Golf club overrun by bonsai
Exhibition draws in plant lovers
AN INTERNATIONALLY renown bonsai master said he was impressed with the variety of trees on display at the Bonsai on the Mountain event over the weekend.
Thai-born, US-based bonsai master Boon Manakitivipart travelled to Toowoomba to host demonstrations and workshops throughout the weekend, and help judge the exhibition of trees.
Of the 50-odd plants on display at the City Golf Club, Rob Payne’s beautiful 13-year-old bougainvillea was selected best in show.
Mr Manakitivipart, or Bonsai Boon as he is known, has won awards for his bonsai work all over the world – including in Japan.
This was his fourth visit to Toowoomba.
He has been a full time bonsai master for more than two decades.
An avid orchid-grower since he was 11, more than 30 years ago Mr Manakitivipart got a juniper as a birthday present.
“It’s still alive today, still growing. That was in 1988,” he said.
“And that’s my first bonsai.” After joining a club and taking some beginner classes, one thing led to another and now he is an international name in bonsai circles.
“People ask me ‘so what’s your hobby?’ Bonsai is still my hobby. So when I have free time I just like to sit down and work on my own trees,” he said.
“One thing about bonsai is it gives you a warm feeling. It has a spiritual power. When you look at them you feel calm and closer to nature.”
Organised by the Toowoomba Bonsai Club, the event drew hundreds of people over two exciting days.
Mrs Halter said she was thrilled with the turnout.
Mr Manakitivipart said he would love to see Bonsai on the Mountain happen again.