From tallest to smallest: Bonsai take hold in Lynn Valley

Did you know that one of the tallest trees in the world ever recorded grew right here in Lynn Valley? That 410-foot Douglas fir was felled beside Argyle Road in 1902. Ironically, it’s now miniature trees that are capturing people’s attention just a stone’s throw away from there.

Some family bucket list ideas

The Lynn Valley Bonsai Group has been meeting in the downstairs hall of St. Clement’s Anglican Church for over two years, ever since group leader David Bailey wanted to give people a place to "hang out and build community" after the enforced isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.His timing may have been right for more than just social reasons. Over those periods of lock down, many people developed an interest in houseplants, backyard birds, and creative pursuits they previously hadn’t found time for. Those scores of people who had become dedicated to keeping their sourdough starter alive might be just the sort who would enjoy offering a similar level of attentiveness to a bonsai tree.

A beautiful dream

One of the regular attendees at Bonsai Night doesn’t mind driving in all the way from Guildford in Surrey to take part. A gardener by trade, he enjoys making friends over a shared passion, and is happy to support Bailey’s "beautiful dream" of a community built around bonsai.Other members come from over the bridge as well, while some of course are North Van locals. Some have been doing bonsai for decades and others are rank beginners. The latter sometimes spend a number of evenings just watching the others at work, asking questions and working up the confidence to start on their own tree.It is clearly a group of people who are happy to give tips to rookies. While other bonsai clubs usually offer a speaker series, this group prefers to get right down to their work and chat over their soil and trowels. 

West coast style

At our recent visit, group members described "West Coast" bonsai style as aiming to mimic nature as it is, rather than creating the perfect tree idealized in Japanese bonsai. Species that lend themselves to bonsai - junipers, some maples, Japanese citrus and winterberry, for example - must have foliage that will keep in proportion to the stunted height. By paying close attention to your tree, it will tell you what it needs, they say. Horticultural knowledge is garnered along the way as you learn what keeps your tree alive and well.Wiring the branches and other techniques can be used to shape the form of the tree and, as one member explains, make it look "inviting" to the viewer. Pots are chosen carefully for their colour and shape, and moss, rocks, or other additions can be used to create a mini landscape."It’s supposedly relaxing," he says wryly - while freely acknowledging its meditative aspect, he notes that a project is without its occasional challenges. All going well, though, your tree might even last longer than you will. Some maples may reach 100 years old, having passed through the hands of several stewards.

A free for all

There is no membership fee, and the group’s official meetings are the first and third Saturday of every month, from 7 to 9 p.m. The church hall is located at 3400 Institute Rd. An annual display at St. Clement’s showcases the group’s work in all its creative variety. For more information, contact the Lynn Valley Bonsai Group by emailing [email protected], or join its private Facebook group to keep abreast of meetings and shows.

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