AusBonsai

Rory,

I tried my best not to ask a question lol but just want to clarify. I have planted three different Melaluecas as a group planting. I don't know if this should be done or not but this is more of an experiment.

I have planted a Mel Claret Tops, Mel Thymofolia and a Mel Snowstorm. All tube stock so well under 1cm.

This should be fine right!

bonsaeen wrote:Rory,

I tried my best not to ask a question lol but just want to clarify. I have planted three different Melaluecas as a group planting. I don't know if this should be done or not but this is more of an experiment.

I have planted a Mel Claret Tops, Mel Thymofolia and a Mel Snowstorm. All tube stock so well under 1cm.

This should be fine right!

Yes, that is fine

Went to a nursery today to check out some trees and they had a number of black she-oak in the native section. Anyone seen them done as bonsai? And if so where would they sit on the difficulty spectrum?

Sorry to be a pain in the A frame Rory but I just want to confirm these three are ok. They just sneak in at 9.89mm but if you disagree I’ll scrap them.

Squizzy

squizzy wrote:Sorry to be a pain in the A frame Rory but I just want to confirm these three are ok. They just sneak in at 9.89mm but if you disagree I’ll scrap them.

Can’t wait to see what you do squizz.
All good mate

I have high hopes for your Kunzea. I like the base.

JimmyBanks wrote:Went to a nursery today to check out some trees and they had a number of black she-oak in the native section. Anyone seen them done as bonsai? And if so where would they sit on the difficulty spectrum?

Hi jummyBanks,

With that surname surely you will be entering a Bankisa

Casuarina are lovely trees. If it will be getting full sun just make sure it isn’t allowed to dry out.
I’d have a crack for sure if I was you.

They grow very well from clip-and-grow.

I should try a banksia but no it isn’t one of my 3.

I did come across this video last night while trawling through Bonsai videos on YouTube though... some food for thought for those that haven’t decided what trees that they will use.

I really need to learn how to use this Tapatalk app...

https://youtu.be/iwkZr5KQnJw

Cheers for the link JimmyBanks. If anyone is interested in learning more about Natives it's worthwhile, even as an interstate member, to join the Victorian Native Bonsai Club. That gives you access to videos of their meetings, along with other bonus content. I just wish there were more Visiting Tutors who specialise in Natives. Hugh Grant is the only one that I'm aware of. If anyone knows of others, I'd be interested to know who they are.

RogerH from Canberra has more than 40 years' experience in native bonsai, and is well worth hearing.

Gavin

Thanks Gavin, I'll see him at the convention, so hopefully get a chance to chat to him.

I am only a newbie at bonsai, but this event has spurred me on to have a go and improve my knowledge with all the hints guidance on this site. I have spent a bit of time travelling the outback, so have decided to have a go at a Mulga. Picked this one up at the SA Native Nursery at Belair. Cost was $5. The labeI was marked Roxby Downs var. I have repotted it from tube stock, and it seems to be going quite well so far.
Dave

Dave - good on ya! I've found them to be quite robust, and they can bark up quick well, quite early. They do need very good drainage, and do not tolerate drying out. Thyme shoot back on last year's wood if you cut them back to the last green leaves, but don't cut bucket bare wood.

Should be many more of them, in my opinion.

Gavin

There are a few variations of Mulga with leaf shape and umbrella Mulga etc Gavin, so I will be interested to see how this one grows. Thanks for the tips. They take some punishment in the outback with sheep and cattle grazing on them. I have seen goats up on their hind legs grazing on them as well. I would like to eventually get this one into some of the typical outback red soil, maybe I am a bit optomistic.
Dave

Hello Dave,

Not too sure if you're aware - to enter this comp your post above needs to be in a separate thread, see Rory's notes on page 1.
Hate to see a Mulga miss the starting post.

Kevin