This past weekend, the Border Bonsai Society hosted its annual show at Little Beacons in Beacon Bay, celebrating not only the intricate beauty of miniature trees but also over five decades of commitment to a craft that teaches patience, perseverance, and connection.
The event marked a poignant milestone, honouring the legacy of founding members Billie Warren and Phyllis Scott, who established the society in 1972.
As the third bonsai club in SA, their vision laid the foundation for a community dedicated to nurturing trees as a form of living art. Their legacy is one of discipline, dedication, and an enduring commitment to nature’s quiet lessons.
This year’s show was particularly heartening, as younger members joined the society, ensuring the art of bonsai will flourish for generations to come. The society believes bonsai is more than a hobby; it is a practice that nurtures inner peace, mindfulness, and a deep awareness of the natural world.
“Bonsai teaches you patience,” 91-year-old society member Joan Kingma said.
“You cannot rush a tree. You must let it grow in strength and only pot it into a bonsai container when it’s ready. This applies to life — take your time, build a strong foundation, and the rewards will follow.”
Bonsai, rooted in centuries-old Japanese tradition, embodies a slow and deliberate rhythm that stands in stark contrast to today’s fast-paced world. Vice-chair Peter Strockenstrom described the craft as a “living art form,” where growers and trees evolve symbiotically over years, each reflecting the other’s growth.
The practice challenges the modern obsession with instant gratification, urging instead a focus on the journey rather than the destination.
“In bonsai, you see the potential within a tree that initially may look unremarkable. Watching it take shape and thrive over time is deeply rewarding,” Strockenstrom said.
The society said bonsai was more accessible than people thought. “You don’t need expensive materials to start,” member Jen Weyer said. “Even nursery ‘scratch patch’ trees can become masterpieces with time, care, and vision.”
Beyond horticulture, bonsai fosters values of resilience, attentiveness, and hope. The younger you begin, society members say, the more profound the rewards later in life.
The show also featured bonsai exhibitions, expert advice, and repotting demonstrations, showcasing the finest specimens during this season of renewal. Attendees were encouraged to see bonsai as more than a creative outlet but as a philosophy of life — one that values the beauty of growth, care, and the potential within every living thing.
As the Border Bonsai Society reflects on 52 years of history, its members remain devoted to preserving this art form and the invaluable lessons it offers.
For them, bonsai is not just about nurturing trees but about cultivating a way of life that embraces patience, commitment, and the connection between humanity and nature.
