Bristol Bonsai Show

This year is a return to Failands Village Hall for the Bristol Society. Dan Barton explained it wasn’t feasible to show at the Festival of Trees, Westonbirt Arboretum this year so this was the first time in several years to be back at Failands. The show included a variation of trees and species from Bristol Society members and also invited guests.

John Armitage at Bristol Bonsai Show 2011

John Armitage was on demonstration duty, advocating the importance of pruning and disclosing wiring essentials.

Hinoki Cypress RB

This was the first time Reg Bolton, Swindon Society member has shown his Hinoki Cypress. It is a fine example of this species with a full canopy which is a very good reflection of trees in nature. The display included an autumnal scroll made especially by Reg for the event.

Composite kusamono planting by Ritta Cooper

Composite kusamono planting by Ritta Cooper

There was definitely a strong flavour of accents & other accoutrements at this show, Ritta Cooper displayed a statement Kusamono composition greeting visitors as they walked in the entrance.

Details of an exciting new exhibition were announced for the first time at this Show; the ‘Magical Bonsai Accents Exhibition 2012’.  A special display was on view of accent plantings, Suiseki, miniature bronze figurines, and scrolls to promote the event. The Magical Bonsai Accents Exhibition was the idea of a few enthusiasts, and it will include a feast of bonsai related accent items such as: Kusamono, kokedama, shitakusa, suiseki, hanging scrolls, mini bronze sculptures and other figurines, accent plants, accent pots, display tables etc.

It is believed that never before has there been an exhibition of this kind in the UK, or indeed in Europe. More details can be found here