Which bonsai rule/guideline irks you the most?

[DavidWilloughby]

Good thread Mr Bowie,

I have never thought there were any rules to adhere too and its only ones imagination that limits us.

Cheers

David

[Pup]

When I am told, but the rules say.

Also when we are told only jin and shari on junipers, no uro, when you see magnificent old trees hollowed out.

Cheers Pup

[irish]

G'day

As a beginner, I am still learning the rules.

I see rules, as guide lines...

If I had one it would be the placement of branches, as most of my Bonsai will be natives try placing Rules,for branches on say a river red gum!

Regards.
Irish.

[Newbie.mia]

The thing that annoys me most isn't the rules but more the attitudes of SOME artists toward newbies who want to try something different.

[Isitangus]

The rules that say: No more trees; You do not need that pot; Do not repot in the living room.

At least those are the ones I encounter most often.

I second that!!!
I think the mere fact this discussion is on here should be applauded-lets be honest this forum is chockas full of bonsai "masters/experts/great forward thinkers" and to have them support a forward way of progressing bonsai in Australia is fantastic. I for one don't practice bonsai in Japan so don't follow their rules. My trees are for my enjoyment = my rules!

[squizzy]

i don't think that any of the rules bother me.

main reason is i don't follow any of them now. That's possibly why half my trees look average but i love all of them just the same. My theory is get get on here and see what others have done with there trees and others in books and google and so on, try to understand what does or doesn't make it work and use that understanding to style my trees.
It may not work for everyone but I am happy with the results i get from it.

Squizz

[squizzy]

Shane, if i for one second thought it was a good idea to pot up in the lounge room I would probably be out the next day finding a replacement tree.

squizz

[Ray M]

Hi Grant,
Thanks for the thread. I am very pleased to see so many people expressing their objection to hard and fast rules. When I attend a bonsai exhibition I don't even take into consideration the "RULES". The trees that attract me are the ones that I enjoy the artistic flair. As has been alluded to are "OUR AUSTRALIAN NATIVES". Some of these trees react very differently than exotics. We need to make these trees look like Australian natives. One other point is that this is a living art form. As with all art there will be those who like and enjoy something, and to others, they wont respond the same way to the same tree. Imagine how boring it would be if we all did the same thing.

Regards Ray

[Grant Bowie]

All excellent thoughts.

Another one you still hear is "use half strength fertilizer". There are times you may choose too but it should not be propagated as a course to follow.

And of course what NPK, what part of the season, which plant etc etc etc.

And Natives. Ah; I love them and they are a totally different game to other plants.



grant

[alpineart]

I am now retired and only frequent the NBPCA as a volunteer; starting this Thursday.

I also agree about rules; what rules. I hope everyone loosens up.

grant[/quote]

Retired , now where have i heard that before .I liked your handy work with the timber display stands , as much as your work on bonsai . With Bonsai in your veins i don't think there will ever be retirement , no rules in retirement either .

All the best . Cheers Alpine

[Dario]

It surprises and confuses me when I hear, "that's not how it grows in nature...".
The current trend is for more naturally styled trees, and that is great!
Personally I treat my trees on a case by case basis. I design and style each tree based on how I think that particular tree will look its best utilising its features and my vision of what I can see that tree becoming (that may change over time). Some trees I attempt to style classically, others naturally and some in a more free form artistic way. I see merit and enjoy all of these broad categories/genres.
That is not to say that I like all trees though, as it is subjective and some trees just don't look good to me.
So, a twin trunk tree that has the second trunk not at ground level? if it is done well and is a credible image that holds my interest:yes:
A multi trunk with some trunks that cross each other? if it is done well and it is a credible image that holds my interest
A trunk with no taper? "..."
A super tall straight trunk with a ratio of 30:1? "...":yes:
A deciduous tree with all the branches pulled down like a pine? "...":yes:
A native that is not styled naturally? "..."
An artistically designed deciduous tree that has twists and turns and shari? "..."
A broadleaf tree that is styled naturally exhibiting dead wood and a hollowed trunk? "..."
etc, etc...
Cheers, Dario.

[Graeme]

Mr Bowie, you Sir are a trouble maker!! If there were no rules and if I didn't slaveshly follow them, as I do , then how could all those expert Bonsai Masters, who obviously know it all, criticise any of my trees when (and if) they see them? You've heard them all. Like, "Look at that, the main branch is near the top of the tree", or, "Wow, the fool has put the first branch at the back of the tree", or the classic, "This idiot has put both the first and the second branch on the same side of the tree". How about, "What is it? Can't be a twin trunk, the secondary trunk is to high up!!" My personal fav (or one of them anyhow), "Look, look at this will you!!! There are 4,count them, 4 trees in this group setting!!!

No Mr Bowie, I fear you are indeed a trouble maker of the highest order. , but isn't retirement great? Are you ready to go back to work yet? You know, so you get some time off to do "your stuff".

[Damian Bee]

The one about wiring everything

[Shane]

The rules that say: No more trees; You do not need that pot; Do not repot in the living room.

Well heck, since posting this, all of these rules have been broken. I've been given two more trees, bought a few starters; my wife has bought me pots she liked and I've bought a beauty; and last night I potted up two new projects in the living room thanks to a large container to do the work in. Not a spot on the floor. Now it's 'Don't come to bed so late'

bonsai was meant to keep me away from the computer

[Brian]

well you guys can say that, but with respect you are ignorant of a few hundred years of the art of bonsai. I am old school and follow the rules
Glazed pots for pines is a no no in my book. Also the placement of tree should not be planted dead centre in the pot, perhaps a little to the left or right is the way to go. And of course a bit to the rear of the pot with a 5 % lean to the front is what I subscribe to as good bonsai rules. This is John Naka and Koroeshoff teachings which I respect and follow for the last 28 years.

Sorry but with respect, I would regard bending these basic rules as amateurish .