2015 Bonsai Nut Spring Box Store Challenge Kickoff

Limited to one entry per person?
Sorry, this question got lost in the other debate. There is nothing that states you can't enter more than one tree but the intent is there. Unless anyone else thinks differently, only one tree per participant may be entered.
 
  1. :(my out of the box choice...is not in the greenhouses. They are trying to order some in...but are having trouble with their orders do to weather related issues. I sure hope I can locate one...if not...I will have to go with my #2 want list option. :oops: Something I wanted anyways...but not as much as the wow I was hoping for.
 
  1. :(my out of the box choice...is not in the greenhouses. They are trying to order some in...but are having trouble with their orders do to weather related issues. I sure hope I can locate one...if not...I will have to go with my #2 want list option. :oops: Something I wanted anyways...but not as much as the wow I was hoping for.
I don't wish to "like" a sad face so I'll comment instead. There, I just did. o_O
 
It's okay...doesn't mean I can't do it another time...just really want to go with my out of the box entire plan.

It's honestly okay...since the contest runs until May 1st...it gives me time to see if they can get it in. I still plan on doing that thought process at some point. ;) Even if it doesn't make the contest.
 
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I've had a few questions about multiple entries so I'd like to clarify. Once you place a tree in the "Entries Thread" it may be withdrawn and you can enter a different tree in the thread as long as it's before the May 1st deadline. You can do this as many times as you wish. However, once you email your "Completed Work" to BSCEntries@gmail.com then that's it, no do-overs. Only one finished tree per participant may be emailed for judging purposes. Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
I've had a few questions about multiple entries so I'd like to clarify. Once you place a tree in the "Entries Thread" it may be withdrawn and you can enter a different tree in the thread as long as it's before the May 1st deadline. You can do this as many times as you wish. However, once you email your "Completed Work" to BSCEntries@gmail.com then that's it, no do-overs. Only one finished tree per participant may be emailed for judging purposes. Please let me know if you have any questions.
But doesn't the finished work need to be completes 14 days after it's been accepted? So within 14 days...window of opportunity if you find something you deem better material you need to withdrawal your photo if the other option was accepted. Then you have 14 days from the new material to submit then. Is this correct...am I following along on the right train of thought?
 
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But doesn't the finished work need to be completes 14 days after it's been accepted? So within 14 days...window of opportunity if you find something you deem better material you need to withdrawal your photo if the other option was accepted. Then you have 14 days from the new material to submit then. Is this correct...am I following along on the right train of thought?
You're correct on all points.
 
But doesn't the finished work need to be completes 14 days after it's been accepted? So within 14 days...window of opportunity if you find something you deem better material you need to withdrawal your photo if the other option was accepted. Then you have 14 days from the new material to submit then. Is this correct...am I following along on the right train of thought?
I just want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to submit their best work for Mr. Pall to judge and critique.
 
I just want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to submit their best work for Mr. Pall to judge and critique.
I've no problem with it...just wanted to make sure my gerbil of a brain...grasp what you were saying. ;) he must have been doing great on that wheel of his then. Thanks for the clarification.
 
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Saturday I am off to the nursery!
They usually carry smaller sized pots, like 1Gallon, but I am all up for some Walter Pall advice!!
And... I am spending 30 grand of monopoly money... or chilean pesos! :P

I was thinking cotoneaster or pyracantha or an azalea... just to make sure, am I trying to make a huge amount of progress almost instant bonsai sorta styling, or can it be a more intermediate styling thinking in 3 years or so??
 
Saturday I am off to the nursery!
They usually carry smaller sized pots, like 1Gallon, but I am all up for some Walter Pall advice!!
And... I am spending 30 grand of monopoly money... or chilean pesos! :p

I was thinking cotoneaster or pyracantha or an azalea... just to make sure, am I trying to make a huge amount of progress almost instant bonsai sorta styling, or can it be a more intermediate styling thinking in 3 years or so??
Max,

I think the best answer is a little of both. Let's say if you buy a shrub that already looks like an oak tree and you trim the top to give it more shape, expose a little nebari and cut one branch off chances are Mr. Pall wouldn't give as much credit as someone that has done much more. For example they wire it for shape, remove selected branches that allow for future development and change the planting angle to create a more tree-like image. To quote Mr. Pall:

"The idea is to do with the material whatever you think can and should be done at one time.

If you think it should look like a bonsai, then do so. If you think it should look like a tree, do so. Do whatever you would do for yourself if there were no judging. Some folks will think that the best thing is to do naturalistic styling because I am judging. Do this only if that's your style anyway. If not, it will show.


I will judge the outcome as art. Craft is part of it, but not everything. If a tree follows all the 'rules' but has no soul it will not do well. I will judge according to level of experience. The more advanced the more I will look for individual artistic expression. Beginners should tend more to do it 'right' and show that they have learned to master the craft".

If Mr. Pall feels differently, I'm sure he'll chime in. I hope that helps.
 
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I think you should create art regardless of whether you have to do a little to the tree or a lot. Part of making good bonsai is in recognizing possibilities and it is no sin to utilize the character of the tree you were given or chose. What do you think Yamadori is all about?
 
I was going to work on my tree today or this weekend, but it's supposed to be in the 90's here (!), so I'll wait until next week.

The purpose is to have fun and enjoy oneself. If we start taking this too seriously, I don't think it will accomplish what we are setting out to do.
 
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Just made it back!!
I got un arrayán
Max, it qualifies but per the rules we need a photo of the nursery and receipt. Can you post them? This challenge is getting more interesting with every entry. Can't wait to see what direction you take it.
 
Vin asked me to pose this question in both threads, so pelase understand I am aware this is a duplicate!
I got an azalea today I had never seen before: Kurume "Hershey Orange"?? I am interested to see what the blooms look like.. BUT, here is the issue- if I style within the next 14 days, I will have to remove pretty much every bloom on the tree! Does anyone care if I wait a little longer than the 14 day limit, just so I can see this guy in full "party gear", and give it a chance to calm down a bit after blooming before I attack it? Vin said he was cool with it, but wanted me to pose it to the group before I proceed. This is kind of extenuating circumstances I suppose... I am not gaining any advantage from waiting longer, just want to see the tree in full color! If nobody objects, then I guess I will take that as an OK- Vin said I should post a pic of it blooming to start the ticker on my 14 days.


I actually bought two trees today- here is a pic of both together, the Kurume, my entry is in the foreground, you can view the close up and receipt in the entries thread... The second on is a "Momo No Haru' Satsuki... just a nice small leafed species I did not yet own... DSC00736.JPG
 
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I wanted to get an azalea, but nobody has them right now... nothing over half gallon pots anyway.
 
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