AusBonsai

Hey moderators, just wondering if there are any contests coming up?

Steven is always on prowl for good comp ideas to stimulate interest
Anyone have any suggestions or ideas they thing will be good?

Ken

I've heard that formal uprights are a real test of ability but are they common enough to have a comp

Root over rock? (or bowling ball, statue...whatever)

From untrained stock - should be able to get some roots long enough from nursery stock or garden/wild collected stock;

12 or 18 month progression? (time to make a start and have a growing season to start the ramification process, see how it’s going to develop, and if it survives the transplant/aftercare phase).

Any style to the top, as long as it is a “Root over *” at the bottom.

Any rock, large, small, tall, short, or any rock replacement item (for those who want to create the Thai Temple look or similar), as long as it is growing over something and has some exposed roots.

Could encourage members to try something a bit different, and maybe put to use something at the back of the stock bench or grow on bed that has been a problem plant, “loitering without a purpose”?

Great excuse to hunt for a suitable rock – you’ve got to love a rock hunt!

Just my ,

Jan

What about a "best from the worst" comp where you take the ugliest looking starter and turn it into a great looking bonsai in 12 - 18 months ?

Hi all,

How about a mame progression too? From what I understand, it is more of a keep to yourself type of style, and rarely do they come out other than a " how cool does this look " topic? Would be possible to run a few contests at the same time? As jan and bougyfan's ideas are excellent too!!!!

Jason

most artistic landscape piece?

How about a nursery stock styling comp? Open to any "non bonsai" (already styled) stock that can be purchased at any nursery.
Should include pic of receipt to show the plant was purchased during the comp dates.
, any size, style etc. 12 month duration? Perhaps different categories based on price? Could encourage a lot of newer members/bonsaiers?

Waiting for the promised (?) extended shohin competition.

Additional to that: windswept/windblown from raw material. Very hard to do properly. A sensational style, not seen often enough.

Lisa

I always look forward to the annual native awards so maybe a long term competition for the best native bonsai from raw stock, nursery or collected in any size.

Isitangus wrote:How about a nursery stock styling comp? Open to any "non bonsai" (already styled) stock that can be purchased at any nursery.
Should include pic of receipt to show the plant was purchased during the comp dates.
, any size, style etc. 12 month duration? Perhaps different categories based on price? Could encourage a lot of newer members/bonsaiers?

This is one I like the most of other's suggestions, I agree it would encourage newer growers but it could also be an interesting for some more experienced who usually skip that for older bonsai stock or collected trees.

Bougy Fan wrote:What about a "best from the worst" comp where you take the ugliest looking starter and turn it into a great looking bonsai in 12 - 18 months ?

Another fave idea..."One mans trash..." I certainly have lots of trash that could do with an inspiration

Fattest air layer comp... Who can layer a beast!

How about best bonsai in all 6 catagories
That we have here on the forum ...pine,juniper,
Deciduous ,flowering,shohin ,evergreen ect.
That way all are covered then out best out of
Each catagorie compete for top prize ( trip to Japan )

From unstyled stock to bonsai

how about each contestant pays an amount, which covers a pre-bonsai stock plant, postage, beer for the organiser and some left for a prize. Then the organiser gets a local bonsai nursery to send each contestant the same type of tree, and we see who can win best bonsai (ie following the rules of bonsai) and most creative tree after a year... the prize could be a pot commissioned from an aussie potter... ? It would have to be a tree that could be grown successfully in all aussie climates... so maybe a trident maple or chinese elm??

Syzigium, Lepto, Melaleuca, ?
Since I am reading this post I may as well add my
I like the 6 category suggestion and also the most impressive landscape piece.
Even best ROR is a good suggestion.
Making a comp out of a style is a good idea.
Ok, I should go to sleep

Guy wrote:I've heard that formal uprights are a real test of ability but are they common enough to have a comp

Totally up for this one!