Australian Plants as Bonsai

The Australian Plants as Bonsai Study Group (APAB) 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,
• Publish information to help people grow and enjoy Australian plants as bonsai.

The Group operates by gathering and sharing information amongst members.  It aims to produce a minimum of two Newsletters a year, which will include information about the growing of Australian native plants as bonsai.  The liveliness of the newsletter depends upon the kinds and level of inputs that members make.  Everyone who grows, has grown or wants to grow Australian plants as bonsai can contribute. So why not join in!

Members and non-members can contribute.  Did you know that one of the outstanding impediments of using Australian plants as bonsai is the paucity of images of what entire, old Australian trees and tree-like shrubs look like?  If you have or can take photos of such plants, we would appreciate seeing them and publishing them in the newsletter.  These images will greatly assist people to style their Australian plants as bonsai to evoke an Australian landscape.

Bonsai is an ancient and living art form.  It originated in China more than 1000 years ago; moved to Japan 800 years ago and became known in Europe 500 years ago.  It started in Australia nearly 80 years ago.