Bonsai

Vale of Clwyd Bonsai

Vale of Clwyd Bonsai

The Vale Of Clwyd Bonsai Society

This society was formed by a group of local enthusiasts in 1993 and it rapidly developed in size and stature. It caters for bonsai enthusiasts across North Wales and beyond. The membership includes complete novices up to those with decades of experience. Several are professional horticulturalists and can give expert advice at meetings.

It has become successful in many aspects of bonsai, with the annual show at Woodfest Wales giving members a chance to exhibit their best achievements.

Entries of quality trees to national shows has brought recognition of the group of enthusiasts at the level. Their Club display was judged best in show at the National Bonsai Society. In that year they also won four of the five individual categories. Among the group of members are top growers, three authors who have contributed to the specialist bonsai magazines and a finalist in the UK's new talent competition.

Meetings aim to encourage the newcomer and engage the advanced practitioner.

So, what is bonsai?

At its simplest Bonsai is any plant or tree in a pot.

Growing miniature trees, which reflect those seen in nature, has developed over thousands of years in China.

The art was refined by the Japanese and now global interest is taking it to a new level.

Bonsai are not starved, tortured or forced into unnatural growth patterns.

They are pampered and looked after with the greatest of care.

Bonsai can outlive the natural tree species because they are given the very best conditions to grow in. Their roots are continually renewed and insect damage is prevented.

The roots are trimmed, when repotting, to allow room for new roots to grow and the tree to flourish.

Most Bonsai are outdoor plants and can only be brought indoors briefly for display.

Bonsai is an addictive hobby - equalling football, fishing or golf in it’s ability to captivate enthusiasts and take over their lives.

Bonsai enthusiasts often make bad drivers! Trees in the landscape are our "models” and can easily distract us.

Creating a bonsai requires the owner to make many decisions based on horticultural principles (the health of the tree), 3 dimensional design and the creation of an illusion of great age. Simple tricks such as reducing the height and lowering the branches make a tree look older.

Specialist tools help to make the process easier but they aren’t essential to begin with.

Authentic pots look great but are expensive. Seed trays are good enough for plants that you are beginning with.

The Vale Of Clwyd Bonsai Society meetings are held in the Sports Centre in St Asaph, on the first Sunday of the month at 6pm. At recent meetings these are just a few of the things we got up to:-

Workshops when members brought in their own trees and styled them with assistance from the more experienced. Some dramatic transformations from ordinary garden centre stock to apparently ancient specimens occurred!

Talks were given by visiting experts on a range of topics.

Trips to visit other local clubs, shows, sales, nurseries and workshops have been arranged.

The monthly raffle table provided members with a choice of tools, pots and a large range of suitable starter trees.

Everyone chatted happily over the free refreshments provided at each meeting.

Anyone interested in a free first visit should contact the Chairman - Kevin Bailey on 01745 585047

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------