The Bonsai Open

22/04/2026

16/04/2026

Central Coast Bonsai Club Workshop at Pine Needles Estate Erina Saturday April 18th 2026...

03/04/2026

DEMONSTRATOR 07 APRIL2026 07.30pm
WEST PENNANT HILLS COMMUNITY HALL
42 Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills

Clinton has worked full time in his family’s bonsai nursery since 1989. He holds a Nursery trade Certificate from the Ryde School of Horticulture, studying bonsai and later becoming a teacher at The School of Bonsai. Clinton has demonstrated at many Sydney and country clubs and conducted workshops in Hamilton, New Zealand. Working at the nursery for such a long-time exposed Clinton to many different varieties of plants suitable for bonsai, which enabled him to expand his knowledge on the growth and possible development of a wide range of plant material. His favourite material species of the Juniperus kind. He enjoys the flexibility in styling options this plant material presents and its hardiness in our sometimes-harsh Sydney climate.
Clinton is open to ideas for your plant material- he always endeavours that final styling decisions not only suit the plant, but the owner as well.

03/04/2026

A big Easter Festival in Bendigo this weekend, with a visit to this Exhibition a must 🤩

03/04/2026

Little Ficus Friday appreciation for some of the figs on display at the Bonsai Open 2026.
From the Open categories through to the Central Coast Bonsai Club competition, there were some fantastic examples of ficus on show this year. From powerful banyan-style Port Jackson figs, to refined Moreton Bay figs, naturalistic Natal figs on slab, and well-developed Shohin displays — the diversity of fig species and styles was impressive.
Ficus continue to be a favourite for many Australian growers, and it was great to see both mature, highly refined trees alongside developing material showing plenty of promise for the future.
A few highlights included: • Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) — Banyan Style
• Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) — Root Over Rock
• Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) — Traditional Formal Style
• Natal Fig (Ficus natalensis) — Naturalistic Slab Planting

All great examples of why figs remain such an important and exciting part of Australian bonsai.

30/03/2026

What an incredible showcase at The Bonsai Open 2026. From powerful large-scale displays to refined Shohin and expressive Penjing, this year's winners highlighted the diversity, artistry, and dedication within the bonsai community.

Congratulations to all the Bonsai Open Category Winners:

Open Category
1st — Michael Hood — Giant Cedar Forest
2nd — Ric Roberts — 1951 Japanese Red Pine
3rd — David McKeon — Sinuous Raft Privet

Shohin Category
Winner — Sean Hood
Corky Bark Japanese Black Pine (Nishiki), Willow Leaf Fig, Japanese Black Pine Display

Native Category
Winner — Michael Kempson
Kunzea ambigua (Tick Bush) & Syzygium (Lilly Pilly) Display

Penjing Category (Debut Year)
Winner — Allan Harding
Chinese Elm — Su Ren Style Penjing

Creative Display Category (Debut Year)
Winner — Trish Armstrong
Rising / Cloud Dragon Juniper Display

People’s Choice Award
David McKeon — Sinuous Raft Privet

A fantastic display of talent across all categories, showcasing everything from traditional refinement to creative and expressive designs. The introduction of the Penjing and Creative Display categories added an exciting new dimension to this year’s Bonsai Open.

Be sure to check out the reel to see these outstanding trees and displays.

Congratulations again to all winners and entrants — an exceptional Bonsai Open for 2026.

27/03/2026

Lucky last, we finish with the Club Shohin Category — small trees, but no less impressive. Shohin displays require refinement, balance, and harmony across multiple trees, all within a compact presentation.

Club Shohin Results

1st Place — #42
Lantana
Shimpaku Juniper
Saotome Azalea
Miniature Wisteria
Firethorn
Boston Ivy
Amanda Beilby

A beautifully balanced multi-tree display showing variety, seasonal interest, and strong cohesion across the composition.

2nd Place — #46
Small-leaved Privet
European Olive
Azalea
Firethorn
Michael Kempson

A refined Shohin display featuring well-developed trees with strong structure and thoughtful presentation.

3rd Place — #43
Boston Ivy
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
Japanese Maple
Dwarf Honeysuckle
Dwarf Star Jasmine
Miniature Wisterias
Amanda Beilby

Another impressive multi-tree display with excellent variety and seasonal interest across the planting.

All great and impressive displays, highlighting the skill required to develop and present Shohin at a high level.

26/03/2026

We now move to the Platinum Category — the highest level within the Central Coast Bonsai Club competition, showcasing mature trees, advanced refinement, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Be sure to check out The Bonsai Open on Facebook (The Bonsai Open) and Instagram (), where many of the winning trees and displays have already been shared.

Platinum Results

1st Place — #104
White Pine and Gardenia
Michael Kempson

A refined and mature White Pine demonstrating excellent balance, structure, and long-term development. The Gardenia companion planting was also well refined and presented in a beautiful Rod Vert Ceramics pot, completing a calm and elegant display.

2nd Place — #109
Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) — Banyan Style
Ric Roberts

Done in a banyan style, this beautiful old Port Jackson Fig displayed a naturalistic form with impressive age and presence. A powerful and mature ficus that drew strong attention throughout the show.

3rd Place — #105
Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) — Root Over Rock
Michael Kempson

A beautiful root-over-rock composition, offering a very different expression of Port Jackson Fig compared to the Ric Roberts tree. The exposed roots and strong structure created an equally compelling and refined display.

An outstanding Platinum category, highlighting the very high level of trees being developed within the club.

26/03/2026