Page 54 - BSAM 2017 Q3

A Gift of Larches
Expo-Bonsai 2017 at Bonsai Gros-Bec
By Joan Greenway, Canada Photographs courtesy Brian Greenway
Nearly 500 people who travelled from all parts of Quebec and Ontario to attend Expo Bonsai 2017 in July were rewarded with personal gi of a larch bonsai! e Bonsai Gros-Bec
Nursery, built by the owners, Robert Smith, and Suzanne Piché, is located in Quebec’s picturesque Lanaudière region about one hour’s drive north of Montreal.
Bonsai Gros-Bec is situated in a forested out crop on Canada’s famous granite shield; some of the world’s oldest rock to be seen at the surface. Here, Robert and Suzanne, who are in uenced by both Japanese and Chinese art, settled at the site 35 years ago in a basic log cabin constructed by Robert. Later they added a main entrance building to accommodate a store, indoor bonsai nursery, and a place for workshops. ese changes and expansions to the grounds have made the nursery one of most beautiful and unique in Canada.
Expo-Bonsai 2107 was the coming together of four Quebec and one Ontario Bonsai Societies to provide an opportunity to display their best and to create a movement to expand even further.
Our tour of Expo Bonsai 2017 began after we met our guide Vianney Leduc, President of
the Ottawa Bonsai Club, at the entrance tables. Across from the tables stood traditional Japanese style nursery building with a large indoor bonsai greenhouse, maintained by Suzanne. She pointed out the gravel road that leads to the “knowledge” house which is used for demonstrations and information. Beside this house there is a dramatic penjing garden containing a large black and white ying /yang sculpture surrounded by the forest. Further along, an outdoor display of very large and beautiful bonsai leads to the main bonsai show in the green house at the top of the hill. e main display green house, held bonsai from the four Quebec bonsai societies, stones, and penjing. Guest bonsai from all over Quebec held pride of place.
Guest artists included Brian Donnelly, Daniel LaFortune, and Matthiew Quinn. They held demonstrations through out the week end in front of the entrance to a specially constructed dining area. e dining area was decorated with white paper cranes hung as chandeliers over the round white tables featuring wonderful stone centerpieces.
e evening banquet included two presenta- tions. Patrick Blandeau, president Société de
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July/August/September 2017