Bonsai is the art of keeping trees in pots and training them in eye pleasing shapes. Shaping is achieved by pruning, clipping and bending (with wires).

Bonsai almost certainly began with the traveling apothecaries of ancient China clipping there herbs. Bonsai arrived in Japan at the same time as Zen Buddhism and developed into a high art form with strict rules.

Australian artists are less formal and any tree can be a great tree if it pleases the owner.

The group plans to get together regularly to work on trees (Bonsai are portable) and to exchange information. You don't have to know anything, you don't even have to bring anything! Come along and watch and learn, help to work on trees. If you already have a tree bring it along.

Meetings will be held around the area in rotation to spread the burden of travel.

Already planned are a pot making workshop and a dig to collect wild trees.

First meeting will be at Iona Nursery, Dalgety on December 20 starting at 9.30am and going as long as we like! Coffee and food available on site.

For more information contact Graham on 0428 754 198.