2019 Canberra Bonsai Society Annual Show

[regwac]

Thanks LLK , got a specific mention ! Graham

[melbrackstone]

Thanks Lisa! Good to see something different!

[Keels]

Great photography Keels . There were some really outstanding trees on display ,the azalea in full flower was breathtaking ,it’s flowering for the show was timed to perfection . Did you get a photo of the Red Pine Literati ,Bunjin ? A very nice tree .

Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of the red pine. I was a little overwhelmed with all the trees in the hall and missed actually getting pictures of other that's where standouts. I think I also missed a big black pine as well.

The picture below of the red pine is from the CBS Facebook page. I wish I got a better picture of it.

[Watto]

Very good exhibition in my opinion, probably the best quality of trees on show I've seen in Australia outside of Melbourne.
I had a few favorites, but two Grevillea's really caught my eye, not only because they were in flower but because they were examples of very good Australian natives as bonsai.

[melbrackstone]

Oh wow, thanks for sharing these Watto!

[LLK]

Watto, there is a Grevillea demonstration on Nov. 2 at the CBS monthly meeting. I think the demonstrator has a PP presentation on the subject. With a bit of luck we might get that.

Lisa

[shibui]

Thanks for posting those grevilleas Watto. I also thought they were exceptional bonsai and the flowers just topped them off.
This year I actually concur with Ash who had the unenviable job of picking 3 best trees. The twin cedars have age, health and style. The smaller Japanese maple is also quite old and a great small tree though i reckon there were many close competitors. It seemed there were less natives on show this year but the tall coast banksia was a standout in the natives.

Not sure which tree picked up the peoples choice as we left before the count concluded.

For those who have not been to Canberra show before there's not just the show trees.
Club sales table was loaded with even more great trees than usual this year with a couple of long term members reducing their stock numbers. This shot is late on Saturday afternoon after most of the stock was gone.

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After a brisk day's trading Shibui Bonsai still had some good trees left for the Sunday crowd.

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Graeme (Regwack) had great unique pots, rocks and collected trees.

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Ash and the boys from Bonsai world had their usual great range of trees, pots and other supplies but they've shut shop early to check out the local watering holes.

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Marg Fenn has carted her pots all the way from Melbourne on the bus/train again this year. I have no idea how she manages to cram all those pots into a couple of suitcases or boxes for the trip!

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Behind Marg's tables, Grant and Margaret Bowie were selling high end Tokonama pots and assorted bonsai supplies - tools, wire, cutpaste, raffia etc.

This year we also had the company of a couple of new vendors.
Samarkand pottery brought down a new range of Aussie pots.

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and Goat hydroponics from Canberra were selling an assortment of supplies suitable for bonsai growers. They have perlite, zeolite and pumice as well as a couple of ready made potting mix blends, a whole range of interesting fertiliser and nutrients and several unique pot options for growing on trees. The rocket pots at the back of the stall are designed to air prune the roots of potted trees but they also had fabric bags and pond baskets as options for growing on trees for bonsai.

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If you haven't been to a Canberra club show you are missing out.
Make a point of getting there next year.

[Keels]

Club sales table was loaded with even more great trees than usual this year with a couple of long term members reducing their stock numbers. This shot is late on Saturday afternoon after most of the stock was gone.

I was manning the club sales table on Saturday when we opened. It was nuts. Some awesome trees were sold.

[Watto]

The peoples choice award went to the Azalea that was in full flower, here is a photo.
I agree with Shibui that the "winning" tree had great age, style & health but I'm not sure it was a winner. The tree obliviously had great bones and has been worked with great skill and vision, however the sheer amount of wire and guy wires and tape on the tree distracted from the overall presentation in my opinion. I think next year it will look even better but this year, mmmmm.
Anyway here are a couple of photos so people can have an opinion of their own.

[MJL]

I can't comment on how trees are awarded in such events; wouldn't have a clue on the criteria. As a learner in this sport, I really like the fact that trees are shown with wires and the other mechanics of Bonsai. This is especially true when the wiring itself is pretty; pretty is perhaps noted right word - but seeing a well wired tree is something to behold in and of itself ... for me.

Again - regardless of formal award categories and criteria, I appreciate any club and individual that is prepared to show their trees 'in work' so to speak. Insightful and great to learn from. Thanks for the photos Watto - this wasn't immediately obvious to me from the first photo and it looks to me like there is some wonderful technique in the wiring and bending of that tree.

[melbrackstone]

I'd love to have seen that Pine before Sam started work on it...just to see the differences between now and then

[PeterH]

Club sales table was loaded with even more great trees than usual this year with a couple of long term members reducing their stock numbers. This shot is late on Saturday afternoon after most of the stock was gone.

I was manning the club sales table on Saturday when we opened. It was nuts. Some awesome trees were sold.

It was good for me as I moved on 34. The start of a major reduction of my trees.

[Boics]

I'd have loved to have procured one of your tree's Peter - no doubt there were some beauties sold.

Great photo's peoples and it looked like a fantastic event.

Azalea looks splendid!
The Grevillea's are amazing.
The Larch has a very convincing and dramatic style.
Love the flowers on the dogwood.

Cheers.

[Watto]

I also like the Larch Boics, and it was "in cone" (just starting) as well.

[Keels]

Club sales table was loaded with even more great trees than usual this year with a couple of long term members reducing their stock numbers. This shot is late on Saturday afternoon after most of the stock was gone.

I was manning the club sales table on Saturday when we opened. It was nuts. Some awesome trees were sold.

It was good for me as I moved on 34. The start of a major reduction of my trees.

Peter you had some lovely trees on sale. from the ones i was involved in selling they went to good homes. And im always happy to help reduce your collection as i'm increasing mine by at least half