IF you love unusual plants sculpted into creative shapes, grab your diary and make a note of this upcoming event.
The Port Macquarie-based Hastings Bonsai Group is holding its annual bonsai exhibition at Port Panthers on Friday 28 February, Saturday 1 March and Sunday 2 March. On the Friday and Saturday the exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm and on the Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
Bonsai is the ancient art of growing trees in pots and at the exhibition you will be able to see trees up to 70 years old.
“You will also see trees growing on rock, landscapes, and traditional trees,” the spokesperson said.
“The size of bonsai can vary from those that can be held in the hand, but can also be so big that it requires a number of people to lift one.
“At our exhibition, you will see this range of trees from our members’ collections. In total we will have over 80 trees on display, and also an apprentice table, where our newest members, who are just starting out, will display the trees that they have been working on over the last eight months.
“Ray and Clinton Nesci, from Sydney, will also be carrying out morning and afternoon bonsai demonstrations on how to start out in bonsai. They own a well-established bonsai nursery, and will have a trade stand selling everything that you need for bonsai, which includes pre bonsai and advanced bonsai trees.
“Our group will have an information table where the general public can find out more about bonsai in general, and also information about our group.”
“There will also be a club table where our members will be selling surplus bonsai trees from their own collections.
“We are asking the public to take part by voting for their favourite tree at the show, and there is a prize of a $50 Bunnings gift voucher for the winning name drawn.
“Young children will have something to do too – we are running a competition where they have to try to find the skeleton incorporated in a bonsai. All correct entrants will have a chance to win a $30 toy voucher.
The Hastings Bonsai Group raise funds for the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service and will be running a raffle during the exhibition, with the first prize being a choice of a bonsai tree or a Bunnings garden hamper and third prize a Bunnings $50 gift voucher.
Entry costs $4 for adults, with children under 16 free, and pensioners $2 each.
Any inquiries to Lance on 0419 850 056 or email hastingsbonsai@tomm.com.au
