Page 38 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q4

trees or novice trees without performing basic clean-
ing and tidying tasks? Would you go to a party in your
gardening clothes?
Now this brings us to trees we are truly judging to
win Awards or to be best in their Class. The main ques-
tion is, on what basis do judges of bonsai justify their
decisions as to what constitutes certain trees being
viewed as the best out of all those displayed on any
particular occasion?
Bonsai judges have to be able to justify their deci-
sion, and not just for bonsai, but in any competitive
scenario. An exhibitor is fully justified in asking the
judge why their tree failed to get an award. Hence, the
need to explain on what basis and by what criteria
decisions are made.

When viewing bonsai, the aim in judging is to
narrow down the criteria on which a judgement
is formulated. Essentially we are taking into
consideration the following features:
Suitability of species for bonsai. People make some
very strange choices—large palmate, e.g. horse
chestnut, and large pinnate, e.g. mountain ash —are Acer palmatum: Height - 55 cms.
all equally unsuitable for their refusal to reduce in An impressive tree which highlights good autumn color. Not really obvious from
leaf size. the photo, but branch development and positioning is good as well as the form of
General health and wellbeing of the tree. the trunk. The faults were two branches, both forward growing and consequently
Trunk; was the front of the tree chosen showing the prevented a clear view of the trunk line.
trunk to its best? Bark; does it show maturity and The pot was suitable if slightly small in relation to the tree. Also the stand was too
plating? Is it clean and free from algae? dominant in terms of height and length. The surface had a good natural moss cover-
Branch positioning, including ramification. ing. A good tree but with fundamental branch structure faults, it will never be a true
• Are the primary and largest branch and the winner.
counterbalance branch well defined?
• Are the main branches correctly placed without
interfering or covering each other? Was it
correctly pruned leaving no stumps? Are pruning
cuts well finished?
• Is there enough negative space between the
branches?
• Does the form of the branches logically coincide
with the style and the trunk movement?
• Is the apex well defined?
Surface roots or Nebari; (if appropriate to the
species) one of the most important factors to
observe for styling a good tree, and also the one
that is difficult to correct. It plays a crucial role in
defining the front of the tree.
Foliage; leaf color and size; there should be no
obvious blemishes or evidence of wind burn.
Deadwood effects, if any, should be well defined
(jin, shari and uro), without excessive carving marks
or evidence of revolving tools. Should show natural
aspect of the work.
Wiring; correct wiring, not excessive but strong Juniperus chinensis: Height - 44 cms.
enough to hold branches in place without damaging Still in the early stages of development. This tree needs much more work to have it
the bark of the tree. Where possible, wiring should ready for exhibiting. The basic style is there but it has clear faults lacks refinement. The
be discrete. apex requires considerable thought as strange, unnaturally shaped branches mar its
Surface dressing; use of moss and appropriateness basic structure. It needs a lot more growth and development. The branches on the
of surface material, lack of weeds. left had side lack form and are too heavy in terms of balance. In contrast, the pot and
Absence of pests or diseases. surface dressing is very good.
It is clearly a well cared for tree but the owner must recognise its inherent faults.

36 | BCI | October/November/December 2014