Victorian Bonsai "Enthusiasts"...

ViciousBenji

...please share some info.

I've noticed that there are some Victorians on the board, some of them aren't too far from where I'm living actually, so I'm looking for "local" help.

I've found a lady near Ringwood that I've purchased some trees from, and she's been wonderful with giving advice, but I'm just wondering what resources you've found that you'd be willing to share.
I'm aware there's heaps of clubs and organizations, but some of them either tend to shy away from newcomers or they talk to you like you're a two year old...and personally, I tend to absorb info much quicker when spoken to like an adult.

Thanks all!!

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Ashbarns9999

Have you tried Mornington Peninsula Bonsai Society which i think is in Rosebud. Probably your nearest 'club'. Have you been to many clubs that did not welcome you or are you pre-supposing that will be your greeting?

Regards Ash

__________________
Better to procrastinate than lose sight of the objective by rash deeds.

http://www.bonsaivault.com

ViciousBenji

To be honest, I'm only going by two experiences when I say that. First time was a small meeting like thing my mate was attending a couple of years back, it was held in a different person's home each month, and when I dared ask a question, the responding expressions were "you mean to say you don't know?", and my questions either dodged or ignored. If I'm not mistaken, due to lack of interest or perhaps bad attitude, that particular social group is no longer working. I believe it was around Seaford.

The second time was about a year ago, and my hubby and I stumbled across a little "bonsai" shop in Melbourne. It was a wee place off in one of those little alley's...I've got the direction sense of a bat with no radar, so I can't even begin to tell you where it was exactly...near the Flinders St. station...I remember that bloody escalator!..but when the shopkeep overheard me say "look how tiny they are, they're so cute!", he gruffly came over and "informed" us that there was nothing cute about Bonsai, and that there was a pet shop down the alley if we wanted cute.
After my hubby said a few words, we left, and I'm afraid that those two experiences have left me feeling a little tentative when stepping into new clubs.

I imagine those two examples are the worst of what could happen and that newcomer's aren't really treated that way...as has been proven by the people on this board...still I'm a bit shy at first.

Ashbarns9999

HAHAHAHA that was really funny 'Nightmare on Flinders St." and the mobile club was not a good deal despite our trees being such. (mobile)
You really need to attend a real club and get the benefits of a properly run programme. I would think Mornigton should be your objective (take hubby along for moral support). The stability of an established club should be your aim and they do cater for the absolute beginner.
Believe me you will be made feel welcome and you will feel at ease with a whole bunch of nice people.

Kind Regards Ash

__________________
Better to procrastinate than lose sight of the objective by rash deeds.

http://www.bonsaivault.com

ozzy

When I first joined my Bonsai club as an initiation they held my head down the toilet bowl and flushed, but once I got over that I found they weren't too bad a bunch.

Bonsai Barry

Well, they flushed my tree down the toilet, but considering how it looked, that was a reasonable response.

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Bonsai Barry

"Our talent lies in our choices."

spookybonsai

If you don't mind a bit of a drive from Frankston, BonsaiNorthwest holds its monthly meeting tomorrow night in Yarraville. Monday 1st May.

www.bonsainorthwest.com.au for details.

We're having a demonstration by three members and are a very beginner friendly club. If you come at 7pm, you'll also get to sit in on the beginners demo run by our ex-President.

If you don't come, Peninsula bonsai is also an excellent, friendly club. When I went down for their show a fortnight or so ago, they remembered me by name from the year previously. Always a good sign.

cheers,

Shane

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Bonsai was meant to keep me away from the computer

SirReal

Thanks for that info spooky. I live 15 mins away from Yarraville and if i've finished work by 7pm i'll definately try and head down. So far my only contact with people in Bonsai have been Tim at A-Z in Monbulk and i also wnt to the Peninsula show during the Easter weekend.

ViciousBenji

Nightmare on Flinders St. LOL!!

As for Bonsai Northwest, I was at their site last night. I think I've managed to talk the hubby into checking that one out...it's not like you guys meet every single night! And the Exhibition...we'll be there!!!
It's a really good club by the looks of it...I'm really looking forward to attending!


Not only that...the longer drive is more incentive to get my car working better!

There was a show that close to me and I didn't know about it! I guess that just goes to show how much of a tight-knit network Bonsai Clubs are. I'm sorry I missed it.