The 4th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Is Fast Approaching 7/12/14

The tree is nice, but it’s really about the flowers. As you can see, there are three distinct flower colors on this tree. Though quince are known for the brilliance of their flowers and multiple hues are not uncommon, still, you don’t see many with three distinctly different flowers on one tree. This and the rest of the photos in this post belong to Bill Valavanis. You can find them and others on his Bonsai Blog.

Bill Valavanis’ 4th U.S National Bonsai Exhibition is fast approaching, so this seems like a good time to remind you of just how important it is for bonsai in North America (and beyond). It’s not too late to sign up. My guess is you’ll be happy you did.

While we’re at it, we haven’t featured Bill’s bonsai for a while so this seems like a good time to enjoy a few. You can find these and more on Bill’s excellent bonsai blog.

Bill famous Koto Hime. It’s not common to see Japanese maple varietals which such powerful trunks. At least in my experience. BTW: this is not the first time I’ve used the term ‘Bill famous Koto Hime.’ The last time was for a different tree that, though quite powerful, is not as strong as this one. I suspect that one of them is the parent (I think Bill told me that about twenty years ago). My guess is that it’s this one.

Magnificent colors. Great trunk. Beautiful pot. Enough said.

Another Hornbeam. Not as colorful or as powerful, but more stately. You might notice the excellent nebari and the striking striated bark.

The 4th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition is coming soon. If you haven’t signed up yet, this is a good time. The dates are September 13 and 14. As always it’s in Rochester NY and as always, it promises to be one of the best and most important bonsai exhibitions in the U.S. and beyond. The details are here.