The Bonsai Open

02/09/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Djoni Yusuf, Jason Thomsen, Imran Sharif, Kanak Rahaman, Tan Eng Hock, Richard B. Haranta, Petr Dias, Yashel Rashmitha, Ping Kwong Lee, Swarna Adikaram, Vladimír Kratochvíl, Suraiya Ar, Shah Legno, Atish Beeharry, Paul Donavanik, Kaustav Sobhan Chatterjee, Lijo Edakalathur, Myhomemate Mauritius, Azhar Uddin Gujjar, Charlie Luyong, Chandemar Jotojot, Gayan Dissanayaka, Phorn Kimhor, Bon Zai Viet Nam, Rodgem Maupas

29/08/2026

Bonsai Open 2027 — Marija Hajdic, Lead Demonstrator

The Central Coast Bonsai Club is proud to announce Marija Hajdic, from Meleda Bonsai Studio, Croatia, as our lead demonstrator for Bonsai Open 2027.

The event will be held March 13 and 14 at Mingara, Tumbi Umbi, NSW.

Marija originally trained under Walter Pall, beginning her studies with him in 2007. Over more than 20 years she has built an international reputation, demonstrating and competing across Europe and beyond — including recognition at the prestigious Noelanders Trophy in 2019, and appearances at major conventions and exhibitions throughout the continent. She is widely recognised for her work with collected deciduous material and her philosophy of bonsai as living sculpture.

This will be Marija's third visit to Australia as a professional bonsai artist. Her first appearance in Australia was at Bonsai Reshaped in Canberra. Since then, she has developed a special connection with the Central Coast of NSW, home of the Central Coast Bonsai Club and Bonsai Open.

Marija will launch her next Australian tour right here on the Central Coast, joining us for live demonstrations over the weekend.

Hours: Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 9am–4pm. Tickets $10 per adult, children under 14 free.

To see where else Marija will be visiting during her tour, including other demonstrations and workshops, check with your local bonsai communities and clubs closer to the dates, or follow Marija's social media pages for updates.

[Link: centralcoastbonsai.com.au]

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.