Bonsai in New Zealand

About Bonsai in Australia

Australian Plant Species

Australian Associated Bonsai Clubs
Bonsai Federation of Australia
Suiseki in Australia

Bonsai in Canberra, Sydney and NSW

Bonsai in Melbourne and Victoria

Bonsai in Queensland

Bonsai in Perth and Western Australia

Bonsai in South Australia, Northern Territory & Tasmania

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service

Useful Information about Bonsai in Australia

About Bonsai in Australia

There are active Bonsai Clubs and enthusiasts in all states throughout Australia, all of which would encourage visitors from overseas and new members. The conditions in most of Australia are ideal for growing Bonsai, (especially Temperate and Tropical species), long hot summers and mild winters, under the right conditions the growth rate that we get is double that of northern hemisphere climates. Because of these conditions indoor Bonsai is almost unheard of in Australia. Watering is critical as hot conditions cause potted plants to dry out quickly and twice daily watering is not uncommon during the summer period.

Australia offers some beautiful species for Bonsai. These can be obtained from local nurseries throughout Australia and twisted, windblown, and lopsided trees can often be found. These contorted specimens can provide a "bonsai" look very quickly. Collecting plants growing naturally is another way of obtaining Australian Native Bonsai. Wind, fire, drought, lightning, and plain hard luck can dwarf and contort trees into amazing shapes. Collecting plants in many parts of Australia is against the law but sometimes potensai, (potential bonsai), can be located on private land. If you wish to collect it, get permission from the landowner.

Below is a list of common Australian Species used for Bonsai, and some reference links. If you need more information about these or other Australian plants used for Bonsai email me direct.

Lilly Pilly or Australian Brush Cherry - Eugenia/Syzygium sp. - Bonsaiweb Species Care

Australian Paperbark - Melaleucas sp.

Australian Bottlebrush - Callistemon sp.

Banksia species

Port Jackson fig - Ficus rubiginosa. - Bonsaiweb Species Care

Moreton Bay fig - Ficus macrophylla. - Bonsaiweb Species Care

Grevillea species

Acacia Species - Bonsaiweb Species Care

Australian tea tree - Leptospermum sp. - Bonsaiweb Species Care

She Oak - Casuarina sp.

Australian Plants as Bonsai Study Group was formed in mid 2001. Its main aims are to:
Determine which species are grown as bonsai, Determine the horticultural characteristics of each species, Determine the horticultural requirements of each species, Explore the artistic and aesthetic qualities of species, and Publish information to help people grow and enjoy Australian plants as bonsai. The Group operates by gathering and sharing information amongst members. Everyone who grows has grown or wants to grow Australian plants as bonsai can contribute.
So why not join in! Email Study Group Leader, Roger Hnatiuk: hnatiuk1@cyberone.com.au

Australian Associated Bonsai Clubs (AABC)

The AABC is one of Australia’s two national Bonsai associations, and accepts as members, individual bonsai societies/clubs around Australia, provided they have unrestricted membership. Current membership stands at 22 clubs and societies throughout the country. The AABC is a vehicle for the promotion of Bonsai within the Australian Bonsai community, and for the sharing of ideas and techniques, and for making friends.
The AABC runs an Annual National Bonsai Seminar (usually in April/May) in a different city each year. Click on the above link for details about the next Seminar Sydney, 2005.

The BFA is the other national Bonsai association and is split into two chapters, North (NSW, ACT, Qld, NT) and South (Vic, SA, WA, Tas). Its aims are to promote the education of Bonsai, provide cohesion and co-operation between Bonsai clubs, assist with the establishment of new clubs, promote Bonsai speakers, and increase public awareness and interest in Bonsai. In 1995 the BFA staged the BCI International Convention in Sydney.

Although Suiseki is apreciated by many people throughout Australia there is only 1 national club - Suiseki Australia which usually meets 3rd Wednesday evening of each month at 7.30pm at the Don Moore Centre North Rocks Rd. North Rocks, N.S.W.
for more information, please contact ???