The Five Year "Native Tree, Native Pot" Challenge!

zanduh said:

I’m going to go with eastern redbud. I have a cheap sapling coming in the next little bit but I would love to get my hands on “Little Woody” or “Ace of Hearts” dwarf cultivars for the more manageable sized leaves. Only place I found with any in stock wanted 350 usd so that’s not happening. Hope others get more in stock in the spring

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HorseloverFat said:

I’m strongly considering ninebark, as well.

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Balbs said:

I don’t know much about the species, but I’m looking forward to learning about it!

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RJG2 said:

I hope to join. I really want to find a collectible pinus rigida, but have only found very large ones... I don't have a pine yet.

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zanduh said:

Welcome to the Five Year "Native Tree, Native Pot" Challenge!

Simply said, this challenge is for you to produce bonsai from trees native to around where you live and to pot them up in a container from your country. The idea for this challenge is to push your creativity and allow you to appreciate and learn more about the species (and artists!) around you. Think outside of the box and have fun with it!

When?: You can start at any time, but your final submissions are due no later than December 31st, 2025.

How do I enter?:
- Please indicate in this thread that you plan on participating. When you have acquired your tree(s) you must also start a thread labeled "(5yr Native Tree Challenge) USERNAME's SPECIES" with the tree(s) you plan to work within the challenge.
- You can work with multiple trees, but only one planting can be submitted as your final display at the end of the challenge. Other trees that you finish will be considered Honorable Mentions.
- You must document progress with photos at least yearly. It is highly recommended that you document any major updates (because it's fun to watch).

Native Tree Rules:
1) The tree species you choose must be native (not introduced by man) to your country and within 200 miles of where you live at the time of submission. (Example: someone from New York cannot choose a Coastal Redwood).
2) Starting trees do not have an age limit, but they should ideally be untrained or a new project. We want to avoid someone submitting or buying a bonsai that's been worked on for the past 10 years.
3) There is no requirement for bonsai size or style or planting (if you want to go Mame or forest the more power to you!)
4) Companion plants are 100% not required. But if you want to extend your challenge, the same native rules apply to your plant and its pot.

Native Pot Rules:
1) Finishing the challenge requires potting the bonsai in a pot/container from your country.
2) You are allowed to make your own pot if you are creatively inclined but this is not required!
3) This container does not have to be a traditional bonsai pot shape but should artfully display your bonsai.
4) Completely natural containers (Rock slabs, Woods) can be used if they are sourced locally.

Spoiler: More Clarification on Native Trees

The following is based on questions from members:
- Your Tree does not have to be unique or endemic to your country.
- The offspring of your non-native trees are not allowed.
- Common does not mean native. A quick google search can tell you what their native range is.
- Invasive species should not be used.
- Cultivars of native species are allowed.
- Hybrids of a native species are allowed.
- Cultivars of non-native species that were discovered in your country are not allowed. (Example: Kingsville Boxwood can't be used in Maryland)
- Bonchi is allowed, if native.

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zanduh said:

You can start at any time, but your final submissions are due no later than December 31st, 2025.

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Bonsai Nut said:

Just going to say, if you can start any time you want, that isn't really a five-year contest, is it? Someone could show up on December 31, 2025 with a tree they bought the 30th and win the entire contest

Perhaps it would be best to require entrees to be posted by 12/31/2021? That at least would require a minimum of four years of development...

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Eckhoffw said:

I got five on it.
‘Burley Blue’ (RMJ)
View attachment 330562View attachment 330563

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File:Juniperus scopulorum range map 4.png - Wikimedia Commons

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Flowerhouse said:

Lovely, but

File:Juniperus scopulorum range map 4.png - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org

are you within 200 miles of its native range?

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Eckhoffw said:

Nope. I will pick something else.
Thanks

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