PatArizona

G'day Chris, Brian and all...

Thank you Chris for starting this thread. However, I think that demos do provide a good vehicle for introducing new people to bonsai...with some significant changes.

B'gone with the chop, front, branch, wire, pot...bad news.

And, Brian, as I was reading Chris's initial post, I was thinking about the multiple tree concept that you set forth.

I would propose to use three gallon size nursery stock...such as the J. Garden Juniper. At the first demo provide your Demo Master with 2 trees...1 and 2. Have your DM clean up 2, and set it aside. Then the DM cleans up 1, and continues with the initial trimming.

Next demo...provide 1 additional tree...3. Have your DM clean up 3, and set it aside. Then the DM continues with the initial trimming of tree 2. The DM then takes tree 1 to the next stage.

Next demo...provide 1 additional tree...4. Have your DM clean up 4, and set it aside. Then the DM continues with the initial trimming of tree 3. The DM then takes trees 2 and 1 to the next stage.

Next demo...provide 1 additional tree...5. Have your DM clean up 5, and set it aside. Then the DM continues with the initial trimming of tree 4. The DM then takes trees 3, 2 and 1 to the next stage.

You now have 5 bonsai wannabees. The oldest is 1, and the newest is 5.

And so on, and on, and on...

At some point, you will want to do root work, repot into a training pot, and repot into a bonsai pot.

The style of each bonsai is determined by the DM at the initial trimming. Each one can be a different style...or not.

This concept can be used at shows, or club meeting demos, or even adapted to a series of workshops.

Try using the bonsai wannabees in an educational display.

I have done this for an educational display with nursery stock,
first trim and next stage, 1 year apart. Followed by three more that stretched out to twentysomething years old. This same display was also used in beginning classes.

It worked for me...

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.