Page 7 - BSAM 2018 Q4

The Association of Australian Bonsai Clubs (AABC) is the national body represent- ing individual bonsai clubs throughout Australia and some in New Zealand. The 31st AABC National Bonsai Convention,
hosted by Bonsai Northwest Inc. in partnership with the AABC, took place on 20 – 23 July 2018 at Mantra Bell City, Melbourne. Bonsai Northwest is a non-profit bonsai group located in Melbourne, devoted to helping beginners and the more advanced enthusiasts in the art of Bonsai since 1973.
With a big emphasis on education, they offer instructive bonsai demonstrations by experienced club members and guest demonstrators. Add hands-on bonsai workshops with guidance and advice from more experienced members and guest teachers, an informative monthly newsletter, an extensive lending library, bonsai supplies for sale at special club member prices, and an opportunity to enjoy the company of a friendly, relaxed group of people who have an interest in the art of Bonsai.
Australia enjoys a unique place in the bonsai community. Geographically close to the bonsai epicenter of the world, and with easy access to bonsai knowledge from other English-speaking nations, bonsai artists in Australia have created a thriving bonsai community.
Both a country and a continent, Australia’s climate supports many species of trees and shrubs from parts of China, Japan and from Southeast Asian countries that are popular in bonsai. Add to this Australia’s native species, and, it is no wonder that bonsai in Australia has achieved such a high level of excellence.
True to its hosts’ educational mandate, the 31st AABC National Convention’s workshops on the first day of the convention and the four days following the weekend event, provided workshop participants many choices of bonsai material and teachers. Two full days of demonstrations, along with critiques of the exhibit rounded out their educational offerings. Visiting bonsai artist and teacher Bjorn Bjorholm from the USA joined Victorian bonsai artists Joe Morgan-Payler, Michael Simonetto and Hanh Tran in styling unruly specimens that required initial styling to more finished bonsai in need of refinement.
Thebonsaiexhibitwiththetheme“BonsaiExposed,” featured many trees in winter silhouette showing their
elegant and refined trunk and branch structure. These deciduous delights shared the limelight with their coniferous relatives, many given a final touch by pairing them with the perfect companion plant.
The best tree of the show, chosen by Bjorn Bjorholm, was also the same tree I selected to receive the BCI Excellence Award. This gorgeous Seiju Elm owned by Quentin Valentine graces the cover of this issue.
A nursery tour and welcome reception on Friday, a dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday, and a large sales area provided many enjoyable activities for convention participants. The demonstrators and teachers were acknowledged at the closing ceremonies on Sunday for their valuable contribution to the success of the convention. As the bar for excellence is moved higher every year, so do expectations for an even better event next year. A challenge that Australian bonsai artists and enthusiasts are eager to meet.
Top left: Quentin Valentine, best tree of the show and Bjorn Bjorholm. The tree is
a Seiju Elm, Ulmus parvifolia ‘Seiju’. Ground grown for about 7 years. Dug from the growing bed in 2006. Planted in a bonsai pot and developed since then.
Top right: BCI President Glenis Bebb chose Quentin’s tree for the BCI Award of Excellence.
Bottom: Corky bark elm, Ulmus parvifolia. Started from cutting mid 1970s. Originally grown and trimmed in a garden bed and lifted annually for root pruning. Planted to bonsai pot 1995.
October/November/December 2018 | BCI | 5