20/09/2025
Vale ‘Bonsai’ Barry
Gardener, Bonsai master, collector of quirky garden ornaments, community-minded Barry Lacey has gone to the great garden in the sky.
The Festival of Gardens will miss his contribution as he, and Jenny, have generously opened their eclectic garden over many festivals attracting hundreds of visitors to their home in Newstead to enjoy their garden displaying mass plantings of succulents and cacti, roses, bonsai, bearded-iris and hundreds of bulbs, all flowering among a sea of gnomes, ceramic owls, rusting chickens, stone buddhas and Japanese-inspired archways.
Even though Barry had been battling against Parkinson’s for many years he continued to help others. He taught Tai-Chi, ran bonsai workshops and was a stalwart at the Newstead Men’s Shed who have built, erected and maintained planter boxes for display on the steps of the Market and at the Railway Station during the festival every two years.
Barry passed away on 21 August. Our condolences go to Jenny and family, and the community of Newstead, where his passion for life, gardening, bonsai and connection to so many will be truly missed.
