2026 contest ideas?

[Hartinez]

In all the years I’ve been on here Ive never done a contest.

@Ruddigger I’m starting a raft. I have the perfect tree. Wether there is a Contest or not.

 

[Ruddigger]

In all the years I’ve been on here Ive never done a contest.

@Ruddigger I’m starting a raft. I have the perfect tree. Wether there is a Contest or not.

They’re a good way to make something cool out of bad material.

 

[Potawatomi13]

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

Either or both. But in the end the best styled of the tree whatever it be. I happen to have a Pawlonia that sprouted in an empty pot last year but don't know what to do with it. Surely not Bonsai.

 

[leatherback]

Raft context then?

Once we agree on the details I will ask @Bonsai Nut to set up a contest section and we can publish the rules there. Once the rules are published the contest opens.

How about these basic participation rules:

• To keep it accessable to all: Any starter material / species / origin allowed, including seed, airlayer purchased and collected material, as long as it is not clearly set up as raft bonsai.
  • aim is to show what can be done with normally sub-part trees
  • Special focus on being creative and original
• Keep it fun: no trees of over 100 USD
• Aim is to learn together, so document the key steps as much as wanted but as a minimum the material at the start, with annual updates
• Start anywhere between October 2025/2026
• Tally at the end of the 2030 growing season in northern hemisphere [does this do justice to Southern hemisphere growers or Is the growing season there too far to start?]
• For fun and virtual stickers of accomplisment, and who knows whether we decide upon an additional price for the winner in 2030.
• Thread naming convention [username] [species] Raft contest

What do we understand when we say raft:

• A main trunk has fallen over, and may sits on the ground, and may have rooted in multiple spots
• Multiple trunks come up from the one fallen over, each developed as a small tree
• Crowns may have fused into one canopy, like a forest-style

As an example:


Beech raft by Tony Tickle


Creative interpretation. Unknown owner / artist

 

[Lara_Ericacious]

may have rooted in multiple spots

Is rooting usually considered a requirement for a raft? I will try with pinus sylvestris but I've seen layering of pines to take up to 10 years or so.

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

How about these basic participation rules:

Not that I don’t trust my fellow humans but, should we include some sort of “proof of start date” (receipt(s), time stamp…etc.)?

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

I think it would be nice if we have a few different options for a new contest.

Some mame contest ideas:
- 5-years mame juniper (shimpaku) bonsai from a rooted cutting
- 5-years mame chinese elm bonsai from a rooted cutting

 

[KateM]

So, I tried to create a new contest tread for the raft context and did not come out right. I used rules posted here by @leatherback
It is not set up as thread other users can open another thread under. I must be doing something wrong or don't have a right permissions to do so...
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/the-2025-26-raft-5-year-contest.70116/
Seems a shame to bother @Bonsai Nut as he is busy with our forum redo, but it needs to be deleted...

 

[BrightsideB]

I like this idea. It leaves a lot of room for people to suprise and use some creativity with specie, size, and aesthetics.

 

[Masi]

What about a "hopeless species" contest? Making bonsai out of trees that have poor root development, massive leaves, minimal rammification or other challanges.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I must be doing something wrong or don't have a right permissions to do so...

You do not have the permission to set up a new forum - which is as intended. I want people to sort out the details of their contests, and once they are ready, I will create the forum (which is easy for me to do on my end).

 

[KateM]

So, here we go...
https://www.bonsainut.com/forums/the-2025-26-raft-5-year-contest.95/
2025/25 Raft 5 Year Contest is open for entries.
Thank you @Bonsai Nut
I used rules defined by @leatherback - they are straightforward and easy to follow.
I thought a good amount of people here were interested in a RAFT contest. Please submit your entries when ready.
Any other proposed contests will have to be defined separately.
Rejoice, rafters!

 

[leatherback]

So, here we go...
https://www.bonsainut.com/forums/the-2025-26-raft-5-year-contest.95/
2025/25 Raft 5 Year Contest is open for entries.
Thank you @Bonsai Nut
I used rules defined by @leatherback - they are straightforward and easy to follow.
I thought a good amount of people here were interested in a RAFT contest. Please submit your entries when ready.
Any other proposed contests will have to be defined separately.
Rejoice, rafters!

Can I say I find it a little odd that I start a thread about starting a new contest and then even, as I am developing the set of rule, you just take over and start it ?

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

Can I say I find it a little odd that I start a thread about starting a new contest and then even, as I am developing the set of rule, you just take over and start it ?

That's what I thought aswell.

 

[KateM]

Can I say I find it a little odd that I start a thread about starting a new contest and then even, as I am developing the set of rule, you just take over and start it ?

Dear @leatherback,
I am very sorry. I had no intention to offend you in any way.
This morning when I decided to take a bull by the horns so to speak, I did not even realize you are the one who started this thread.
I've seen these "let's start a context threads" going on and on, and eventually petering off without a context started...
I give you full credit for the rules. Let me know what you would like me to do. We can scrap it and start over.
Respectfully, Kate.

 

[BrightsideB]

I like were this one is going. I think more time to make sure people are on board is good and sorting out the rules. But I like the fact this one doesn’t have a lot of rules. Just a particular style. It seems to make for a higher quality contest. As well as more intriguing. Plus potentially more people involved.

 

[eplov90]

Great idea. I would participate in both a raft and mame contest as long as JMs or Trident maples are allowed.

I will probably try both of those things years regardless of the thread but would prefer to do it and track progress with others in the community here.

 

[PA_Penjing]

Sweet, it’ll be my first contest if I can find material

 

[Michael P]

OK, I am confused. Is the raft contest on or not?

 

[Gabler]

OK, I am confused. Is the raft contest on or not?

The 2025/26 Raft 5 Year Contest

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