AusBonsai

Hi all,

There is more progress on the building site to report with lots about to happen.


Grant

Gee wish that was my design project... Then I could think about bonsai all day!! Buildings coming along and it's looking good!! Will definitely visit when it opens.

Hi all,

There has been a lot of activity at the site on the fitout of the NBPCA area.
The rest of the beams will be of timber and the metal beams will be clad in the same timber

Greetings Grant,
Nice to see the construction progressing. I look forward to our visit in May next year.
What has happened with the frost free area? Are you still collecting money?
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

Coming along nicely It looks like it has dried out a bit for the construction workers to make some progress to.

The electrics for the gallery grade lighting will be placed inside the metal beams and hidden from view.

The last stone wall is nearing completion as well.

Grant

bonsaibruce wrote:Greetings Grant,
Nice to see the construction progressing. I look forward to our visit in May next year.
What has happened with the frost free area? Are you still collecting money?
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

Hi Bruce,

Yes we are still collecting money for the frost free area. Cheques can be made out and sent to the NBPCA. Many individuals, bonsai clubs and the bonsai organisations have all helped as they can.


Below is a letter we sent to all Bonsai clubs last year,

Hello

We note the wonderful support of many of the Bonsai clubs and artists from all around Australia that has already made the NBPCA a success.

As you know the NBPCA will be moving to its new site in about 12 to 15months and we are looking to improve the experience for the public.

We have identified an area within the new site that would lend itself to become a “Frost Free Area”. This is an area where trees that are a bit frost tender; but not truly tropical trees; could be displayed all year round and have adequate protection from the frost and cold of the Canberra winter. It will consist of a lightweight “Honey – Comb” roof with sliding shop front glass panels in both the main display area and back of house.

At the recent AABC convention in Perth WA, we indicated we would be looking to raise funds from the bonsai community to go part way towards the cost of the Frost Free Area.

We note many clubs and individuals have donated funds in the past but this is a special new project that you might like to help in. Please also note that $10,000 of funds, already collected from the public and other donors, has been allocated to the building of the Frost Free Area. To date, the fund stands at approx $28,000 which is about 45% of the way to our goal of $60,000. We are sure you will be proud to be part of this significant development at the permanent home of the national Collection.’

All donations over $2 are Tax Deductable.

Please:
• send your Cheque to:-
NBPCA
PO Box 956,
Canberra City, ACT 2601

• make your cheque payable to:-
National Arboretum Canberra– NBPCA

• indicate if you require a Tax Deductible Receipt

Grant Bowie
Interim Curator


Grant

bodhidharma wrote:Coming along nicely It looks like it has dried out a bit for the construction workers to make some progress to.

The cement pour was almost called off yesterday as it rained in the morning but the job went ahead successfully.

Grant

Hi all,

Some activity over the last month.
I have been away for a week so more to photograph this afternoon I hope.

The site will be well and truly ready for us months ahead of our opening on February 2nd at this rate.

Grant

Wow this is really getting exciting watching it all come to fruition.

Great news Grant.

Hi all,

We inspected the site late yesterday.

The paving in the front of house area is about finished, which was very intricate.

The paving in the back of house is much more straight forward and should commence today by the look of the preparations.

Really starting to get a feel for the layout now and planning which trees will go where etc.

grant

This is like a Grand Design show. We have watched it come together from the plan and now finally the interiors can be planned

Just as long as it doesn't have the key ingredients of a grand design show.... Budget and time blowout... I'm sure it's all under control!

A new construction update has been added to the NBPCA website.

Click here to view:

http://www.nbpca.com.au/Construction%20Aug%202012.html