Page 38 - Demo

trees or novice trees without performing basic clean- ing and tidying tasks? Would you go to a party in your gardening clothes?
Now this brings us to trees we are truly judging to win Awards or to be best in their Class. The main ques- tion is, on what basis do judges of bonsai justify their decisions as to what constitutes certain trees being viewed as the best out of all those displayed on any particular occasion?
Bonsai judges have to be able to justify their deci- sion, and not just for bonsai, but in any competitive scenario. An exhibitor is fully justified in asking the judge why their tree failed to get an award. Hence, the need to explain on what basis and by what criteria decisions are made.
When viewing bonsai, the aim in judging is to narrow down the criteria on which a judgement is formulated. Essentially we are taking into consideration the following features:
Suitability of species for bonsai. People make some very strange choices—large palmate, e.g. horse chestnut, and large pinnate, e.g. mountain ash—are all equally unsuitable for their refusal to reduce in leaf size.
General health and wellbeing of the tree.
Trunk; was the front of the tree chosen showing the trunk to its best? Bark; does it show maturity and plating? Is it clean and free from algae?
Branch positioning, including ramification.
• Are the primary and largest branch and the counterbalance branch well defined?
• Are the main branches correctly placed without
interfering or covering each other? Was it correctly pruned leaving no stumps? Are pruning cuts well finished?
• Is there enough negative space between the branches?
• Does the form of the branches logically coincide with the style and the trunk movement?
• Is the apex well defined?
Surface roots or Nebari; (if appropriate to the species) one of the most important factors to observe for styling a good tree, and also the one that is difficult to correct. It plays a crucial role in defining the front of the tree.
Foliage; leaf color and size; there should be no obvious blemishes or evidence of wind burn. Deadwood effects, if any, should be well defined (jin, shari and uro), without excessive carving marks or evidence of revolving tools. Should show natural aspect of the work.
Wiring; correct wiring, not excessive but strong enough to hold branches in place without damaging the bark of the tree. Where possible, wiring should be discrete.
Surface dressing; use of moss and appropriateness of surface material, lack of weeds.
Absence of pests or diseases.
36 | BCI | October/November/December 2014
Acer palmatum: Height - 55 cms.
An impressive tree which highlights good autumn color. Not really obvious from the photo, but branch development and positioning is good as well as the form of the trunk. The faults were two branches, both forward growing and consequently prevented a clear view of the trunk line.
The pot was suitable if slightly small in relation to the tree. Also the stand was too dominant in terms of height and length. The surface had a good natural moss cover- ing. A good tree but with fundamental branch structure faults, it will never be a true winner.
Juniperus chinensis: Height - 44 cms.
Still in the early stages of development. This tree needs much more work to have it ready for exhibiting. The basic style is there but it has clear faults lacks refinement. The apex requires considerable thought as strange, unnaturally shaped branches mar its basic structure. It needs a lot more growth and development. The branches on the left had side lack form and are too heavy in terms of balance. In contrast, the pot and surface dressing is very good.
It is clearly a well cared for tree but the owner must recognise its inherent faults.