Closeup of a Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) that was exhibited by John Kirby at the 2018 National Bonsai Exhibition. The display table was built by David Knittle (details are below with the uncropped photo)
Flashing back to the 2018 6th National Bonsai Exhibition, here are a couple trees from the Exhibition that we haven’t shown yet, and one other tree that was shown at the 2018 Mid Atlantic Bonsai Festival. All three are on display tables that were built by David Knittle
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Olive (Olea europaea) bonsai by Frank Cucchiara that was displayed at the 2018 National Bonsai Exhibition. The Bolivian rosewood octagonal table was built by David Knittle. The top is 14" point to point x 22" high (35.5cm x 56cm)
This Spindle style table by David Knittle was built to be in the National Exhibition. However the tree suffered a misfortune and could not be shown so the stand is available. You can contact David if you're interested. It's made of African rosewood - a very hard, stable wood, dark brown with a reddish undertone. 25" x 18" x 7" (63.5cm x 46cm x 18cm)
Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora var Kokone) in a Haramatsu-Tosui container and on a perfectly matched rosewood table by David Knittle. The photo is from the 2018 Mid Atlantic Bonsai Festival, where the tree was awarded the Best in Show, People's Choice & the American Bonsai Society's award. The tree is 80 plus years old and has been in training for about 75 years. John has owned and trained it for about ten years. The dimensions of the table are 30" x 20" x 5" high (76cm x 51cm x 12.7cm)
An uncropped photo (see the photo at the top of the post) of John Kirby's Japanese black pine on rosewood table that was built by David Knittle using Nicaraguan rosewood (Dalbergia turcurensis). Dimension are 30" x 22" x 5.5" high (76cm x 56cm x 14cm)
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There's something about Quince flowers... Here's Bill Valavanis' caption: "A small size Toyo Nishiki Japanese flowering quince, Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Toyo Nishiki’ with multiple colored flowers. Although red, pink and white blossoms are common for this great cultivar, I’ve often seen red branches grafted onto specimens to improve color distribution."
I've got a soft spot for short muscular trees. Especially short muscular trees whose scarred bark and hunched stance tell a story of hard times and harsh conditions, while lush foliage and vibrant strength tell a story of better times and full recovery. Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora).
Nepal Firethorn (Pyracantha crenulata), in training since 1966, donated to 
Before and after planting on a man made 'rock' by Marc Noelanders. No mention is made of the type tree or what the rock is made of. Still, the result is impressive and the photographic progression with the shaping of the rock is an added plus
After. This Bougainvillea is an impressive little tree with or without flowers. Still, it would be nice to see it in full bloom, We'll keep our eyes open and let you know
May 2019
Michael again... "I collected this Rocky Mountain Juniper and initially styled it with the help of my first apprentice Bobby Curttright. Recently I turned it around to this front with the help of current apprentice Andrew Robson. I fear the arrival of another apprentice will force a third front choice and exasperate an already dizzy tree."
Even this short quote by Michael offers useful information… “Mountain Hemlock from our moist Northwest—this tree lives at the 