This week on A Bonsai Side-Quest, Hugh and Jarryd battle the sniffles and post-convention burnout as they hunker down at home, firewood chopped and fireplaces burning in the changing season. Still recovering from what they dub “convention COVID,” the duo digs into all things Canberra 2025 AABC—covering standout trees, winning displays, demonstrations, and display conventions. It’s a cosy, congested, and comprehensive recap you won’t want to miss.

2026 AABC Convention - https://aabcconvention2026.square.site/

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this episode of A Bonsai Side-Quest, Jarryd and Hugh welcome Harry Lush—a passionate advocate for Australian native species and a dedicated bonsai enthusiast. Together, the guys all take a deep dive into the Nothofagus genus, exploring its ecological significance, traits, and aesthetics.

Additionally, Harry introduces his non-profit organisation 'The Gondwana Project', which aims to conduct research, bio-banking, education, and conservation projects, all aiming to understand, protect, and spread awareness about precious relic forests.

The Gondwana Project https://thegondwanaproject.org/

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In continuation of the much-loved and never-ending series of "Australia's Top 20 Native Species" the boys come back to cover all of 2 epic species this round. Of course, they start with a delightful side-quest of bird watching and a recent Nothofagus Cunninghamii styling demo.

Hugh's pick - Banksia marginata

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

They're back! After some time off the radar, the guys return with big news and bigger stories. Hugh tied the knot, and not long after, he and Jarryd disappeared off the grid for a private honeymoon hike (not with Hugh's wife, just the two boys). Now reunited post-bucks party, they're catching up on everything from Jarryd’s time at the Bonsai by the Beach event, to dramatic new angle repots, and the standout moments from their annual autumn hike in the Tasmanian wilderness.

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this continuation of Australia’s top 20 natives for bonsai discussion, the guys only manage to cover 3 more (with a minimum of 5 side-quest species features)...

Jarryd’s picks: Huon pine, Woolly Tea Tree

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this episode, the guys spinulosa’d around, only getting to 5 more out of the top 20’s greatest hits of native species with many informational species side-quests. In continuation of Jarryd and Hugh's top 10 picks for bonsai material, here are the selections of this round: 

Jarryd - Strawberry Pine, Varnished Gum

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In this special episode of A Bonsai Side Quest, Hugh and Jarryd share their top 10 local native species for bonsai with plentiful insight of their experiences working with each. Of course, many side-quests derail them leading to only unveiling the first 7 in this episode. 

Jarryd's picks: Tasmanian Pencil Pine, Nothofagus gunnii, Diselma archeri, and Nothofagus cunninghamii

Hugh's Picks: Black She-Oak, Kunzea Ambigua, and Port Jackson Fig

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

Looking at the onset of the autumn season, Jarryd and Hugh share their grievances of a hot summer and heat exhausted trees as well as their aspirations for styling as the heat reduces. Both are keen to jump into design season and their respective large styling projects. Repenting for their wiring sins and reflecting on overly-harsh self critique, they discuss the trials and tribulations of styling special trees. Lastly, they highlight work that you should partake on your garden at this time of year. 

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

In the peaking heat of summer, the guys whinge about hot winds, thirsty trees, and the need for tie downs and shade structures. Jarryd updates us on the fate of the previously discussed ancient Huon pine in Tasmania. The two delve into the topic of eco-tourism and the duality of needing to protect wild spaces and ancient trees while also making them more known in order to spark the passion to protect them. Now roughly one year into podcasting, Hugh and Jarryd reflect and thank their listeners for supporting them on this podcasting journey.

Love the podcast? You can support us here and 'buy us a coffee' https://buymeacoffee.com/bonsaisidequest

Backyard Bonsai Blokes - https://open.spotify.com/show/0erfxLIGe3yEXFdDElGtr7

Bonsai Stuff - https://open.spotify.com/show/7inx5PPtBH8iF49UMWVyk3

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/ 

While not wholly sure of the outcome of the Tassie wildfires, Jarryd and Hugh mourn for the potential loss of a deeply significant Huon pine in the Hammond River Grove. A tree they once visited on a hike together, they share the essence of the tree's presence and the value its age offered. Moving into lighter topics, they cover the early turnover to autumn this year, their partners, Hugh's upcoming wedding, and the wonderful successes of recent teaching experiences.

Hugh Grant - Tree Makers https://treemakers.com.au/

Jarryd Bailey - Montane Bonsai https://www.montanebonsai.com/ 

Eve Sczechowski - Yves Media https://www.yvesfilm.com/