The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Bonsai Exhibit on April 19 & 20 showed a range of bonsai material and a diversity of approaches to tree styles and exhibition styles. Fresh on the heals of a successful exhibit at the Cow Palace in March BSSF mounted a
delightful display along with 6 other Bay Area clubs and the Collection North. Bonsai shows offer a golden opportunity for the curious student to see mature, groomed trees being shown at their peak. There is much one can learn just by looking and talking to the tree’s owners, many of whom were on site, cheerfully watching over their bonsai. Nearly 2000 visitors came through the exhibit which is a highlight of this annual celebration of Japanese culture.
Many thanks to Eric Schrader for composing the display and to Andrea Burhoe for coordinating a lovely shohin presentation and for sending her eye popping wisteria, a power house of a tree, which greeted visitors at the entrance to the show. Also Tim Kong conducted several informative demos during the course of the show.
I think it is important for members to understand the significance of showing a tree, and the preparation which goes into a show.
It goes beyond all the horticultural issues and techniques and goes to the essence of your tree. It is a process by which we focus on the tree, how it presents itself and what measures we can take to bring out the best. These include styling, choice of pot and stand and any accompanying materials such as accent plants, stones or scrolls.
This is all as much a part of bonsai as root pruning, wiring and pruning. Being able to visualize where you see the tree going is important. Imagining your tree in a future show is how you begin to commit to it’s further development. Look at show trees and ask questions about the display then go back to your own trees and imagine them in a show. Look critically at the pot; does it show off the tree to best advantage or can it be improved? What stand will best present your composition? Accents or companion materials that enhance the scene and scale can be considered. The point is, the show is where it all comes together. All your plans and aspiration for your tree come into focus. Think about it.

No Tags