Bonsai - Rhododendrons & Azaleas

At our recent Early Rhododendron Show we started a display of rhododendron and azalea bonsai. It proved to be quite successful and the chapter plans to continue it.

So now is the time to start a page on just rhododendron and azalea bonsai. As you may note, this page is just in it's beginning stages. Chapter members interested in bonsai will have to give the webmaster input as to what needs to go into this bonsai page.

To start, below are some links to some bonsai sites.

Judging Bonsai
http://www.artofbonsai.org/feature_articles/judging.php

Responses to article on Judging Bonsai
http://www.artofbonsai.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1313

A Beginner's First Bonsai
http://indonesianbonsai.blogspot.com/2007/07/beginners-first-bonsai.html

Some Oregon Bonsai Vendors
http://www.absbonsai.org/vendor-reg.html#OR

Mike Bones sent the following bonsai photos as examples of what to work for
Bonsai Photos link (just click on the photo to enlarge it)
How to Judge a Bonsai
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, here are some of the criteria the judges use:

  • Does the bonsai have good trunk taper?
    The trunk should be wider near the base and become gradually thinner toward the top.
  • Is there good root development?
    Roots should be visible on the surface of the soil. Do they look natural?
  • Are branches properly placed and developed?
    Branches should be staggered, not directly across from each other,and should be thicker toward the trunk.
  • Is it in the correct pot and placed on a display stand?
    Does the style, shape and size of the pot fit the character of the tree?
  • Does it fit the specified style?
    Bonsai are classified by size, number of trunks, number of trees in a pot, and the shape of the trunk (such as upright, cascade, windswept).
    Does the style specified on the entry tag match the style of the tree?
  • Is the tree healthy?
    The tree should appear strong and vigorous, not sickly.
  • Does it look old?
    Old age is beautiful and the tree should capture the character of a tree growing in nature.
Here is the Bonsai Judging Sheet that was used at our first bonsai show.

Bonsai Judging Sheet

First Impression: motivates/evocativeness (1-10)
Character: quality of initial material (1-20)
Design Quality: in harmony with material; well balanced (1-10)
Refinement: of branches (1-10)
Trunk: quality/taper (1-10)
Nebari: exposed roots (1-10)
Pot: is in harmony with the plant (1-10)
Healthy: plant is vibrant (1-10)
Presentation: clean pot, surface show ready, good use of moss, moss on plant is controlled (1-10)

Total score out of 100 _____

Comments: i.e.; best shohin, good wiring, old tree,