Cruiser
Chumono
Display 1
Or
Display 2
Or some other arrangement using these components?
Or
Display 2
Or some other arrangement using these components?
Display #1 or #2?
- Thread starter Cruiser
- Start date
Wood
Chumono
To my eye, both trees are moving to the right. Is that an intentional part of the display? I typically try to have both trees pointing at each other
From these elements, I think I would put the large spruce (fir?) on the left side of the display, and put the driftwood on the right, flipped 180
From these elements, I think I would put the large spruce (fir?) on the left side of the display, and put the driftwood on the right, flipped 180
Cruiser
Chumono
Yeah it’s meant to flow right with the 3 small canopies on the left in line with the apex of the middle tree.
The root deadwood was added to reinforce that rightwards flow but I’m wondering if it’s too heavy.
BrianBay9
Masterpiece
I like the deadwood. I agree it should be on the left side. I'm not sure the small trees are adding much. Try just the deadwood (on the left) and your primary tree.
Cruiser
Chumono
The theme of the display is forms that true firs can develop so I would really like to have two trees..
Here are a couple other potentials:
Here are a couple other potentials:
vesper818
Mame
I'm not sure about display analysis, but the trees in your last three photos are having a heck of a conversation!
RoadManDenDron
Chumono
Can you try the rectangle pot smaller group with the round pot slanting tall tree
do you have any others with different shapes we're the clay colours aren't so closely matched? From the pics the smaller rectangle looks lighter shade but that could be flash from photo?
do you have any others with different shapes we're the clay colours aren't so closely matched? From the pics the smaller rectangle looks lighter shade but that could be flash from photo?
Cruiser
Chumono
I’ll give all these suggestions a try and update this afternoon. Thanks for the feedback so far!
For the locals that might be interested… The Olympia Bonsai Club is hosting a Fall Show this Saturday.
facebook.com
For the locals that might be interested… The Olympia Bonsai Club is hosting a Fall Show this Saturday.
Olympia Bonsai Club Fall Show
Event in Lacey, WA by Olympia Bonsai Club on Saturday, October 12 2024
facebook.com
PA_Penjing
Chumono
Wow I like those trees, Simple but perfect. I like option one but I don't know any of the display rules.
Ruddigger
Omono
If you’re doing a display with two smallish-medium size trees, the ideal setup is a 3 point display. A tree on each side and an accent in the middle. The tallest tree should point to the 2nd tree, the 2nd tree points to the accent, the accent points back to the tall tree.
Each component should have a stand or a slab to adjust the height for the proper viewing and in relationship to each other.
Each component should have a stand or a slab to adjust the height for the proper viewing and in relationship to each other.
Cruiser
Chumono
Ruddigger
Omono
You’re getting closer. The one with the single tree is the best so far. The accent and the tree are pointing to each other nicely, although the wood is a little strong for the tree. A wider stand would be nice if you can find one.
BrianBay9
Masterpiece
I vote for the last one.
Cruiser
Chumono
You guys are right about the deadwood with a single tree. Very pleasing.
But I must include the stunted firs.
I’m leaning toward display 1 or 4. They loosely follow guidelines but can support my narrative…
“Firs, from the ground up.”
#1
#4
1) Things start in the soil, where a mycorrhizal relationship exists with Amanita fungus.
2) Next is the understory, represented by silver firs in the round pot. A high tolerance for shade allows them to regenerate and persist beneath a closed canopy. Living in such sheltered conditions leads to the development of spreading, umbrella-like canopies.
3) The tall bonsai, a noble fir, represents life out in the open. The species is generally intolerant of shade. This tree has enjoyed the benefits of full sun and endured the inevitable damage that comes from exposure.
Stunted silver for growing beneath a hemlock-fir canopy.
Douglas-fir. It lived out in the open before the surrounding forest caught up.
But I must include the stunted firs.
I’m leaning toward display 1 or 4. They loosely follow guidelines but can support my narrative…
“Firs, from the ground up.”
#1
#4
1) Things start in the soil, where a mycorrhizal relationship exists with Amanita fungus.
2) Next is the understory, represented by silver firs in the round pot. A high tolerance for shade allows them to regenerate and persist beneath a closed canopy. Living in such sheltered conditions leads to the development of spreading, umbrella-like canopies.
3) The tall bonsai, a noble fir, represents life out in the open. The species is generally intolerant of shade. This tree has enjoyed the benefits of full sun and endured the inevitable damage that comes from exposure.
Stunted silver for growing beneath a hemlock-fir canopy.
Douglas-fir. It lived out in the open before the surrounding forest caught up.
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Ruddigger
Omono
Three-point displays - Bonsai Tonight
Eighteen inches, give or take, counts for a lot at Bay Island Bonsai exhibits. Generally, trees between 8" and 18" tall are considered medium bonsai and are
bonsaitonight.com
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
Is it just me, or does it seem that both trees are too interesting to be grouped together?
I think an accent next to either of these trees would be better.
I think an accent next to either of these trees would be better.
Wood
Chumono
Are you prepping for a club display? The story you're trying to tell is interesting, though it's a little more 'illustrative' than a traditional display
Elevating the silver firs in the round pot on such a high stand/table traditionally indicates something like a mountain, and seems to be saying that the silver firs are the important part of the display. If you're dedicated to using these elements, it's gonna be tough. I think there's a couple of issues that will be hard to quickly correct. Ideally the pot for the silver firs would be shallower than the noble fir's pot. You'll also annoy purists with two unglazed pots. Are the amanita mushrooms native to the forest you're illustrating, or just indicative of mushrooms in general? Mostly just curious about this, individual species of accents are more nice to have than important. You're also repeating a generic "tree" or "branch" element with the slice of wood underneath the mushrooms -- can you remove that slice?
I think you have a fundamental problem here that the direction of both trees is to the right. One of those trees must be pointing away from the other, unless you display one backwards. The lighting is playing a bit of a trick here and shading the bottom right jins and branches of the noble fir -- the different lighting you'll encounter at a club show will expose them more.
If you're really trying to display this story as much as possible, I think you should be putting the noble fir on a properly sized stand, and the silver firs and the mushrooms should be on a low and slim jita. One large slab containing the two would work well. If you use separate slabs, make sure the slab under the accent is thinner and smaller than the one under the silver firs. Would a small fern work instead of a
There's definitely potential here. Some fine-tuning would really super charge the whole display
Cruiser
Chumono
The club arranged a “show-and-tell”/Fall Show. Not sure how formal it will be. The initial plan was just to bring in a couple of developing trees and chat about them. Then someone mentioned tables and I got wrapped up in creating a display.
I’m not trying to create a technical/traditional display. While I do appreciate the feedback and am learning a lot, the goal is more so to incorporate some techniques that help get my message across. Ultimately, I plan to discuss the ecology and forms of these trees; and demonstrate how two local species can be utilized in bonsai.
The Amanitas and trees are all native to western Washington. The fungus forms a symbiotic relationship with both species. Fall is mushroom season.
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