within a few days.

Melaleuca alternifolia
       Narrow-leaf Tea Tree
              7 years in training
                     Illawarra Bonsai Society

This Melaleuca was purchased in 2004, sun-starved, neglected and pot-bound. It responded quickly to restyling and repotting and developed into a nice bonsai. In August 2009 it had grown top heavy and the apex and major branches were removed. It responded enthusiastically and in March 2010 was exhibited at this show. In August 2010 another restyle was necessary to spread the branching and give the tree more shape.

I love the quiet elegance of this tree and the Penny Davis 'Mudlark Pottery' bonsai pot brings to mind a tree by a quiet waterway with light and shadow from the tree dappling the sides of the pot.

Melaleuca bracteata
       Black Tea Tree, River Tea Tree
              10 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

Bought as a tall, thin stock plant with just a few branches near the top, I cut it down to about 5 cm above ground level. I kept six of the resulting shoots to create something between a multiple trunk and a broom style. I will admit this was inspired by street trees in Melbourne suburbs. One trunk has become dominant, but overall I like the shape and balance of this tree and the contrast between its rough bark and soft, bright green foliage.

Melaleuca bracteata
       'Revolution Gold'
              2 years 4 months in training
                     Illawarra Bonsai Society

Purchased in November 2008 from a desolate nursery, the tree had been starved, in deathly dry soil and gave 'ugly' a new meaning. However, I wanted the foliage and I know how Revolution Golds develop. The tree lapped up plentiful food, water, care and periodic styling and in January 2011 the Bonsai came out of the bush. I love this tree, the vibrant colour of the foliage, the very Australianness of it. In twentyeight months it has developed from unbelievably hopeless to a beautiful tree and the Penny Davis' 'Mudlark Pottery' pot emphasises the casual elegance of this Revolution Gold.

Melaleuca styphelioides
       Prickly Paperbark
              30 years in training
                     Canberra Bonsai Society

As one of my first trees, this has been very forgiving material. I recently searched the web for images of M. styphelioides and was pleased to find images very similar to my tree in over-all shape. I like the movement in the upper trunk, structure of individual branches and the well-rounded crown. I have also thinned the foliage recently to reveal more of the finer structure and I like this more open effect.

 

Photographic Exhibit :

Eucalyptus vernicosa
       Varnished gum
              3 years in training
                     Bonsai Society of Southern Tasmania

One of the smallest of the eucalypts and in nature, growing to 0.5 to 2 metres high. Endemic to western Tasmania where it grows as a prostrate shrub in exposed alpine heath. This tree was purchased as nursery stock in 2008 and is being trained to resemble a stunted alpine gum with its top killed by either fire, drought or exceptional cold. It was first planted into a bonsai pot (Mudlark Pottery NSW) in winter 2010. A slightly oversized pot was used and no root pruning was done at the time. The companion plants on the pot are alpine natives, and the fungi and toadstools appeared naturally in Summer.

Photographic Exhibit :

Polystichum proliferum
       Mother Shield-fern
              18 years in training
                     Bonsai Society of Southern Tasmania

Originally this was a collected seedling from a mountain suburb of Hobart on the side of Mount Wellington. It was planted into this Pat Kennedy pot in late May 2010. This fern regularly has severe root pruning in winter and has all its fronds cut off. It is a link to Gondwanaland vegetation and is slowly developing a trunk reminiscent of tall tree ferns.

Photographic Exhibit :

Leptospermum scoparium
       Coastal Tea Tree
             also informally in Tasmania Jim's Rocky Rambler
              2 months in training
                     Bonsai Society of Southern Tasmania

A prostrate type of the manuka or broom tea tree purchased as nursery stock in early 2010. First training, in Summer 2011, included severe trim-ming, styling, root pruning and planting into a bonsai pot . A large surface root, hidden at the back in this photo, has restricted the planting angle, but it may be possible in the future to remove it as the tree already has plenty of fibrous roots