FINAL SUBMISSIONS - 2020 5 yr Native Tree, Native Pot Challenge

[Gert]

A.K.A. Decoy Octopus' Final Entry - Went with plan B from my Texas Cedar Elm - this was the severed rootball that sprouted back to life. It is currently potted in a rectangle pot made by my mother. I still like the main tree from my thread but I think this one is closer to a bonsai.

 

[Bonsaidoorguy]

I'm late, but the site was down so I hope I squeaked by. It's not much but i like it, hell, at least it's still alive. The pot I purchased at a club meeting. Can't remember the guy's name but he was from around the N.W. Thanks. https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/2...llenge-bonsaidoorguys-black-cottonwood.47636/

 

[Woocash]

Field Maple, Acer Campestre. Garden Centre pot, made in Yorkshire I believe.

I used to know how to resize but nevermind. I'm not considering this for entry because of how late it is. I ran out of time due to weather etc, but I'm posting anyway for completeness. Loads of work still to do. Missed a couple of years work in the middle due to somewhat of a hiatus. I'm planning on attempting to move the branch sticking out of the front to the left side, rear ish. How successful that'll be, who knows? But still. Love this tree. Definitely one of my favourites.

 

[Gabler]

I guess that's that. Did you want to create the poll @cishepard? I don't mind putting in the work to create a poll if you're busy, but I don't want to step on your toes if you had planned to set it up yourself.

 

[cishepard]

I guess that's that. Did you want to create the poll @cishepard? I don't mind putting in the work to create a poll if you're busy, but I don't want to step on your toes if you had planned to set it up yourself.

I appreciate the offer very much, @Gabler , please do go ahead and create the poll and thank you!

 

[Gabler]

I appreciate the offer very much, @Gabler , please do go ahead and create the poll and thank you!

I will do so shortly.

 

[misfit11]

Mine didn't get potted in time, but people are always welcome to look

Post in thread 'Five Year Native Tree Challenge: RJG2's Ulmus rubra (slippery elm)'

Aug 1, 2025

Quick trim - and by quick, I mean it only took me two weeks intermittently... This summer has been busy, and I'm behind on a lot!

Will need some wiring/organization once the leaves drop, or early spring.

• RJG2

• 
• 

This is excellent material. I'd like to see it potted up. What is the species?

 

[chance]

This is excellent material. I'd like to see it potted up. What is the species?

Anderson flats are made in the USA so this counts right?

 

[Gabler]

Last minute! I took the tree out of winter storage for the final photos.

This is an Autumn Brilliance serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora) in a Sam Miller pot. Original thread with picture updates here. I think this is the best result I could expect as I hadn't been paying as much attention to it this year. Overall I would rate serviceberry highly since it responds well to pruning, seems winter hardy, and endured winter rabbit pruning and an unintentional defoliation from drying out while I was out on a weekend trip.

This is the front I originally planned the tree with.

View attachment 624771

At a recent club meeting, someone suggested I could also turn the tree around 180 degrees. I'm still leaning towards the original orientation but hopefully I can guide it to look good from all angles.
Other suggestions included keeping on top of the thick primary branches and eventually removing the very lowest branch (it isn't growing at a good angle anyway).

View attachment 624770

Where was this pot made?

 

[Gabler]

Thread 'Cast your votes for the Five-Year, Native Tree, Native Pot Challenge!'

Saturday at 9:08 AM

Select your three favorite trees from amongst the listed eligible entries. Unfortunately, as I created this poll, I discovered there is a maximum number of options in a poll. The website limits us to ten. Consequently, I have listed the ten eligible entries with the most reactions as of January 10, 2026. Fortunately, that bumped out only one entry, which was technically late anyway. Sorry, @Bonsaidoorguy.

Anyone is eligible to vote. Votes are anonymous. View the eligible trees in the thread linked below...

• Gabler
• 5yr native tree challenge challenge contest five-year native tree
• Replies: 35
• Forum: The 2021 Five Year Native Tree Challenge

• 

 

[RJG2]

This is excellent material. I'd like to see it potted up. What is the species?

Slippery elm - Ulmus rubra