It’s hard not to get nostalgic when I look over photos from Bay Island Bonsai exhibits. I’ve watched a number of the trees develop over many years and can see how far they’ve come. It’s fun to see variety between deciduous and evergreen trees, large trees and small, young trees and old. And it’s fun for me to think about the people who have brought the trees to exhibit and the work they’ve poured into their bonsai over the years. I appreciate that some trees are far more developed than others and am optimistic that the less developed trees will continue to improve.

I remain surprised by the level of entertainment I derive from appreciating my favorites. The bunjin red pine below is a great study of balance and style. The gooseberry conveys age and natural development. I find the semi-cascade white pine to be one of the prettier trees in the exhibit and hope to see more trees like it in the future. The large beech suggests grandeur and maybe a nearby forest. The princess persimmon tells me it’s fall.

It’s also hard for me to not think about the coming exhibit. A full 12 months away, the 15th annual BIB exhibit, “Made in the USA,” will feature no imported trees. I’ve selected a few candidates for the exhibit, and will develop them this year with the aim of showing them in 2014. That, however, can wait until next year – here are some favorites from the 2013 exhibit.