It’s hard to create a good shohin display. With larger trees, we work to find trees, pots, stands, and accents that work well together. With shohin, the same is true but the number of trees can jump to 6 or more. When done well, shohin displays create truly unique experiences. Here are more photos from […]
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.
Accenting itself
Last month’s California Shohin Seminar was a delight. Plenty of workshops, demonstrations, and vendors, plus a great exhibit of shohin bonsai. One display element that caught my attention was an accent plant – a wonderful mix of overflowing foliage on a relatively large slab. Accent plant I believe this accent would make a great compliment […]
Bonsai groves
People love groves. While individual bonsai trees can tend toward the abstract, groves remain accessible. When leading friends through bonsai exhibits, I make sure to stop by any groves as they are sure to leave an impression. This year a couple of groves stood out at BIB’s 11th annual exhibit. One, a rock-planting with Kingsville […]
Accent plants
Accent plants can make a good bonsai display great. Bright accents can enliven a somber display; subtle accents can temper displays that are rife with color. They are the final element enlisted to enhance a display’s balance. Unlike bonsai, there are few rules governing proper use. The primary guide I like to keep in mind […]
How to put on a bonsai show
Step-by-step instructions for putting on a bonsai exhibit, bonsai sold separately. 1) Get a truck for the supplies. One truck packed – Boon’s happy 2) Get another truck for the trees. John and I carefully pack the truck 3) Set up the backdrops. John, Jeff and Vince are champs at setting up backdrops 4) Apply […]