Shibui Bonsai Kai members were treated to a bonsai workshop by one of their own who educated them on things to do for your bonsai during spring.
The workshop, which was hosted at Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre, was conducted by Erich Walter, who has grown bonsai for the past 22 years. He had various species of bonsai that he used in his talk, such as bauhinia, brunfelsia (yesterday, today, tomorrow), celtis (white stinkwood), croton, maple and olive.
Such events are held on every third Saturday of the month and once a year, usually in February, they host a beginners class over a two-day session where they explain the basics of bonsai and creating your own bonsai to take home.
In his opinion, workshops like these are important as there is only so much you get from the internet. “There is just no comparison to a hands-on workshop doing the art together with experienced people. Much of the frustration is turned into joy of a well-designed and healthy tree. The exposure of local knowledge of indigenous trees is invaluable in understanding the specific needs of each bonsai.”
He added the finer, more refined techniques in bonsai are also shared and demonstrated in group meetings.
A lover of all things nature, his intrigue about the plant was something that came naturally to him. He sees the growth of any plant as pleasing – especially the freshness in spring.
“Autumn and winter provide a change in colours and the silhouette of deciduous trees is interesting. Bonsai also provides an expression of creativity and creating living art. It never stops as the plants are growing and often need readjustment or a completely new design can be created with existing plants.”
For those who may be intimidated by the prospect of maintaining a bonsai, Walter said it is a wonderful hobby that can be enjoyed and practised by anyone. The best way to learn is to join a club/society or just meet with bonsai friends – this makes bonsai easy. If you can look after a plant, you can do bonsai.
Interesting facts on the bonsai showcased at the workshop:
- Bauhinia – interesting leaves. Lends itself to a more free-flowing design style and beautiful trumpets of yellow flowers.
- Celtis – very common, easy to grow, deciduous, yellow leaves in autumn and beautiful fine branches seen in winter
- Croton – indigenous, hardy, orangey leaves in winter. Leaves reduce well which is good for bonsai.
- Maple – many different species with different leaf forms and colours. Can be styled in many different styles for bonsai. Great to see in winter.
- Brunfelsia (yesterday today, tomorrow) – the description of the name comes from the different colour flowers over the days – yesterday (white), today (blue), tomorrow the new flower bud that will open. This plant also has a fantastic fresh smell. Although a slow grower, its fragrance and beauty are well worth it.
- Olive – One of the champion trees in South Africa for use in bonsai. It is evergreen, has hardwood and is excellent for carving. Very tough and resilient.
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