March 2004 Natives by Craig Wilson

March 2004 Natives Demonstration
by Craig Wilson

Craig Wilson visited us from his alpine plant nursery Gentiana Nursery 138 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda to talk about native trees as bonsai. Craig brought in some great trees and shared a wealth of information about natives. Also he dispelled myths about what you can't and can do to natives. A huge turnout of over 80 members were present to see Craig.

A huge thank you to Craig for coming down and giving us some great insight into growing natives.

Members arrived early and took up the good seats. Standing room at the back was all that was left.

Craig brought in Australian natives to talk about.

Craig talked about the importance of continual pinching and cutting of the leaves to keep leaves small and allow the internal of the tree to receive enough sunlight.

Craig liquid feeds his trees (half strength) using sea based products, once a week at this time of year.

Craig's coastal ti-tree was a big hit. Again continual pruning and pinching is required.

Craig's new project a small leaf but vigorous growing banksia.

Craig's large banksia which impressed the members.

Close up of the root base. Craig estimates this tree to be 35 years old.

Craig's banksia serrata.

Close up of the trunk base which has cracked from the vigorous growth.

Craig's fig. Craig also pointed out that we should be growing more natives as bonsai because in Japan, they only grow natives as bonsai!!!

Another variety of ti-tree.

A group of native beech which Craig recommends NOT to be used as bonsai due to the difficulties in branch ramification and die-back.

A lovely crepe myrtle from the display table.

Close up of the flowers on the crepe myrtle.

A great root-over-rock fig.

Craig also brought in a she-oak (casuarina) that he has started to work on.

Beautiful little chinese elm.

Another one of Quentin's privet with lovely shari work done to it.

Another fig from the display table.

Irene and Barry having a chat.

The boys posing for the camera.

We've missed seeing Lola's big smile lately.

Ted and Michael finally smiling for the camera!!!

Many members took the opportunity to talk to Craig once he had finished his demo.

Dave and Glenys caught on camera.

Lola had her eye on Craig's lindan.

But luckily Peter and Nick caught her in time!!!! Just kidding Lola.

Take me Home

Members arrived early and took up the good seats. Standing room at the back was all that was left.	Craig brought in Australian natives to talk about.
Craig talked about the importance of continual pinching and cutting of the leaves to keep leaves small and allow the internal of the tree to receive enough sunlight.	Craig liquid feeds his trees (half strength) using sea based products, once a week at this time of year.
Craig's coastal ti-tree was a big hit. Again continual pruning and pinching is required.	Craig's new project a small leaf but vigorous growing banksia.
Craig's large banksia which impressed the members.	Close up of the root base. Craig estimates this tree to be 35 years old.
Craig's banksia serrata.	Close up of the trunk base which has cracked from the vigorous growth.
Craig's fig. Craig also pointed out that we should be growing more natives as bonsai because in Japan, they only grow natives as bonsai!!!	Another variety of ti-tree.
A group of native beech which Craig recommends NOT to be used as bonsai due to the difficulties in branch ramification and die-back.	A lovely crepe myrtle from the display table.
Close up of the flowers on the crepe myrtle.	A great root-over-rock fig.
Craig also brought in a she-oak (casuarina) that he has started to work on.	Beautiful little chinese elm.
Another one of Quentin's privet with lovely shari work done to it.	Another fig from the display table.
Irene and Barry having a chat.	The boys posing for the camera.
We've missed seeing Lola's big smile lately.	Ted and Michael finally smiling for the camera!!!
Many members took the opportunity to talk to Craig once he had finished his demo.	Dave and Glenys caught on camera.
Lola had her eye on Craig's lindan.	But luckily Peter and Nick caught her in time!!!! Just kidding Lola.