I’ve noticed, in recent years, more and more special displays at Japanese bonsai exhibits. I think of a special display as any approach to bonsai display other than the standard arrangement of trees and accents within an approximately six foot space. At this year’s Gafu-ten – the 50th anniversary event – there were special displays […]
Exhibits
Exhibits are where we can see bonsai at their best. Explore posts from Bonsai Exhibits in the U.S. including the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition and Japanese events including the world-famous Kokufu and Taikan-ten exhibits.
Viewing bonsai in the right light
One of the benefits of viewing bonsai in natural light is that the light changes throughout the day. When the light is direct, you might catch dramatic shadows that highlight select details. When the light is filtered or indirect, trees can take on a glow that can bring out the color of the foliage or […]
Outstanding deciduous bonsai at the PBE
The deciduous bonsai on display at this year’s expo included some fantastic trees. When considered together, they offer a great opportunity for discovering what you like best about this group of trees. As you look at the photos below, think about the following questions. You can also think about what you look for in the […]
PBE Board Announces “Directors’ Choice Award”
In the hours just before the judging period for the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo, we received a request to change the category of one of the entries, a coast redwood. Due to a clerical error on our part (on my part!) stemming from this change, the redwood, which received top marks for its category, didn’t […]
How to judge a bonsai show – highlights from the Minnesota State Fair
Last weekend I had the opportunity to judge the Minnesota Bonsai Society’s annual show held at the state fair. An amazing crowd of 225,000 people attended the fair that day, and many of them lined up to see the bonsai on display, a club tradition dating back to 1975. For those who are curious about […]