While preparing a Western juniper for exhibit, I became curious as to why the tree was planted so far to one side of the pot. I was somewhat concerned because I couldn’t show the tree as it appeared below. Western juniper My worry was that all of the roots came from a single spot at […]
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Moss technique
It’s common, when displaying bonsai at indoor exhibits, to cover the surface of the soil with moss. The alternative – dirt – doesn’t really compare. Scott decorated his Ponderosa Pine with a great arrangement of mosses and lichens at this year’s BIB exhibit. Moss on ponderosa pine Depending on where you live, you may have […]
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 […]