2026 contest ideas?

[BrightsideB]

Why does it have to be a raft?

Why does it have to be bonsai?

 

[leatherback]

Invasive Chinese Elm Rafts?

 

[Jrmcmich]

Invasive Chinese Elm Rafts?

So are these from mallsai sources?

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

How about a fragrant/herbaceous contest? Dill me in.

But seriously, plants like rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, juniper/pine, bay...?

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Invasive Chinese Elm Rafts?

So, we're doing collected invasive Chinese Elm mallsai rafts from seed?

 

[leatherback]

So, we're doing collected invasive Chinese Elm mallsai rafts from seed?

Yes, but only if they are ancient yamadori seeds

 

[minkes]

What about yamadori from seed then??

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Raft seems to be the leader. I'd suggest we allow any species any starters, seed, cutting, layer, collected, purchase. Maybe give a handicap based on which you choose?

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Raft seems to be the leader. I'd suggest we allow any species any starters, seed, cutting, layer, collected, purchase. Maybe give a handicap based on which you choose?

Maybe I don't quite understand what a "raft" style is. I thought it was basically taking a tree and laying it sideways just below the soil surface, as if in nature, when a tree falls, and each branch becomes it's own tree, just all growing originally from the same trunk. I guess my idea of raft style is similar to a forest, but in descending (or ascending) single file instead of a random pattern. So, wouldn't you have to start out with a tree, or at least a significant branch?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Who will tackle the rarest tree in bonsai(or in the world)?

Like rarest tree in the world?
Or rarest species to be used for bonsai?

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Maybe I don't quite understand what a "raft" style is. I thought it was basically taking a tree and laying it sideways just below the soil surface, as if in nature, when a tree falls, and each branch becomes it's own tree, just all growing originally from the same trunk. I guess my idea of raft style is similar to a forest, but in descending (or ascending) single file instead of a random pattern. So, wouldn't you have to start out with a tree, or at least a significant branch?

All trees grow branches, all trees start out as seeds.. hence my handicap comment, if one were to start out with a nicely laid out branch from an existing tree, that's a bit of a head start. If someone starts with a seed, great progress could be made in 5 yrs. I just think the wider tolerance of rules would encourage more people to participate. I'll try to participate whatever is started, it's fun to follow along.

 

[JoeWilson]

How about a fragrant/herbaceous contest? Dill me in.
View attachment 615566
But seriously, plants like rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, juniper/pine, bay...?

Western sagebrush it's your time to shine.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Then you could just keep it at nursery material, pricepoint under a 100, show a receipt for entry.

I also like the raft idea.

I like this. Simple.

 

[KateM]

Raft! Raft! Raft!

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Raft! Raft! Raft!

Whatever floats your boat.

 

[Gabler]

Remember, it's never too late to join the Celtis contest, nor is it really too late to join the Acorn to Oak contest.

 

[BrightsideB]

Raft! Raft! Raft!

Raft raft raft!

 

[doc spring _work]

Ohh I'm in, I'll go collect a Russian olive to raft out. How long do we have to grow our work out?

 

[Cmd5235]

How about something with invasive species? The list would have to vary by area, but on the plus side most invasives grow really well and are hard to kill. They're also pretty easy to find and are often exempt from protection in wild areas.
For example, I could probably find and collect a decent burning bush with a day or two without travelling very far.

Absolutely support this idea.

 

[doc spring _work]

Maybe I'll include some invasive ground covers instead of moss