BONSAI

A bonsai is essentially a tree encouraged to conform in all respects with an ordinary tree, except for its miniature size.  Natural dwarf trees are not bonsai, unless trained to look like a large natural tree in shape and restricted to a size smaller than their own maximum potential.  A bonsai and its container must together present a satisfactory, well-balanced and aesthetic unity.

MERITORIOUS

A strong, well-shaped trunk tapering upwards, merging naturally with the growing medium.  Surface roots fanning out from the base of the trunk and gradually disappearing into the soil.  Well proportioned head of branches well-spaced and set on the trunk and without scars or marks of training.  A tree looking as natural as possible in its surroundings.  Pots, preferably in monochrome glaze, in proportion to the tree.  Polychrome pots are permissible but are best used for non-flowering and non-fruiting specimens.  Tree so placed in the pot as to create a visual balance.  Flowers, fruit and foliage in proportion to the size of tree.  Trees planted well raised in the pot, so that the bole can be seen clearly over the rim of the pot when viewed at eye level.                                                                                                         

DEFECTIVE

Weak, badly shaped trunks or those that look like sticks or branches stuck in the ground.  Badly spaced, cut, scarred or crossed branches.  Noticeable artificial training; uncharacteristic growth for species.                                                      

 Snagged or abruptly cut roots visible above the soil or dead fibrous roots standing in the air.  Trees out of balance.  Flowers, fruit or foliage out of proportion to the size of the tree.  Soil surface and bole of trunk sunk well below the rim of the pot.  Unnecessary additional ornaments or decoration.

On reading through the foregoing, I am dismayed to think of how many trees would be penalised for exhibiting scars or marks of training.

Colour of pots.  I had previously understood that polychrome (more than one colour) pots were the very ones acceptable for flowering and fruiting species.  Was I wrongly influenced by the grammar of writers propounding this?

Uncharacteristic growth for species. Sometimes, we deliberately train one species in an overall shape which is more characteristic of another.

Apart from these few points, we must agree with the principals put forward by the RHS  but thank goodness for the freedom of opinion allowed to the individual judge.

                                                                                                 =  Don.

My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.

This message has been created using 100% recycled electrons

From memory, points are awarded for nebari (roots) position in pot, general shape (ie does it look like a tree) and of course health of the tree (No pests or diseases)

Judging anything is always subjective, so if you don't like the judge, don't show!

Mind you the British Fuchsia Society have a totally different view of what a bonsai should look like!

Best regards

Keith

Leeds UK

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"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
 -- Anais Nin

"valde bonsai ex ferreus opus" (see I can do latin as well!)

The Human mind is like a Parachute, They both need to be open to work!

Yes indeed Keith, , not all, but some judges still judge them in respect of the amount of flower they have instead of the overal bonsai-shape

Kath
UK - Zone 8

"People will forget what you said,
 People will forget what you did,
 But people will never forget
 How you made them feel."

My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.

This message has been created using 100% recycled electrons