New comp, anyone?

[Promethius]

I think we’re overdue for a new comp. What would everyone be interested in?

1) Eucalyptus from seed in 6 years - If a world-beating shohin JBP can be grown on a Melbourne rooftop in 5-and-a-half years, imagine what a tree native to our climate could look like!

2) As for 1, but open to other natives, maybe specifically as a shohin contest or even a native literati contest (yes, it’s been done, but that was 15 years ago)

3) Radiata from stock - create the most refined radiata pine you can in x years. Maybe as a shohin, for the challenge. A comp might consolidate some knowledge and spark interest in a pine species that lacks the worldwide popularity of some alternatives, but which has a lot of potential.

Any other ideas? I’ll start a poll in a few days to find the most popular option before considering any further steps.

[TimS]

I think the main question is are there enough active members left on the site willing to commit the time to it. The forum is pretty much dead these days to be quite frank.

The forest comp kind of fizzled out there at the end sadly

[shibui]

I think we’re overdue for a new comp. What would everyone be interested in?

I'd say go for it.
You'll need to define the subject, timeline and rules and decide what we are playing for - actual prizes or just notoriety.
Hopefully there's enough members still checking in to get a few starters.

[Ryceman3]

Yeah, I am all for it too.
TimS isn't wrong but maybe a comp is what is needed to revive the forum interaction??
I have enjoyed the contests that have happened over the years.

I don't really mind what the rules/guidelines etc are so long as they are set out clearly from the beginning. Starting with stock can be problematic in terms of defining what is acceptable as an entry, so "from seed" helps to simplify this but can possibly put some people off. Keeping it general (eg: natives from seed rather than just eucalypts specifically) I think also helps get more people in.
Anyhow ... these are just points to think about when coming up with a final concept, do whatever you want however you want in the end ... it's your competition!
Just a small warning as someone who has run a competition, expect it to be a little more work than you bargained for, particularly in the initial stages and at final submission. Just a "heads up" as opposed to a reason not to go ahead with it.

In terms of something to play for, I think that is an obvious way to encourage entries. If it helps I can offer a few pieces of stock/trees that you can put into the prize pool however you see fit.

[DaveZ]

I don't post much, but I read a lot. I'd be interested in a comp just for fun. Native from seed would be cool, but if you're worried about that turning people off you could stipulate a start from tubestock maybe? Pretty sure we would all have a Landcare nursery or similar nearby, or could get tubestock plants sent through the post. I think I can squeeze a few more plants on to my benches

[Patmet]

I'd be interested to participate in something. I think these comps are a good way to build engagement and learn a lot.

[olicreighton]

I've recently gone through all the old competitions and have loved seeing the developments.

Count me in.

[Keels]

I'm in. This forum needs boosting. It's been dead in the water for so long.

Open up the comp to just more than eucalypts but every native. Try different styles like exposed root or root over rock. Pick something we haven't seen much of when it comes to native bonsai.

[HarleyD]

I’d be keen! My vote would be for eucalyptus from seed as I’ve been working on this already over the last couple of years

[olicreighton]

I vote for option #2 - native shohin, mostly because I have some teatree tube stock that would be perfect

[Kedron Brook]

I'd like to have a go. I vote for tubestock over seed. Although I'm likely to move house twice in the next 5 years, I'm pretty confident this will be a lifelong hobby for me and will be an active-ish member here. Further, working 'with' the other competitors ought to be more informative than the blind experiments I am doing with Callitris tubestock at the moment.

[Promethius]

Thanks all for the interest. This forum is a trove of knowledge and I hope a competition might entice quiet readers to post a bit more. A competition will also allow some newer members (myself included) to participate in their first AusBonsai competition.

I've been in contact with a commercial bonsai pot maker to get a cost estimate for a custom pot for the eventual winner, which I'd be happy to cover provided inflation hasn't rendered me homeless in 6y; if anyone else is interested to pitch in to contribute to the main prize or maybe for 2nd/3rd prizes (even with a self-made pot - we've got some great amateur potters here), please send me a PM.

There have been some great suggestions but for now let’s keep it simple. I’m going to unashamedly retract my promise to hold a poll and will go with option 2, based on selective attention to advice given advice / its apparent popularity / a vague gut feeling. Rules to follow in the next few days!

[legoman_iac]

Be keen to see the rules, requirements, etc ... might be able to partake. Been playing with banskia and callistemon lately, but keen for eucalyptus too!

[Promethius]

The comp is live!

Rules:
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/forum/view ... 41#p303841

Discussion thread:
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/forum/view ... 42#p303842

Hope to see everyone's entries soon!

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

For further interest - I'll run another (short term) Comp to coincide with this one - details will be uploaded shortly.