January tree of the month

Club meet

The first workshop of a new year. This is the time do essential winter maintenance on bonsai. Removing non-required wire takes time. Structure pruning as an ideal time to see any less desirable branches. I guess you could call it a winter check-up.

Christmas get-together

1st place, DM including his disco ball

Runner up exhibit, DA Merry Christmas!

This year we decided to have another Christmas meeting, more under the pretext of getting together for some food and a chat, than a conventional meeting.

Stourbridge show

The Stourbridge society, supported by visiting exhibitions from South Staffs, once again held their small but perfectly formed event.

Just like a bonsai that’s being well cared for…this show keeps getting better, year after year.

November tree of the month

1st place, AB Malus Sieboldi

2nd place, RG Lonicera

: Joint 3rd place, GS Cotoneaster

: Joint 3rd place, PB Cork bark Chinese Elm

Nature as inspiration

We enjoyed another visit to Stourhead, unofficially regarded as the National Trust’s flagship property. Made just a little more famous by Head Gardener, Alan Power annually appearing on BBC Radio 4 to describe the autumn colour. We took the long route, leaving the gardens behind and making our way through the rest of the estate and grounds finding some mature Beech avenues and woodlands, as well as some fascinating really old re-trenching Oaks.