At the Riverina Culture Club hall, a group of dedicated bonsai enthusiasts have been meeting for decades, honing their craft in the search for the perfect tree.
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The Wagga Bonsai Society, over 30 members strong, welcomed newcomers at a trading table and demonstration on the weekend.
Among those sharing their tips was George Hannah, who returned to a nearly 20-year-old interest in the hobby in 2018 when he retired from the defence force.
Since then, Mr Hannah was introduced to the society by a neighbour and encouraged to build on his collection.
"It's getting bigger, a bit too big for my wife!" he joked.
"Most bonsai people, they naturally want to try and have as many different species and trees as they can, it makes it interesting."
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While growing the ideal bonsai takes years and a great deal of commitment with daily watering during the harsh summers and annual re-potting, Mr Hannah said the pastime was incredibly satisfying.
"I left defence carrying some injuries as well as depression, and I found it to be a fantastic way of just being in the moment, you can just block out everything else and just concentrate on one thing," he said.
"I've found it has helped me a lot ... I get great satisfaction and enjoyment out of creating individual bonsai trees or landscapes even."
Society president Helen Sturman said she was introduced to the club after buying a bonsai as a retirement gift for a colleague.
"I think I've always been interested in it, once I did start coming I realised I should've started many, many years ago," she said.
"It's addictive, once you start you want trees you can experiment on."
Ms Sturman said while bonsai growers needed to be patient to enjoy the long-term commitment it could be very "therapeutic."
"You can be very individualised as well," she said.
Mr Hannah said the society ran beginner courses with the next one commencing in February, with classes also available for those who had learned the basics and were looking to take their skills to the next level.
Those interested in learning about bonsai growing can find the Wagga Bonsai Society on Facebook or email ww.bs@hotmail.com.