Myrtleford 2019

[shibui]

Yesterday was the day. The annual showdown between Shibui and Alpine Art. I wasn't sure whether Ian would make it this year as he's been plagued by health issues but when I arrived the tables were dressed and trees on display so we had a show
Our corner was a bit dark but the ever resourceful Ian went home and came back with a large LED fluoro light which we hung from the ceiling - problem solved

Overview of the display

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Shohin and flowering sections

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Cascades - Ian's cedar took the prize in that section.

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A strong field of single trunk trees. Ian's big phoenix graft juniper was awarded first place.

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Multi trunk/forest and native sections. The waterswept callistemon took the native prize and the larger trident group - lower right - got first for the multi trunk class. Another 2 for me

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There's only the 2 of us exhibiting but the display does attract a lot of interest and we get to talk to lots of people about bonsai. That's what it is really about - spreading the word and introducing more people to our passion.
Huge thanks to Ian for making a great effort despite all the current health problems. well done mate

[Gregoryg]

Awesome trees guys well done

[Ryceman3]

Congrats to you both for putting on such a great display... imagine if there was 3 or more of you, you’d need a new venue - with lighting!!
Hope Alpine is up and about and posting again when he’s up to it soon... I miss his posts, nobody does “boots and all” better than him. When you’re ready Alpine!

Once again, great display you two. The bonsai “dynamic duo”... wait a minute... shouldn’t Matthew be in there too? Maybe there will be a bigger venue next year!

[Greg F]

Neil and Ian your efforts are most appreciated. The display was great and I only wish I had more time to look longer and chat more but will catch up again soon. My daughter loved the trident forest the best but too many for to choose a favorite.

Cheers
Greg

[Ryceman3]

@Greg F... 4th member!!

[boom64]

Well done guys ,great ambassadors for Bonsai. The Native scene looks spot on. John.

[MJL]

This thread made me smile and chuckle. Lots.

Bill and Ben the Bonsai Men coming together for their annual show... deciding it would be better if people could actually see the trees so whipping home for some lighting. If Ian's health returns - I am sure there's a TV show somewhere ... if not Bill and Ben perhaps another take ... Two Hairy Bonsai Blokes Hit The Road. (Hard to carry bonsai on a motor bike though.)

Great stuff and ripping trees. Cheers for the post.

To be serious for a bit... Ian, I hope you return to health and have a better 2020 (I'm with R3, I miss your posts.) and Neil your unending support of this forum via your expertise is greatly appreciated.

[shibui]

Thanks for all the support guys. As I said, we both love to do it which actually makes it good fun (mostly)

The Native scene looks spot on. John.

Several passers by also noticed that and we talked about telling a story with the rocks and trees. the red rock and gravel make it look quite outback. It really does look like a central Aus scene. The trees are actually melaleucas but the trunk, bark, leaf size and styling are very reminiscent of eucs. Not sure whether you can really get the full sense of scale from the photo. That group is huge. The silly bugger actually carried it in by himself, dodgy shoulders and all At least he let me help carry it back out to the trailer after.

Two Hairy Bonsai Blokes Hit The Road. (Hard to carry bonsai on a motor bike though.)

I believe it was foolery on a motor bike years ago that originally set off some of Ian's current problems. Doubt he'll be allowed to do it again and I'm just not quite that foolish. Note that Ian's trees travel to and from in an open trailer. He reckons that 60 kph wind is not quite enough to blow the leaves off them.

There's still plenty of space on the bench for a few more trees so anyone else is welcome to contribute next year. I'm hoping to convince the show committee to add a novice class to encourage a few new entries........

[kcpoole]

Well done guys and good to see you both hard at it

Ken

[melbrackstone]

That is a very impressive display from only two people! I know of clubs that struggle to get that many trees from nearly a hundred! Huge congratulations to you both, and hope that you're on the upswing with your health Ian!

[Boics]

Some wonderful tree's here guys!

I'd love to see that Kunzea a little closer?

[Matthew]

Glad to see Ian is still kicking around. The man has certainly had his share of illness. Great trees . top tree right next to Ian's cedar has a nice trunk line. Looks like some fruiting tree?
I need to get myself there , maybe give you two a run for your money

[shibui]

The single trunk tree to the right of the cascade cedar is also Ian’s.
He thought it was an ornamental grape but I think it is Akebia quinata - chocolate vine.

Some of your trees would be very welcome next year Matthew.

[pjames]

Well done shibui and alpineart. I would love to join next year but my trees are not in that level yet. I hope I can visit the next show.

[Ryceman3]

Well done shibui and alpineart. I would love to join next year but my trees are not in that level yet. I hope I can visit the next show.

... I’ve seen some of your trees pjames, you’re good to go, that makes 5... we’re building up to the dirty (half) dozen here folks!