She has been caring for her first plant for 38 years, and took the passion she has for the practice to the Southland Home Show over the weekend.
The Diacks Nurseries garden assistant was more than happy to talk about the plants she had displayed, and explained how creative the bonsai growing process could be.
Basically any shrub can be made into bonsai, she said, but the ones with needles looked the oldest.
Perhaps surprising to some, the idea bonsai was tricky was an old wives’ tale.
"You can style it how you like."
While her experience with bonsai was long-standing, she said it had only been a few years since Diacks first sold them.
"It’s grown so much since Covid-19. It’s something you don’t have to rush, it’s really nice to look at, and is something different."
Her own original bonsai had gone with her everywhere throughout the years.
"It has its ups and downs, just like us."
The annual show was held at ILT Stadium Southland.
Exhibitors’ stalls included builders, architects, designers, energy consultants, furnishers, paint and wall paper suppliers, heating specialists and more, covering building, renovation and furnishing.
Anne and Keith White had a comfortable time browsing the stalls, particularly the Adjusta Mattress display.
"We’re loving it, quite happy," Ms White said.
The couple were given a demonstration of the bed’s features, all the while reclining on one.
Other stalls included air fryers, massage chairs, crisps and more.
