Gathering About Bonsai (GAB 2025) - Natives

GAB 2025 will focus on Australian natives, guided by Jarryd Bailey of Montane Bonsai.

Jarryd's extensive experience with natives will be shared through a range of lectures, demonstrations and critiques throughout the weekend.

Engage with other bonsai enthusiasts in a face-to-face setting, deepen your bonsai knowledge, and gain insights from experienced members and special guests. Share local wisdom and additional information.

A weekend aimed at developing your skills, whether you are a novice or an advanced practitioner.

Special Guest: Jarryd Bailey of Montane Bonsai (Tasmania)

Saturday
9:00-9:30    Introduction
9:30-11:00    Lecture - Using Japanese knowledge on Australian bonsai
11:00-12:00    Demonstration
12:00-13:00    Lunch
13:00-15:00    Demonstration
15:00-16:00    Critique

Sunday
9:00-10:00    Lecture - Proteaceae as bonsai (Patrick Mettam)
10:00-11:30    Lecture - How to approach working with natives
11:30-12:00    Demonstration
12:00-13:00    Lunch
13:00-15:00    Demonstration
15:00-16:00    Critique

All sessions led by Jarryd unless otherwise noted.

Food: Light lunch and drinks provided

About Jarryd

Jarryd Bailey is a practicing bonsai artist from Hobart, Tasmania, operating Montane Bonsai Garden on the northern slopes of Mount Wellington. Jarryd approaches bonsai by observation, as the naturalist, creating compositions reminiscent of Tasmania’s wilderness landscapes. Spending time roaming Tasmania’s wild mountains and ancient forests provides the inspiration for exploration and reflection of place and its beauty. The Nursery maintains a Gallery style body of work, consisting of some of the finest Native Bonsai in Australia. The nursery also offers a classical bonsai gallery featuring beautiful examples of tradition Japanese style bonsai.


Jarryd specialises in refining both native and exotic advanced nursery and yamadori material. His approach also provides creative approaches to bringing the best from young, unusual and otherwise difficult stock. Another area of interest is the more playful and highly seasonal art of kusamono, using perennial grasses and herbs. Jarryd originally learned bonsai using traditional species, techniques and philosophy, providing the backbone for the exploration now being undertaken into the horticulture and aesthetic of Tasmanian flora as bonsai. Jarryd has studied under Artists Michael Hagedorn. Living and working at the garden in Portland Oregon, provided exposure to world class material and techniques which have helped to continue his evolution of practice.