leatherback
The Treedeemer
Background: In 2019 I managed to bluff my way through the German Bonsai Price styling competition. and as a result, I was asked to do a demonstration at the next German national show. That was supposed to happen in 2020. But.. well. 2020 happened. And also 2021 saw the show cancelled. Now it is taking place in 2022. But this happens to coincide with the European show, EBA. The organization has now invited me to give 2 demos during that weekend. I obviously accepted, as it is a chance I might not get so easily again.
The question now is.. How does one prepare for one of there? I have one tree that I will bring, it is a yamadori pine from Sweden, which still sits at the place of purchase; They will bring it to the other side of Germany, as my car is on the small side. For the second demo, they have a yamadori taxus cuspidata, Japan import. This tree I have received a few pictures, but have not seen in person. It is currently near the show location, about 7 hour drive away. So not an easy, lets pop over to have a look at it.
For all of you who do demonstrations to groups of people.. How should one prepare for these demonstrations? I understand I might bring someone with me to help on stage. On the other hand, that means relying on the skills of another person in e.g., wiring to get a decent result.
What should I do. Should I clean up the pine beforehand? Removing old needles? Or is the "wow effect" bigger when you start with a big mass of needles? Should I take a trip this summer to prepare the taxus, reducing branches, get backbudding and dense masses of foliage next year?
So yeah.. How would you handle the prep for this? And maybe as a nugget on top: What makes a good demonstration. What to do, and what not?
Needless to say, this will be my first demonstration on a major show.
The question now is.. How does one prepare for one of there? I have one tree that I will bring, it is a yamadori pine from Sweden, which still sits at the place of purchase; They will bring it to the other side of Germany, as my car is on the small side. For the second demo, they have a yamadori taxus cuspidata, Japan import. This tree I have received a few pictures, but have not seen in person. It is currently near the show location, about 7 hour drive away. So not an easy, lets pop over to have a look at it.
For all of you who do demonstrations to groups of people.. How should one prepare for these demonstrations? I understand I might bring someone with me to help on stage. On the other hand, that means relying on the skills of another person in e.g., wiring to get a decent result.
What should I do. Should I clean up the pine beforehand? Removing old needles? Or is the "wow effect" bigger when you start with a big mass of needles? Should I take a trip this summer to prepare the taxus, reducing branches, get backbudding and dense masses of foliage next year?
So yeah.. How would you handle the prep for this? And maybe as a nugget on top: What makes a good demonstration. What to do, and what not?
Needless to say, this will be my first demonstration on a major show.