Page 77 - BSAM 2018 Q2

the experience. This was also my first exposure to what wonderful bonsai can be grown from jade and similar succulents. We are perfectly capable of growing these indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer, and I now have one that I am somewhat proud of for a first attempt. Alan has since visited our club again.
Strolls through several rainforests, through botanical gardens at Mount Lofty and Warrnambool, hikes past twisted and restrained growth of trees in the Grampian Mountains and on various coastal areas, and of course the marvelous Royal Botanical Gardens, and Chinese Gardens in Sydney all made the trip to this outstanding continent memorable. And all this for the price of a few hours on the internet researching what was available in the areas where we were travelling, plus a couple of e-mails, oh, and a few bottles of locally produced wine gifted in appreciation.
More recently, prior to us spending a month in Phoenix, Arizona, I had contacted Eric Zimmet, president of the Phoenix Bonsai Society. Eric graciously invited me to attend one of their regular meetings, at which my analysis of bonsai people was once again confirmed. The club members to a person were welcoming and giving of their knowledge. The exchange was highly enjoyable and informative. A number of great ideas not only on growing bonsai, but regarding club activities, were carried home and shared with the Winnipeg club. Eric also advised that the Matsuri (Japanese Cultural) Festival in Phoenix later in the month would feature a bonsai display by their club. We had already considered attending, and this sealed it. We both had a wonderful day there, and a few inexpensive companion planting pots also came home with us.
Observing drought tolerant species on desert walks, a trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and to the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Center (and gardens) rounded out the arboreal interests of our month. Well, except for the slightly interesting visit to the Grand Canyon... I jest. I found myself taking as many photos of the cascading and wind-blown pines and junipers on the cliffs and canyon edge (and of my wife standing beside them of course), as of the dramatic scenery itself. Once again, I had acquired not just inspiration, but a true appreciation.
One bonsai convention that I did manage to attend with this publication’s editor was in Victoria BC, Canada in 2016. The conference was terrific, but the visit to the Horticultural Center of the Pacific with local club members, and seeing their permanent display there, was equally rewarding, as well as some time spent with former Winnipeg members now living in the area. Make that call!
I may be missing out on seeing fabulous trees and witnessing remarkable artists at work at major events, but I am meeting people with trees and challenges similar to our own, and learning how to deal with trees, and club interests, just like ours. That’s also invaluable!
Having grown up a rather shy farm boy, the saying “a turtle only gets somewhere by sticking it’s neck out
Top; Phoenix Bonsai Society display at the Matsuri Festival, Phoenix, U.S.A.
Middle; Phoenix Bonsai Society members working on trees at club meeting.
Bottom; Bonsai on display at the Horticultural Center of the Pacific on Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada
first” always struck home with me. I would highly recommend that you consider sticking yours out, doing a bit of advance scouting, and making contacts whenever and wherever you have the opportunity to travel. If you are ever near Winnipeg (preferably in summer), we’re only a phone call away.
About the Author: Stu Innes is a retired Professional Engineer, and a past President of the Bonsai Society of Winnipeg. He and his wife are avid gardeners, who now enjoy frequent travels during cooler seasons. He has contributed bonsai articles to The Prairie Garden and the Winnipeg Free Press.
April/May/June 2018 | BCI | 75