A lot of love for little trees

Joy Morton, of Dunedin, shows off her 45-year-old European larch bonsai tree during the first day of the Otago Bonsai Society’s exhibition at the Dunedin Community Gallery on Saturday.

About 85 bonsai trees were on show at the weekend, and others were for sale.

Society president Pete Dulgar said the first day of the exhibition was busier than expected.

Domestic travellers made up much of the crowd that filled the gallery.

Ms Morton, who was one of the society’s first members, owned about 250 bonsai trees.

Her love of the miniature trees began when her daughter was sick in Southland Hospital.

"I came across a book [in the hospital waiting room] with bonsai photos in it and it immediately drew me to it."

She has been growing bonsai for 50 years.

They were not easy to care for, committee member Doug Baker said.

"They are worse than children to look after."