NATURAL Bonsai Progression Competition

[Rory]

Hahahah.

Are you guys being serious?

If people want to extend it, I don’t mind.

After all, it’s about the love of native bonsai.

I’m happy to extend it till say the end of April 2022
In hindsight it was dumb to end it just before the growing period really heats up.

So…. Let me know guys. I’m happy to extend it till April 2022 if enough people want?

[Beano]

I’m happy to! Will accept either decision as final though.


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[MJL]

Of course - I was joking - if the class clowns need an extension - no drama my end at all. It’s all good fun… I’ll still submit photos at the end of October … and in April, if extended. I’m loving these entries so they are not going anywhere.

As with the Comp I am running - A Forest Tale - a few guidelines but hardly rules - we’re all here to have a laugh and learn. Whatever the judge decides, I’ll be happy too.


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[Sno]

It’s ok , half the fun is seeing what can be achieved in a certain time frame . I like the idea of continuing it after this times up though . It gives us ‘clowns ( emoji of me blowing a raspberry ! ) ) a chance to redeem ourselves . I just have to find something to give my trees an edge . I saw someone use a cement mixer recently maybe I could try that .

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

I saw someone use a cement mixer recently maybe I could try that .

don't make me come slap you!

[Ryceman3]

I’m good to go with whatever the consensus is, personally I’ve been aiming for the original date as outlined but if there is an extension then I’ll work to that. Ultimately the decision is yours Rory … your comp, your rules!
Either way though it would be good to know since it will probably affect what work/direction I put into a couple of the trees in the coming week or so.
I assume an update photo would then be required instead of a final submission if the end date does get thrown off??

[Rory]

Okay....

There is no requirement to update a photo this period if you don't want to.

The final deadline is now extended to 30.04.2022

Have fun, and we'll all eagerly await what will hopefully be a strong growing season ahead, and hopefully covid will be behind us.

Take this opportunity and add some slow release fertilizer to your bonsai entries, as the continuous rain forecast for the next few months will probably give it a boost of energy. If you've cut back all foliage to promote new smaller foliage, take note of how long it takes before you see the new growth appear, so in March/April next year you'll get a fair idea of how long you need to leave it before you attempt the same.

I apologize if some people would rather not wait, but if you have already potted up your tree into a bonsai pot, then the next 6 months will increase the likelihood that it produces must shorter internodes and smaller foliage. So hopefully it will make your tree even more beautiful by April, and will give you a leg up on those that do nothing for another 4 months or so.

Remember, there are some very expensive pots up for this competition, so the winning entries will be well rewarded.

[Sno]

I wish I had known to ask for an extension when I was at school it would have saved my fingers a lot of pain . I don’t know if another summer will help me to much . I am going to pot mine up into bigger pots to try and kickstart them into doing something . I hope everyone posts there trees up by the end of this month I for one would really like see how everyone did .

[terryb]

Agree, would be nice to see some progressions and future plans.

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

Like Baldtwitlion has just posted - I will stick to the original finishing date to, as my little dwarf is just coming into flowering stage now.
I don't mind if others wish to finish later though.

Hope this is OK Rory?

[boom64]

Hi Rory , hope you dont mind but like K.C.R. i have timed mine to finish now .I will post up soon , more than happy to see the comp end on the new date . Cheers John.

[Rory]

All good guys.

No problems. Enjoy whatever option you choose.

[Rory]

I hope everyone is well. Please take note of the final update:
30 April 2022

Please include a clear photo of your tree with each update, preferably with a plain background or something that makes the tree identifiable, like a plain fence or wall.
Please include a description of what the experience has been for your attempt with natives.

Reminder: Its about what looks most Natural.

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 months or so 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)

[MJL]

I’ll be trimming my gums and these other arrangements soon - near the end on Feb or 1st week of March. It’s been a fun and insightful comp.





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[Rory]

Please take note of the final update:
30 April 2022

Please include a clear photo of your tree with each update, preferably with a plain background or something that makes the tree identifiable, like a plain fence or wall.
Please include a description of what the experience has been for your attempt with natives.

Reminder: Its about what looks most Natural.

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 months or so 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)