Where to dig in Adelaide region?

[Paul B]

Hi Guys,
any advice on where to legaly dig in the adelaide area, preferably south of the city or adelaide hills areas and what species I might encounter?
Cheers, and if anyone wants to tag along pm me

[Luke308]

Hi Banksia, and welcome to Ausbonsai, the most addictive thing besides Bonsai itself

I am from south of Adelaide myself, and the best advice I can give is to join a bonsai club. I am a member of the S A Bonsai society ( http://www.bonsaisa.org.au/ ), and I have been since August last year. In that time, I have met Peter Adams when he attended the club to share his knowledge, and I have been on 2 organised digs. Right now is probably not the time of year to dig, unless you are after Eucalyptus or other natives. But one species that you can probably dig from almost anywhere legally is Olive!! As you probably are aware they are everywhere, and they are treated as weeds by most councils, therefore is you ask to dig some up, I'm sure they won't say no. having said that, please get permission first, and fill in any holes you dig.

There is a Southern bonsai club at Morphett Vale, but I personally think there is more knowledge to be gained from the S A bonsai Society as they have more members, a huge library, and have been around since 1964 and the founding members are still members There are some great people at the Southern club, and it has its merits, but I thought I would benefit more from joining the Bonsai society. If you like you could join both as they meet on alternate Tuesdays

So get along to the next meeting (first tues of Feb) meet some like minded individuals, and make some friends who are keen to go out digging when the time is right.

[Paul B]

[Greth]

In morphett vale there is a man selling imported garden stuff, he has some bonsai pots (large only suited for big trees or a group, from about $35) and is a member of Southern Bonsai group, whatever its called. He has lots of signs up from the main roads. Talked with him a little but he couldnt understand why I wanted pots smaller than 30 cm, or that I referred to group plantings as a forest, so didnt really connect. He seems quite decent tho. Is it really nerdy to call a group a forest? I didnt think so, now Im nervous.
Heaps of olives in areas around strath, I can direct you to elms, little oaks, pine, and hawthorn in my area (Nairneish), or you can have some of my starters (transplanted successfully, but only 1-2 yo) for a coupla dollars. Have a box hedge age 7 years and you could take one of those for a reasonable consideration (eg about $20)
If you want a really big olive and have machinery to lift it, I have dig permission for the neighbours..