by Earl Cormney

(This article was first published in our newsletter in 1991. It seemed apropos to print it again in view our upcoming show - Ed)

Getting ready for a show is an exciting time to display your trees. Quality of trees is enhanced by making the extra effort to show the tree in its best light. Here are a few ideas to assist in showing your trees to their best ability.

1. The Tree- to help with vigor or color a tree can be fertilized one to two weeks before a show. This can push out new buds and help to green up the foliage. A small amount is only needed, one half to one quarter strength. If you use organic fertilizer cakes, remove them from the top soil for the show. If the tree is infested with any pests, do not exhibit it.
2. The Foliage- Be sure to trim excess growth from branches. On deciduous trees, four weeks before a Summer show, a healthy tree can be defoliated to encourage a second smaller group of leaves to emerge. On Pine trees, one trick to shorten needle growth is to cut the needles with sharp scissors one to two days before a show. The cut needles will brown on the tips but not till after the show-also the scent of Pine will be around the tree all during the show.
3. Dead Wood- If the dead wood needs to be whitened, apply a treatment of full strength lime sulfur. This should be applied at least four days before a show as the lime sulfur will be orange before turning to white.
4. Wire- There is no reason not to show a tree with wire unless you are in a judged show. A show like we present for the public is to promote bonsai and seeing the tricks of proper use of wire to position branches and trunks is quite acceptable. The wire should be neat on the tree and only if necessary. Wire cutting into bark should be removed and reapplied if necessary.
5. Moss- If you would like to apply moss, look for tight, small tufts to apply to your tree. The pot should not be covered `wall to wall' by a carpet of moss. If possible, different types/shades of moss and lichens look best on the tree with an amount of space and soil between each small patch. A sprinkle of fine soil at the edges of the moss will help give a finished look To attach moss before a show to your soil, a piece of your finest wire bent into a `U' can be used to secure the moss. Keeping moss alive on your tree through summer is a difficult job without sacrificing the health of your tree, so its always a good idea to scout for locations of moss to apply at the last moment for a quick fix.
6. Soil- Your soil should be clean, without weeds or unwanted moss. A small amount of fine soil can be applied to the top of your soil if you prefer.
7. Pot- The pot should be clean. This is the most common mistake made by beginner and experienced bonsaiists that is also the easiest to rectify. Use a clean rag or old tooth brush to wipe off any old soil or salt deposits on your pot. Water is usually all that is needed to clean a pot. Baby oil or olive oil can be applied to the pot to give a wet/glossy appearance. Mary Madison, the Master that was here in the Spring, recommended using a small amount of olive oil on the trunks of bald cypress to accentuate its appearance. This would probably work on other species but I would experiment well ahead of a show. Plastic pots should not be used to display trees.
8. Accent Plants- The same cleaning holds true for accent plant pots. Many of our members are quite' adept and creative with accent plants. Many plants can be used for accents. I have even seen a dandelion used that was quite nice. Mosses, bamboo, grasses, wild flowers, as well as small bonsai work. If you have accent plants or display rocks bring them for the show.
9. Stands- The club has several stands for use if you do not have one. If you have extra stands please bring them for someone else to use. Stands can also be made. I have seen old/seasoned boards, bamboo serving trays and straw mats used effectively to display trees. By being resourceful and a bit creative, stands can be both inexpensive and attractive.

The shows provided by our Society are not only educational for the club but also exciting for it's members. Even though the show is only for one weekend, always water your tree well before bringing it to the mall. Water will be available and the trees that appear dry will be watered Saturday night. This is always a lot of fun doing these shows and talking bonsai to other members and people interested in bonsai. If you have any questions about displaying your trees you can contact any of the club officers.