About this time of year, I look through the garden to see if any of my accent plants are candidates for upcoming exhibits. With luck, I’ll find a few. If not, I may put a few together so they’ll have time to grow before they’re needed. Most look somewhat rangy in fall but clean up […]
Accents
Companion plants
Instead of showing bonsai on their own, Bay Island Bonsai exhibits trees in 6 foot displays with companion or accent plants. The addition of companion plants to a composition helps suggest a season or scene. My favorite accents typically feature a mix of varieties and just barely fit in their containers. Which are your favorites? […]
Accent plants
The Redwood Empire Bonsai Society puts a lot of effort into the accent plants that accompany their bonsai. Accent plants are a nice way to indicate the season and provide color to bonsai shows. I know little about what makes accents suitable to given bonsai displays beyond whether or not they “look good” to me. That, and […]
Accenting bonsai
The East Bay Bonsai Society’s 49th annual show featured the kinds of bonsai accents one would expect – including flowering plants and suiseki – and a few that one wouldn’t. One of my favorites was a simple planting in a ceramic pot with a handle. Accent in ceramic basket Fern accent Tiny accent in great […]
Bonsai accents
Redwood Empire Bonsai Society members take their exhibits seriously. They do a great job with their trees, their backdrops, their program, and even their accents. Here are some of the accent plants, pots, and suiseki on display at their 27th annual show. Accent plant in blue pot Accent plant Accent plant Accent plant pot Bamboo accent […]