25 July 2007

Tender loving care for all the little trees

ANGUS HOHENBOKEN

Gill Roberts is slowly growing her own miniature forest. Her yard at Howrah houses more than 50 bonsai trees including exotic Chinese myrtles, trident maples and azaleas.

“I’ve only got an average house in the suburbs with an ordinary block but I love trees, so I keep my trees in pots,” Mrs Roberts said.

“That way I’ve got control over them.”

Seventeen years a bonsai enthusiast, Mrs Roberts is a dedicated member of the Bonsai Society of Southern Tasmania.

As well as running monthly meetings, the group shares skills at workshops and organises visits by guest speakers. Most major flower shows include its exhibits.

Carefully trimming the roots of a Chinese elm at a society workshop yesterday, Mrs Roberts said she loved every tree as if it were a child.

“They are treated with tender loving care,” she said.

“The rest of my garden is survival of the fittest.”

She said one of the most satisfying parts of growing bonsai was watching the changing of the seasons with deciduous trees.

Other trees being pampered at yesterday’s workshop included a tiny fig tree and native creeping strawberry pines.

The society meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the Bellerive Community Centre and new members are always welcome.

Anyone interested in joining should call society secretary Helene Brown on 6225 1759