azalea

[shibui]

A couple of years ago I rescued this azalea from a garden before the unit was renovated. Older garden azaleas sometimes have great trunks and I think this is one of those.
Flowering has been great for the past couple of years.

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There are a few more buds still to open but i think this may be peak flowering for this season. that the flowers are still in reasonable condition in 10 days for the annual showdown with Alpine Art at Myrtleford Ag show.

This photo is also the first outing for the new stand. it is one of a bunch I've knocked together over the last few weeks. Made from Victorian blackwood - Acacia melanoxylon.

[anthonyW]

Beautiful healthy tree Neil.

cheers Anthony

[Matthew]

Neil some rain and strong winds coming so maybe needs some shelter if u want to keep them flowers. Tree loiks great.

[shibui]

Good call Matthew. I've had it on hand watering for the past week but will put it under cover tomorrow. I also have a backup just opening buds so I'll bring that on in as well. If the pink one gets a bit past it hopefully the red flowers will be OK for the show.

[kcpoole]

Thanks Shibui,
Nice to see some old Azaleas in flower.
They are all finished up here now so good to see some still going

Ken

[teejay]

Very nice mate. I don’t have any Azaleas but when they’re in flower I always get the urge to pick one up.

Great stand too. Have you got any Blackwood bonsai by chance? I’m considering attempting one as they’re everywhere in my area.

[shibui]

Have you got any Blackwood bonsai by chance? I’m considering attempting one as they’re everywhere in my area.

I have attempted a couple of the larger acacias as bonsai but have not really liked the results so far and have not really worked with melanoxylon. I know some of the dedicated native bonsai growers are experimenting with a whole range of acacias too but not sure of results yet. Any plant is worth trying, especially if you are willing to try innovative techniques to try to overcome perceived difficulties so please feel free to have a crack with some blackwoods.

[Greg F]

Nice tree and a table to be proud of Neil. I hope to see you at Myrtleford show.

Greg

[shibui]

I'll definitely be there. Not sure how Ian is travelling at the moment. that he is fit enough to also make an appearance.

[Greg F]

I hope Ian is able to go, i dont think ive met him yet.
Looking forward to sesing you there Neil. The trees i got from you in May ar going well especially the Chinese Elm, i will take a photo to show you. Will there be any bonsai related sales at the show or is it display only?

Greg

[shibui]

Usually display only. Sometimes Ian has had trees for sale but that depends on his stock, energy and space.
By the time I put in display trees, flowers, pot plants, fruit, veg, jams and preserves there's not much room for sales stock.
We see the show more as a vehicle to inspire people and get interest rather than sales. You'd be far better to book a visit to the nursery where you get to choose from all available rather than a limited set I've managed to fit in.

[Greg F]

I will try organise a visit with you when i see you there. I will be there Saturday, around lunch time to see someone in the horse show. Will the display be during a certain time frame?

Greg

[shibui]

Look forward to catching up on Saturday.
I'll be there from quite early to set up and usually don't get away until after 5pm after packing everything up for the trip home. If I'm not at the bonsai area I've just popped out to have a look around for a few minutes.

[shibui]

Not sure that the previous azalea will hold on until the weekend. Already some flowers are dropping but The flowers opened slowly over quit a few weeks so maybe some will still be fit on Saturday morning.
Fortunately another azalea has opened flowers just in time for the show.

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[anthonyW]

A bit (a lot and some wow the colour looks good) random here Neil but as i m just cleanng (unwanted branches etc) out a few of mind and noticed flowering buds on many of mind, i m keen to see these two beauties of yours in flower again, hope you still have them in your collection and hope you can show again in due course they are so defined in colour making them that extra special (can appreciate you are running a business..sold) hope you can keep us in the loop if not.. cheers