Maryborough Meeting

[Perry the Pom]

G'day all,
Yesterday the Maryborough group had their meeting. Even though it was raining cats & dogs there was a good turn up( 11 people.) Taffy demonstrated two types of air layering. One can read books but seeing it first hand was great. Taffy also did a pruning on one of the visitors Figs. I came off best with that as I was given all the off cuts. It was great to be among experienced Bonsai people as they were able to answer all my questions. This was only my second visit and I can't wait for the next one. Thanks to this web site I have found a new hobby and a great group of new friends.
Thank you all.
Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.
Cheers Perry the Pom

[Taffy]

Glad you had a good time Perry - and yes, it was a great day. It was also good to have James (Ausbonsai member) and Gloria make the trip from Gympie as well.

Hope you've potted up all those clippings. That was quite a bit of good material you scored there, so you should have pots everywhere by now. Don't forget, I said you could have those two Air-layers as well when they're ready - so you'll have to make space for them as well Do you remember what species it was? Bet you don't

By the way, have you also put that Ficus Benjamina that the nursery kindly gave us into a larger pot as well? That one can make quite a good tree in the not-too-distant future with some good care and lots of fertilizing.

See you again in January Perry - if not sooner.

It was a Ficus Natalensis (Natal Fig)

[Perry the Pom]

G'day Taffy,
The tree you air-layered, I think you said it was a small leaf Port Jackson Fig. Yes, I have cut the Ficus Benjamina ( Glad you told me that as I did not know) at the point James recommended and transferred it into a larger container. All the cutting have been potted. I had to re pot all of my Dessert Rose plants as well, Allen told me that the soil was far too heavy. The Diatomite that Allan brought to show the group. What size was that? Apparently you can purchase 5.2mm & 7.15mm.Which would be the better to use? What is James user name please, I would like to know so if I read anything on the forum from him I will know who it is. Cheers Perry

[Taffy]

No mate, not a Small Leaf Port Jackson - it was a Ficus Natalensis - Natal Fig from South Africa. Not the easiest of Figs to work with because when the branches mature a bit they are very difficult to bend without snapping. When done while young, they are nice and pliable though.

Yes I agree, that soil mix was too heavy for Desert Roses. They come from free draining sandy areas and don't like their feet being kept too wet. It causes them to rot.

The Diatomite Allan had was 2 - 7mm. The other size is 7-15mm but that one is a bit too big for Bonsai. 2-7 is what I - and most people use. There is a benefit with it in that when it's time for a re-pot, all you need to do is sieve it out and re-use it. It doesn't break down.

James' user name is: senseijames

Hope that all helps.

[Perry the Pom]

Thank you Taffy. I have taken all of that on board. Also written it in my Note Book.
Cheers Perry