Ray Nesci has been wrapped up in the ancient art form of Bonsais for more than 40 years and he says it’s an outlet for his experimental nature. Reporter Flora Cauchi and photographer Gene Ramirez captured the master creating one of his unique living art pieces.
When Ray Nesci saw a magazine ad for bonsai seeds 47 years ago, his curiosity was piqued.
"It turned out there was no such thing as a bonsai seed!" he said.
"Any plant can be a bonsai."
Years later he joined a bonsai club to learn more about the art of growing trees in a small pot.
"People think trimming the roots keeps the plants small but we prune the roots to rejuvenate them and to fit more soil into the pot. It's the size of the pot and shaping the plants that makes it stay small."
Although the artform was perfected by the Japanese it was originated in China around 1300 years ago, where it is called penjing.
The Japanese word ‘bon-sai’ means ‘plantings in tray’ in description of the shallow pots usually used for the uniquely shaped plants.
In 1979 Mr Nesci bought a five-acre block at Dural and now it is one of the few specialised nurseries in western Sydney.
He runs a free workshop on the first Sunday of each month at the nursery from 9am to noon. Everyone is welcome.
■ Supplies: Wire, a shallow pot, a plant, pruning tools, bonsai soil (promotes drainage), mesh, moss and pebbles.
■ Step 1: Brush off about a third to a half of the soil from the roots and trim them if needed.
■ Step 2: Wrap wire around the branches to twist into desired shape and trim small branches and leaves if needed. An aesthetically pleasing bonsai shows a lot of the main trunk.
■ Step 3: Place a piece of mesh inside the pot to cover the drainage holes and secure with wire.
■ Step 4: Put plant into pot, packing it well with soil and leaving space at the top.
■ Step 5: Lightly wet the soil and place moss around trunk. Decorate with moss and pebbles.
■ Care: Always keep the soil moist and keep your bonsai outside for at least five days a week. It may be taken inside for no more than two days a week.
■ Vineyard: Bonsai Environment, 70 O’Connell Street, 9627 6688.
■ Annangrove: Padre Pio Bonsai, 158 Annangrove Road.
■ Dural: Ray Nesci Bonsai Nursery, 26 Sagars Rd, 9654 1893.
■ North Rocks: The School of Bonsai (not-for-profit) hold a nine-week bonsai course at The Don Moore Community Centre for $40.
■ Penrith: Nepean Bonsai Society.
