The basic premise behind developing material for bonsai is straightforward: first build the trunk, then focus on the branches. When building the trunk, encourage vigorous growth to thicken the trunk rapidly. When focusing on branch development, encourage less vigorous growth to ensure good branch density. Sounds easy, but there may be a bit more to […]
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Mame bonsai at BSSF’s 55th annual exhibit
The Bonsai Society of San Francisco’s recent exhibit featured a display of mame (“bean” sized) and other small bonsai. In it were some of the best tiny trees I’ve seen. Mame and shohin bonsai Japanese maple, Japanese boxthorn, coast live oak, bougainvillea, trident maple, fuji cherry, Japanese ivy Not only are the trees small, but […]
Bonsai Society of San Francisco’s 55th annual exhibit
Last week the Bonsai Society of San Francisco held their 55th annual exhibit as part of the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show held at the San Mateo Event Center. This was the first time I was able to attend the show in recent years, so I was excited to head down to San Mateo. For […]
Evaluating bonsai at BABA’s 34th annual exhibit
Things we look for at bonsai exhibits: healthy, beautiful trees in well-thought-out displays, clean pots and attractive top-dressings. This much is true for almost any bonsai exhibit. It’s when we start to consider criteria for evaluating individual trees that things get interesting. I have yet to visit an exhibit that lined up the trees on […]
Bay Area Bonsai Associates 34th Annual Exhibit
This past weekend the Bay Area Bonsai Associates, affectionately known as BABA, held their 34th annual exhibit at the Lakeside Garden Center in Oakland, CA. The exhibit featured bonsai in formal and informal displays. Most of the formal displays are situated on individual tables that let viewers see trees from three sides. This is great […]