The competition, using ponderosa pines, has been completed, but the results will not be announced until Monday night.
I feel grateful that I did not embarass myself, and actually feel pretty good about the tree I produced and the level of my work.
I'd use a parallel to competitive figure skating and say that I made all my jumps and did everyhing that I wanted to do. One minor slip, which I think was well-disguised, but probably the best wiring I have ever done! (At least I couldn't find any crosses!) All in all, my best shot.
I didn't cut the needles significantly. Others did. The needles were not long (for ponderosas) to begin with (the trees were collected last spring and had no new growth yet - they came from South Dakota), so this was both an artistic and horticultural decision. The judges could go either way on that. If they agree with me, I could have done well.
I've done all I can. Now I am waiting.
Thanks to BonsaiTalkers, David Yedwab, Charles Bevan, and Ron Martin for their encouragement. It was good to have you there!
Imagine looking up as you are wiring and seeing a world-class talent, such as our Walter, among others, watching you!
