NATURAL Bonsai Progression Competition

[Rory]

The trunks are both under 1cm but I presume will need to pull them apart to show they haven’t joined

That's correct.

[Max]

It's only one trunk, with a random root that has grown where they have either top dressed, watered too vigorously (causing soil to build up on one side). or the moss that was there offered enough moisture for the root to grow. If you like i could take a picture and stick a wire thru the trunk and said root

[Rory]

It's only one trunk, with a random root that has grown where they have either top dressed, watered too vigorously (causing soil to build up on one side). or the moss that was there offered enough moisture for the root to grow. If you like i could take a picture and stick a wire thru the trunk and said root

It is hard to visualise what you mean. You'll need to remove the soil for the photo otherwise it would just be a guess.

[MJL]

More options that may not survive until 31 Jan ...

Hakea, Blackwood and acacia.

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The Hakea Ulicina 3 - with rugged rock submerged- root over rock attempt.

The Blackwood Group .... nothing but homage to my guitar! Blackwood back and sides....


The Acacia Mearnsii - more group wedged in rock crevices - whatever that might be called. [WINKING FACE]

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Bonsai teaches me patience.

[Max]

Hi Rory This is the Emu bush with what looks like 3 roots, i think the soil has compacted down exposing them, so where shall i measure from? cheers mate

[Max]

Oops hahahaha forgot to post the pic in my haste

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[Rory]

Oops hahahaha forgot to post the pic in my haste

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That is a hard one. But I have to say the same as to everyone else:

You will have to measure the diameter where the tree meets the soil. If its bigger than 1cm its not allowed.

[Rory]

I uncoverd some more pots, so there are now 4 pots as prizes in the Judges Choice Awards, as well as the normal 4 pots for the Members Choice Awards.

Update to JUDGES CHOICE AWARDS:

1st Prize: Large Tokoname dragon pot. Sorry can't remember the potter, but I'm happy to post a photo of the signature at the bottom if someone wants to know.

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2nd Prize: Joan handmade beautiful cream oval. She makes lovely unique pots

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3rd Prize: Pat Kennedy freeform pot.

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4th Prize: Penny Davis freeform pot. She makes very wonderfully rugged and natural looking pots among others.

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MEMBERS CHOICE AWARDS:

1st Prize: Large Keishin tokoname bonsai pot. Beautiful texture. The potter Keishin has been honoured as a national treasure in Japan. In my opinion the best Japanese potter. He is retired now and only makes pots occasionally.

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2nd Prize: Pat Kennedy freeform pot from Adelong. Pat is retired but also occasionally makes pots. His pots are a personal favourite of mine.

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3rd Prize: Joan pot from Victoria. Joan makes very unique pots, each one very different and unique. Lovely pots.

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4th Prize: Pat Kennedy crescent moon pot from Adelong. Pat is retired but also occasionally makes pots. His pots are legendary.

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So, the competition will be as follows:

Members Choice Awards:
4 pots voted by the members here

Judges Choice Awards:
4 pots voted by selected experienced members

To allow more people to win pots, you can only win 1 pot from the Members Choice Awards, and 1 pot from the Judges Choice Awards.
So theoretically you could win 2 pots if you are lucky enough and win a place in each Awards.

Example:

The voting results in:
1st place: Member C
2nd place: Member A
3rd place: Member C
4th place: Member D
5th place: Member L

Then the awards will be given as:
1st prize: Member C
2nd prize: Member A
3rd prize: Member D
4th prize: Member L

[Rory]

A few tips for novices:

If you are planning on ground growing stock, I wouldn't leave the trees in the ground for too long, (maybe maximum a year each time), as you run the risk of the ground roots taking off and bypassing energy from the roots close to the trunk and diverting the energy into the deep tap roots. Then when you finally cut the main tap roots, it can die-back right to the base of the trunk or die altogether. This is even more of a problem with Eucalyptus and a few other genus. I usually cut the roots after a year, then place back in ground if you are still wanting more trunk development.

Remember, a natural looking Australian native tree isn't necessarily a thick trunk. Look at a mature tree in the wild and take note of the thickness of the trunk in comparison to the height.
You might be surprised by what trunk looks more natural, rather than a tree with significant taper.

If the tree is in excellent health, cut back the foliage around 2-3 months before the competition ends, so you can take a photo of the new small leaves as they are small and this will enhance the overall illusion of a small tree. You don't have to photograph the tree on the last day, you can do this anytime you are happy with the final product. But if its dead before the closing date, it is disqualified. (honesty is assumed)

Try to choose material this is hardy and forgiving for obvious reasons.

Good luck, and its great to see so many people starting natives.

[melbrackstone]

Very helpful hints there Rory!

[MJL]

Wow! The Keishin pot is magnificent; as is the generosity of putting these pots up as prizes.

Thanks for the tips Rory ....very helpful. I am glad you mentioned taper too. This photo below brings back memories of walks to any back beach on the Mornington Peninsula and ... looking for many, may lost golf balls.... in the tea tree and moonah. Albeit a different species - that's what inspired that Kunzea group that I DQ'd myself on.

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If I can create something like above ... inc. with the rustic warn path, I'll be a happy 'lil bear.

[Max]

so if i cut them off? this is where i need clarification. Shouldn't all entries then be bare rooted to show exact trunk starting point. or am i being pedantic

[Rory]

so if i cut them off? this is where i need clarification. Shouldn't all entries then be bare rooted to show exact trunk starting point. or am i being pedantic

I am sorry but the rules are the same for everyone: where it enters the soil. We all have to trust each others honesty and go with that.

Its just a competition to encourage native trees as bonsai, and get people to start with them and see that they aren't hard to grow.

If you remove the roots, you could say that is part of a repot if you wish, but it would seem a shame if you like the material. I would recommend just acquiring a different tree and keep this one for your own enjoyment.

[Beano]

I have mail preferred some 50mm tube stock so hopefully I’ll have some entries soon. In addition to my red box eucalyptus seedlings I’ve germinated, I’ve ordered 2 eucalyptus cinerea, casuarina Cunninghamiana and a little John. Will see how big they are when they arrive but I think they should be less than 1cm being small tube stock.

[Beano]

Oh rats! Just got an email from the nursery I ordered from - they won’t ship Myrtaceae to SA... quarantine issue... well, failing any trip to A nursery by 31st Jan, I may be entering 5 red box seedlings lol