August 2026 Bonsai Care Guide | Sunshine Coast, Southeast Queensland
Updated: Aug 10
Monthly Bonsai Advice
with Rosemarie Caston
JAX & ROSE Bonsai
Welcome back to Rosemarie's Zen Garden, where I share what's happening on our bonsai benches each month here on the Sunshine Coast.
Welcome to my August 2026 Bonsai Care Guide Sunshine Coast edition, where I share seasonal bonsai advice, projects and updates from Rosemarie's Zen Garden on the Sunshine Coast.
August is one of my favourite months of the bonsai year. Although we're still in the final month of winter, there's a real sense that spring is just around the corner. The days are becoming noticeably longer, the sunshine is warming our benches, and many bonsai are beginning to wake from their winter rest.
Here on the Sunshine Coast we've already started seeing warmer days between the winter cool snaps. I've gradually increased watering on some of my trees as temperatures rise and the drying winds begin to return.
It's an exciting time of year. Buds are swelling, new growth is beginning to appear, and many bonsai are preparing for one of their busiest growing seasons.
Now is the perfect time to prepare not only your bonsai, but also your growing area for the busy spring months ahead.
This Month in Rosemarie's Zen Garden
Winter certainly reminded us it wasn't quite finished yet! July brought plenty of rain to the Sunshine Coast, and while the bonsai appreciated the moisture, my Zen Garden needed a little attention.
One of my major projects this month has been improving the drainage around my bonsai display area. After water blasting the moss from my concrete paths, I built a new pathway and added a gravel base beneath it to improve drainage through the wetter months.
These improvements aren't just about appearances. Better drainage helps reduce moss and weeds, improves airflow around the garden, creates a cleaner environment for visitors and helps reduce damp conditions where fungal problems can develop.
Preparing the garden is just as important as preparing the trees. A tidy, well-drained growing area makes spring maintenance much more enjoyable.
🌸 Rosemarie's Bougainvillea Journey - update
2026–2027 Bimer Bonsai Club Challenge
Our Bougainvillea Journey continues, and I'm delighted with the progress this little tree is making.
Over the past month I've resisted the temptation to style it too early. Instead, I've allowed the tree to simply enjoy the beautiful Sunshine Coast sunshine and regain its strength.
During July I have:
• Kept the tree in full sun.
• Watered every three to four days, always checking the soil before watering.
• Applied Charlie Carp liquid fertiliser on 1 August.
• Left the tree untouched with no pruning or wiring, allowing it to build strength naturally.
The results have been wonderful. New shoots are extending beautifully, and the colourful bracts are beginning to return with deep magenta colouring.
Sometimes the hardest part of bonsai is doing nothing at all.
The next exciting step will be repotting in early September. I'm currently searching for the perfect glazed blue or soft aqua bonsai pot that I think will beautifully complement both the foliage and future flowers.
👉 Missed the beginning of the journey? Read the previous Bougainvillea update here.
🌱 Growing the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding parts of bonsai is watching the next generation begin.
Around four months ago I propagated a batch of Serissa cuttings, and they've been growing steadily in the greenhouse throughout winter.
This month I've prepared a fresh batch of bonsai soil and will soon be transplanting each young plant into its own nursery pot, giving them more room to establish strong root systems before spring.
As temperatures continue to warm, they'll gradually be introduced to more sunshine and fresh air, helping them transition from the greenhouse into their next stage of growth.
Every beautiful bonsai starts somewhere, and these tiny Serissa remind me that patience is one of our greatest bonsai tools.
Spring Preparations Are Underway
One of the most exciting deliveries arrived this month!
With August marking the beginning of the spring repotting season, a large shipment of new bonsai pots and bonsai tools has arrived at Rosemarie's Zen Garden.
Unpacking new pots is always exciting. Every bonsai has its own personality, and selecting the perfect pot is one of my favourite parts of bonsai design. The pot should complement the tree, balancing colour, size and style without overpowering it.
These new arrivals will soon be finding homes beneath many of my bonsai, including the next stage of our Bougainvillea Journey.
Spring has officially begun behind the scenes at JAX & ROSE Bonsai, and I can't wait to start matching trees with their new homes.
Species Spotlight - August 2026 Bonsai Care Guide Sunshine Coast
Growth is beginning to increase as temperatures warm. Continue checking wire before branches thicken, maintain good airflow and prepare for spring repotting where appropriate.
Buxus Corky Bark is beginning to produce beautiful fresh growth as spring approaches. Morning sunshine and a bright position encourage healthy development, while protection from the hottest afternoon sun is beneficial later in the season. Gradually increase watering as needed, always checking the soil first, and lightly trim new shoots to maintain the tree's shape.
Allow strong healthy growth to continue. Resist heavy pruning while the tree is building vigour. Begin planning for spring repotting.
Gradually introduce plants to more sunshine as temperatures improve. Protect from any late cold snaps and prepare for active spring growth.
Australian Natives
Many native species are beginning to wake from winter. Ensure excellent drainage, maintain good airflow and prepare suitable trees for repotting during spring.
âś… August Bonsai Checklist
âś” Check every tree daily rather than watering to a fixed schedule.
âś” Gradually increase watering as temperatures rise.
âś” Repot deciduous bonsai before buds open.
âś” Inspect all wiring before spring growth thickens branches.
âś” Watch for aphids and other insects on fresh new shoots.
âś” Resume light fertilising on trees that have not recently been repotted.
âś” Prepare bonsai benches and growing areas for spring.
âś” Clean and organise tools ready for the busy season ahead.
Rosemarie's Tip of the Month
Spring doesn't begin with your bonsai, it begins with your growing area.
Take a little time this month to water blast pathways, remove moss, tidy benches, improve drainage and clear away weeds.
A clean, well-drained bonsai area improves airflow, discourages fungal diseases and creates a healthier environment for your trees.
A little preparation now will make the busy spring season much easier and far more enjoyable.
🌸 Community Spotlight
One of the highlights of July was exhibiting at the Caboolture Orchid Society Winter Show.
A heartfelt thank you to Fran, Betty, George, Ian, and all the wonderful volunteers who made us feel so welcome. Your friendliness, hospitality and enthusiasm made the weekend a pleasure, and it was wonderful meeting so many fellow plant lovers.
Thank you also to everyone who visited the JAX & ROSE Bonsai display, asked questions and shared their love of gardening.
If you'd like to learn more about the society and their upcoming events, visit the Caboolture Orchid Society.
Upcoming Events - Come and say hello if you're visiting, we always enjoy chatting with fellow bonsai enthusiasts, whether you're just starting or have been growing for years.
Saturday 8 August - 11am to 5pm
Kawana Waters State College
We're excited to once again be exhibiting at the annual Japan Festival with a beautiful range of bonsai, handmade timber display stands, DIY Bonsai Kits and gift ideas.
Yandina Markets
Saturday 29 August 7am to 12
Father's Day Preparations
We're excited to be preparing a fantastic selection of Father's Day gift ideas, which will be available at our Yandina Markets stall on Saturday, 29 August 2026.
Browse a large range of bonsai, handcrafted timber display stands, DIY Bonsai Kits, bonsai pots, tools, and accessories, perfect for beginners, collectors, or anyone looking for a unique and lasting gift. We'd love to see you there and help you find the perfect bonsai for Dad.
🌺 Looking Ahead
I'm delighted to share that JAX & ROSE Bonsai has been invited to exhibit for the first time at the Red Fox Orchids Annual Sales Day on Saturday, 5 December 2026.
After meeting Jennifer Ison at the Caboolture Orchid Society Winter Show, it was wonderful to receive an invitation to be part of this special event.
Thank you, Jennifer, for the opportunity. I'm already looking forward to meeting more plant enthusiasts and becoming part of another fantastic gardening community.
To learn more about Red Fox Orchids, visit Red Fox Orchids.
Thank you for joining me for another month here at Rosemarie's Zen Garden.
I hope these updates inspire you to spend a little time with your own bonsai this month. Whether you're repotting, pruning, propagating or simply enjoying new spring growth, remember that bonsai is a journey of patience, observation and continual learning.
I look forward to sharing September's journal with you as we welcome spring, begin repotting, continue our Bougainvillea Journey and watch the next generation of bonsai burst into life.
What are you working on in your bonsai garden this month?
I'd love to hear what species you're repotting or preparing for spring. Feel free to leave a comment or say hello at one of our upcoming markets.
Until next month,
Happy Bonsai Growing!
Rosemarie Caston
JAX & ROSE Bonsai
Continue Your Bonsai Journey
If you've enjoyed this month's bonsai advice, you might also like to explore more from JAX & ROSE Bonsai:
🌳 Join a JAX & ROSE Bonsai Workshop (coming soon)
About the Author
Rosemarie Caston is a passionate bonsai artist, educator and owner of JAX & ROSE Bonsai on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. With a love of creating, teaching and helping others discover the art of bonsai, Rosemarie shares practical advice drawn from her own growing experience in Southeast Queensland. Her goal is to make bonsai enjoyable and accessible for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
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