The Greater Louisville Bonsai Society annual Spring Show at Yew Dell Gardens is coming up later this month. This got me thinking about the chores involved with getting trees ready for display. I’ve put together this checklist for easy reference.
☑ Neat Wiring – Branches should be wired neatly so that the wire does not distract the eye. Wire should start, end, and cross towards the back of the tree. Loops should be evenly spaced and firm against the branch.
☑ Arrange Branches – Branches should be arranged in a natural and pleasing shape. Foliage pads should be clearly defined and neatly spaced.
☑ Clean Soil – This may be obvious to some, but the soil needs to be clean of weeds and other debris. Fallen leaves, needles, and flowers should be removed. A suitable top dressing should be applied. Top dressing can consist of fine moss and fine akadama particles.
☑ Clean Pots – Make sure the pot has been cleaned of dirt and water deposits. A light coating of walnut oil on unglazed pots adds a nice touch to make the pot more presentable.
☑ Bonsai Stands – Multiple stands should be available to choose from. Matching the correct stand to tree based on height, style, color dramatically improves the overall composition.
☑ Accent – An accent plant or companion stone should be added to complete the scene. These should be matched to the native environments of the trees. Alpine flowers can be shown with trees that are native to high altitudes. Field grasses and small stones representing distant mountains can be used to compliment lower lying species.
Are there any tasks that you find essential? How do you prepare for a show? Feel free to give feedback on how to improve the checklist.
