2026 contest ideas?

[Desert O'Piñon]

Are there some kinds of trees that don't form rafts?

My guess is that any species that can be air layered or rooted from cuttings would probably be good candidates. I assume hardwoods will be easier/quicker than conifers. I hope to try F. benjamina for a tropical, and I have several options for temperate species.

 

[darzuo]

Just to clarify for those of us who have never done a raft, does the main trunk have to remain visible? Are there some kinds of trees that don't form rafts? This looks like an interesting contest. It would be nice to get some pointers from BNut raft experts.

Im no expect, but in my opinion the trunk being visible and rooting along the trunk is what makes a raft a raft. As far as species, I think anything that roots easily should work alright.

 

[DeepSouth]

Just to clarify, what does “collected material, as long as it is not clearly set up as raft bonsai.” mean? Does this mean no collecting of material that is already growing parallel to the ground due to tree falling?

It’s not a big deal either way, I just want to make sure that I target the right material.

 

[JoeWilson]

Can't wait to get my life jacket on.

 

[The Barber]

Just to clarify, what does “collected material, as long as it is not clearly set up as raft bonsai.” mean? Does this mean no collecting of material that is already growing parallel to the ground due to tree falling?

It’s not a big deal either way, I just want to make sure that I target the right material.

I think it is just a way to keep it fair. Keeps people from using material that they already have set up as a raft. It keeps it more about the creation of a raft vs us starting with a raft, which also keeps people from using rafts they may have already started on in the past. If not for this rule, I would show you exactly why it is unfair...I know where a gnarly hollowed tree stump is that has broken off low to the ground, and healed/rolled over and is already a raft, all for the cost of a treated deck board, a few screws, a bucket of pumice, and gas to make the 15 minute drive to my friend's property. The raft style is a fantastic way to take even a boring, ramrod straight tree, and create something fantastic, and I can't wait to see this contest get started.

 

[DeepSouth]

I think it is just a way to keep it fair. Keeps people from using material that they already have set up as a raft. It keeps it more about the creation of a raft vs us starting with a raft, which also keeps people from using rafts they may have already started on in the past. If not for this rule, I would show you exactly why it is unfair...I know where a gnarly hollowed tree stump is that has broken off low to the ground, and healed/rolled over and is already a raft, all for the cost of a treated deck board, a few screws, a bucket of pumice, and gas to make the 15 minute drive to my friend's property. The raft style is a fantastic way to take even a boring, ramrod straight tree, and create something fantastic, and I can't wait to see this contest get started.

This certainly makes sense. In such case, I would clarify the rules a little bit.

Instead of:
"as long as it is not clearly set up as raft bonsai."

I would say,
"as long as it is not clearly set up as raft bonsai (whether naturally or not)."


As an example, here is a hornbeam I have been eyeing for a while, that is clearly set up by nature to be a raft. This would probably create an unfair advantage.

 

[BobbyLane]

This certainly makes sense. In such case, I would clarify the rules a little bit.

Instead of:
"as long as it is not clearly set up as raft bonsai."

I would say,
"as long as it is not clearly set up as raft bonsai (whether naturally or not)."


As an example, here is a hornbeam I have been eyeing for a while, that is clearly set up by nature to be a raft. This would probably create an unfair advantage.
View attachment 617408

If it was laying on its side yes, but that isnt the case. This one would be fine imho.

This is a good video, for anyone that doesn't fully understand what a raft is

 

[JoeWilson]

I don't make the rules, but I don't see any problem starting with that hornbeam. I would just avoid anything that is already styled as a raft (I wouldn't use that description for the hornbeam).

Personally, I don't care about things being fair. There isn't a million-dollar prize or even a little plastic trophy at stake here. Seeing people start from different materials, at different stages, is much more interesting to me.

 

[leatherback]

wondering whether we are being sucked into rules to deep?
Maybe it should be a raft challenge, rather than a raft competition.
Allowing all material that has not been pre-styled as a raft.

 

[leatherback]

@Bonsai Nut could you start a raft challenge?

----

Bonsai Raft Challenge

• To keep it accessable to all: Any starter material / species / origin allowed, including seed, airlayer purchased and collected material.
  • aim is to show what can be done with normally sub-part trees
  • Special focus on being creative and original
  • Keep in mind, the bigger the transformation, the bigger the surprise!
• Keep it fun: try to stick to trees under 100 USD
• Aim is to learn together, so document the key steps as much as wanted, but as a minimum the material at the start, with annual updates
• Start anywhere over the next year
• Tally at the end of the 2030
• For fun and virtual stickers of accomplisment, and who knows whether we decide upon an additional price for the winner in 2030.
• Thread naming convention [username] [species] Raft contest

What do we understand when we say raft:

• A main trunk has fallen over, and may sits on the ground, and may have rooted in multiple spots
• Multiple trunks come up from the one fallen over, each developed as a small tree
• Crowns may have fused into one canopy, like a forest-style

As an example:

Beech raft by Tony Tickle

Creative interpretation. Unknown owner / artist

 

[DonielDoom]

By contemplating what raft material I'd start and whether I've got anything on hand, I've realized that some previously low grade (to me) red currant stock could be perfect for a raft style. Prior to this, it was a "challenge tree" in the sense that I had no hope for anything remotely usable with it. It's been growing in a large stock tank mostly written off to be landscape planted at a later point. I'm pretty excited about that. A welcomed shift of perspective on some material!

On a different note - thank you all for your efforts to get this challenge set up!

 

[Wulfskaar]

In general (not necessarily for this contest/challenge), would rooting be required to be considered a raft? Or could it simply be the trunk laying down across the soil?

 

[KateM]

In general (not necessarily for this contest/challenge), would rooting be required to be considered a raft? Or could it simply be the trunk laying down across the soil?

Rotting is not necessary as in the 2nd pic in rules.

 

[defra]

ill be interested to join in too !
funny i was currently taking some photos of the growth i got from my Hawthorn raft project
it is similar to what this contest/challenge is going to be about so ill start looking around for a second possible raft project

 

[Orion_metalhead]

I really like the idea of @Orion_metalhead in the celtis contest, instead of an end date just call it the 5 year raft challenge, maybe include the start year in the thread title. Of course, for a proper winner/ prize a timeline would be needed, a proper goal and finish of my own is satisfactory for myself...

Thread 'The Celtis (Hackberry) Scored Progression Contest' https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/the-celtis-hackberry-scored-progression-contest.67563/

Hey thanks!! We'll ve submitting first year judging soon!