A word from this years contest winner:
With two young kids and a busy schedule it can be hard to find motivation to start a new tree – so a contest is a good reason!
When looking for a tree, the options in the nurseries around me (Portland, ME area) were rather disappointing. I normally look for the largest trunk with the most interest – but in this case I thought a decent, natural looking, multi-apex tree could be found in the bush.
First step was just following the basics: I cleaned minimal inner foliage to see structure (being sure to keep what I could close to the trunk for growing out); removed some bottom branches to allow for wiring others down; removed bar branches. Once that was done, I wired as much as I could to set structure, and further thinned branches to what was necessary. From there I allowed it to grow until I noticed the wire biting in. At that point all wire was removed, then rewired in the opposite direction and branches were arranged again.
Hopefully the tree will be getting a pot in the spring; thanks for looking!
–Joe Gagne
NEBA’s Nursery Stock Contest is an organized event hosted by a club committee each Spring into Summer. The contest gives all members the opportunity to showcase their skills on an even playing field. Only your discerning eye for potential and bonsai design skills can win you this prestigeous award!
To enter, you must be a club member, then purchase a ‘nursery stock’ tree that costs $75 or under during the specified time window. A ‘nursery stock’ tree is one purchased from a nursery that has received no bonsai training. Nothing from the discount rack, dug up from the yard or forest, or anything that has been previously worked on!
Once you’ve acquired your muse, you have about 6 months to complete your work and keep your tree in good health. Repotting is allowed, but only into another training or plastic pot in order to keep the focus on the bonsai design work completed by the artist. After all your hard work, every member of the club can vote on the winner! Voting categories include the quality and balance of the design, the health of the tree, the artistic impact of the result, and the execution of the bonsai techniques applied.
Join the Northeast Bonsai Association to participate next year! In the meantime, enjoy some progression photos of our 2025 winning tree.
We hope to see you join the contest next year! Our club members would love to help you on your way at our monthly club meetings or on our FaceBook page.
Northeast Bonsai Association 