2015 BSC (Box Store Challenge) Update Thread

[Vin]

Here is my December update. Tree is doing well. Today it is basking in the 65 degree weather we are having here in December !! It is still growing and putting out new leaves....

I would like to ask if any part of the challenge for next year involves putting the tree into a bonsai pot.
If so I think it would be best to inform us of that now so we have time to look for an appropriate pot.
Thanks

View attachment 89050

All I can say is there are only two rules:

Rule #1: Participants can seek advice at workshops, from this forum (or other forums), other enthusiasts, a Bonsai Master or wherever and whomever they wish. The only stipulation is the work must be accomplished or assisted by the participant. In other words, you cannot just turn your tree over to someone for them to do the work.

Rule #2: Since this is a Bonsai Nut Challenge, participants must post updates at a minimum of every 90 days on the forum.

Mine will be going into a bonsai pot in the Spring. If yours isn't in a bonsai pot by the end of the challenge you probably won't win. I hope that helps.

 

[f1pt4]

Mine is buried. We havn't had a good freeze yet. Half way through December and it feels like spring.

Sorry for the poor photo.

 

[Vin]

Below is the official list of members that are still in the challenge. However, if your name is in red then you still need to post an update by December 31, 2015 or you will not qualify to move forward. Thank you everyone!

1. Eric Group
2. bones101
3. fraser67
4. Vin
5. thomas22
6. Paradox
7. michaelj
8. Bunjeh
9. benw3790
10. f1pt4

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I am no longer in the challenge... though I had a blast with the first round. I wanted to post an update and include photos when I got the opportunity.

The primary reason I am no longer in the challenge is that my entry had wire scarring EVERYWHERE. I had wire on the tree for a total of 6 weeks, and yet every single branch that wire touched was scarred as badly as if the wire had been tightly wrapped on it for two or more years. I had never seen anything like it. I assume this extreme tenderness was due to this species. Because I styled it in a windblown style, every branch was wired - therefore EVERY BRANCH is bad. This Spring I am going to remove every single branch and reduce the height of the tree to a new leader.

 

[Vin]

I am no longer in the challenge... though I had a blast with the first round. I wanted to post an update and include photos when I got the opportunity.

The primary reason I am no longer in the challenge is that my entry had wire scarring EVERYWHERE. I had wire on the tree for a total of 6 weeks, and yet every single branch that wire touched was scarred as badly as if the wire had been tightly wrapped on it for two or more years. I had never seen anything like it. I assume this extreme tenderness was due to this species. Because I styled it in a windblown style, every branch was wired - therefore EVERY BRANCH is bad. This Spring I am going to remove every single branch and reduce the height of the tree to a new leader.

I'm glad you had fun with it Greg. It's certainly part of the process that the number of trees that make it to each round will most likely dwindle as the challenge progresses. Getting some of these trees in a proper bonsai pot in such a short time is going to put a huge amount of stress on the them. My hope is we will all learn at least a little something moving forward. I really appreciate your participation and support. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing your tree in the future. Thanks!

 

[Bunjeh]

Update for December. I have done nothing to this except remove the wire around the trunk.

 

[Vin]

It’s time for the March update. I’m still in but things aren’t looking so good. I did a repot and there are only two worthwhile roots at the base of the trunk. At least they're on opposite sides. There was also a pretty large root literally strangling one side of the trunk between the two roots. I cut it away and was left with a rather large divot. It’s going to be a real challenge to make something out of it but I’ll be forging on until the very end. I'm going to try a rock for a while and see how it works. I’m open to any other ideas. Looking forward to seeing the other trees.

Moving forward the list continues to get smaller. Here are the participants still in the challenge:

1. bones101
2. Vin
3. thomas22
4. Paradox
5. michaelj
6. Bunjeh
7. f1pt4

 

[Vance Wood]

I seem to always miss this thing. Are we or are we not going to have another Big Box challenge for 2016? If I have missed the posting can someone be kind enough to clue me in on the link detailing the parameters and conditions please?

 

[Vin]

I seem to always miss this thing. Are we or are we not going to have another Big Box challenge for 2016? If I have missed the posting can someone be kind enough to clue me in on the link detailing the parameters and conditions please?

No, you didn't miss anything. The Box Store Challenge from last year was extended to a second stage for those wishing to continue with the progression of their material. Mr. Pall will be judging the trees again in September.

 

[Vance Wood]

So---it is the 2015 challenge, and is going to continue through September of 2016? So it is too late to participate?

 

[barrosinc]

Bring on 2016/2017 challenge!!
I would love to get a 6 months head start, same time frames, but for spring... last time I worked on the tree in autumn and that wasn't a really good thing for the tree. (I can keep my entry hidden till next year)

 

[Vance Wood]

We just need to have it all spelled out and established according to who shot John.

 

[barrosinc]

lost in translation... ¿?

 

[Vin]

So---it is the 2015 challenge, and is going to continue through September of 2016? So it is too late to participate?

I'm sorry Vance, as much as I would enjoy having you in the challenge it's just too late. Here is the thread explaining the "twist" to the 2015 Box Store Challenge. http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/2015-bonsai-nut-boxstore-challenge-twist.19189/#post-266723

It would be great to have another challenge this year but I just don't have it in me to set another one up. Maybe someone else has time and energy?

 

[michaelj]

We should do one for 2016, too, even if we don't have a Walter Pall to judge....

 

[Paradox]

Ill get a pic of mine this weekend. It hasnt changed much, just been hanging out in the garage waiting for spring.
Sorry to hear about yours Vin, hope it pulls through.

Also like to say, thanks for putting in the time for these. I can certainly understand why you might not feel up to doing another considering how contentious they can be at the outset.
For me personally, I am fine if we dont do another one at this point. I have enough trees I need to work on and some I probably should weed out so that I can work on improving my collection.

 

[Vin]

Ill get a pic of mine this weekend. It hasnt changed much, just been hanging out in the garage waiting for spring.
Sorry to hear about yours Vin, hope it pulls through.

Also like to say, thanks for putting in the time for these. I can certainly understand why you might not feel up to doing another considering how contentious they can be at the outset.
For me personally, I am fine if we dont do another one at this point. I have enough trees I need to work on and some I probably should weed out so that I can work on improving my collection.

Thanks Sandy! Like you, I've been improving my collection. I haven't posted any photos of some of the new material I have but I will once potting season lets up a bit. I must admit, I've been lucky enough to get my hands on some awesome material. Well, at least I feel like its awesome.

Looking forward to seeing yours again even if it hasn't changed much.

 

[f1pt4]

Is it ok, if I just take a photo of a pile of snow? we just got a foot last night. Or should I wait till it melts.?

 

[michaelj]

Mine is going to go into a Bonsai pot soon. It's not doing a whole heck of a lot however.

 

[Vin]

Is it ok, if I just take a photo of a pile of snow? we just got a foot last night. Or should I wait till it melts.?

If you can't get a good photo by the end of the month then just let us know your still in.