Taking trees to SA

[Beano]

I'm moving to South Australia. Has anyone moved bonsai into SA from somewhere else before? We are driving so I was wanting to take them in the car, but I don't want to risk it if they'll get seized by AQIS.

[Akhi]

Hi Beano,
Unless you are transporting grapes, potatoes or banana you will not have a problem. I have moved all my trees and other plants from Melbourne to Adelaide without any problems whatsoever. Another thing is to not move trees with fruit on them. As that is another restricted. I don't think you will have any fruits in trees this time of the year though

[Matt S]

Hi Beano,

Something else to keep in mind,if you are stopped at the border remember never to use the word soil. Use the term potting medium if asked what your trees are planted in. Border protection authorities get twitchy if you mention soil!

Matt

[Beano]

LOL! Ok potting medium it is! Thanks for the replies!

[Matt S]

Also, welcome to SA!

Plenty of clubs here if you're interested. Hope you like Olives!

[Beano]

Ha! We saw a bunch of olives around the wineries when we holidayed there. Are they the figs of SA, are they?

[Beano]

Hey should I say it's potting mix available from Bunnings? That way they probably sell the stuff in SA too? Or is the issue more that it's been in QLD first?

[Matt S]

Olives are a declared weed in SA and they are everywhere around Adelaide. Indestructible and they make great bonsai, so they are a bit like figs. Actually figs grow really well too, but you don't get the aerial roots due to the lack of humidity. Check out the Adelaide Botanical gardens for examples.

If you do get stopped at the border just stick to your guns and keep referring to potting medium and you'll be fine. No need to give more details unless asked.

Where are you moving to?

[Beano]

I was thinking of posting them via australia post as another option, but it'll take us 3 days to get there, then I'll need to pot them all at once which is a bit of a chore, and it'll be pretty hot I imagine. Would free up some car space though

[Beano]

Well, I've been here 2 weeks, the trees have survived. The bougainvilleas are sulking, as predicted. My crepe has turned an odd purple colour as it went from Cairns winter, to Cairns summer, to Adelaide summer, which as it turns out is often colder than cairns winter, haha!! It's still sending out shoots though so I'm sure it's ok.

Once we get properly moved in I'll have to check out the bonsai nurseries.

[Matt S]

HI Beano,

Welcome to Adelaide and I'm glad your trees survived. So far it's been unusually cool and wet for this time of year but I've heard we're in for a hot, dry summer.

When you're settled PM me and I can fill you in on the Bonsai community here.

Matt.

[Beano]

Yeah, went to BBQ last night, it was freezing, we had a brazier burning!!