The 2025/26 Raft 5 Year Contest

[doc spring _work]

I suggest leaving the comp as it is. This is an international forum nowadays so someone is always going to have less time. Eg Im in Australia.

Ive got a zelkova airlayer i think ill use as my entry. Still on the tree developing roots.

In this note I do also have to say some places in the world have much smaller growing seasons all together.... I don't think it's a serious competition, simply a great way to engage with our community and to receive critique some of us (me) desperately needs.

Also... I really just wanna have an excuse for another tree popping up in my yard

(Edit to include some frost free comparisons)

In my area I have around 5 months to grow (mid-may to October)

While the very common Louisianan will have anywhere from January to March or March to December roughly,

Disadvantages are natural and working hard in spite of them shows courage, resilience and best of all immense pride in doing your damnedest to ignore nature

 

[KateM]

Please do not sign up for this contest at this time.

 

[KateM]

Dear all,
In my enthusiasm to start a raft context I highjacked another memebr’s idea.
Though it was done with no ill intent, I admit, it is inappropriate.
I would like to terminate this contest.
I am very sorry for the inconvenience I caused.
Thanks, Kate.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

As requested, I have deleted the contest forum, and returned this thread to the general "contests" area. You can discuss here further, and if you would like me to create a new contest forum I can do so.

 

[KateM]

As requested, I have deleted the contest forum, and returned this thread to the general "contests" area. You can discuss here further, and if you would like me to create a new contest forum I can do so.

Thank you.

 

[Carol 83]

In retrospect, I think my actions were tactless and disrespectful, though it was not my intention.

No one thinks that you were tactless or disrespectful, or that you intended to be so. You were just being enthusiastic.

 

[KateM]

No one thinks that you were tactless or disrespectful, or that you intended to be so. You were just being enthusiastic.

Thank you so much.

 

[Dav4]

Frankly, I think it's a shame that the raft contest, which many members here were excited to enter, was scrapped over minor miscommunication and over-enthusiasm? I hope I'm not the only one who feels that way. With that being said, life is too short, and I'm planning on moving forward with creating a cool (hopefully) raft bonsai with my crab-apple that I previously entered in the now shelved contest. The next month is quite busy for me but, in a few weeks, I'm planning on starting a progression thread documenting my effort. I hope others do the same.

 

[Ozz80]

Frankly, I think it's a shame that the raft contest, which many members here were excited to enter, was scrapped over minor miscommunication and over-enthusiasm? I hope I'm not the only one who feels that way. With that being said, life is too short, and I'm planning on moving forward with creating a cool (hopefully) raft bonsai with my crab-apple that I previously entered in the now shelved contest. The next month is quite busy for me but, in a few weeks, I'm planning on starting a progression thread documenting my effort. I hope others do the same.

Well said. UnintentionaI mistake, apology declared, we should move on. I was planning to search nurseries this weekend for possible candidates and I will do it, whether there will be a contest or not

 

[Jrmcmich]

I was Looking forward to try and find a possible candidate as well

 

[Hartinez]

Frankly, I think it's a shame that the raft contest, which many members here were excited to enter, was scrapped over minor miscommunication and over-enthusiasm? I hope I'm not the only one who feels that way. With that being said, life is too short, and I'm planning on moving forward with creating a cool (hopefully) raft bonsai with my crab-apple that I previously entered in the now shelved contest. The next month is quite busy for me but, in a few weeks, I'm planning on starting a progression thread documenting my effort. I hope others do the same.

 

[Wulfskaar]

@KateM Pure class. I hope you start another one at some point soon.

 

[KateM]

Thank you everybody for your support in my recovery from this blunder.
Sometimes internet interactions are much more perirous as without personal interaction you can come off as somebody you are not - I mean a big jerk.
I am going to continue with my juniper to make it into a raft, too.

 

[Adamski77]

Frankly, I think it's a shame that the raft contest, which many members here were excited to enter, was scrapped over minor miscommunication and over-enthusiasm? I hope I'm not the only one who feels that way. With that being said, life is too short, and I'm planning on moving forward with creating a cool (hopefully) raft bonsai with my crab-apple that I previously entered in the now shelved contest. The next month is quite busy for me but, in a few weeks, I'm planning on starting a progression thread documenting my effort. I hope others do the same.

Very well said… miscommunication… that’s all and it happens in life. I got excited too… can we somehow restore the idea before it dies off? I have some material that is purely laughable but I think I also have an idea how to go about it…

 

[Hartinez]

Thank you everybody for your support in my recovery from this blunder.
Sometimes internet interactions are much more perirous as without personal interaction you can come off as somebody you are not - I mean a big jerk.
I am going to continue with my juniper to make it into a raft, too.

I think you need to give yourself some grace here. I would hardly call what you did, being a mean jerk, or excessively out of line. An honest mistake and should only require one apology. At this point also with all the radio silence otherwise, you should just start the darn thread and contest.