The process of preparing a bonsai for exhibition is a discussion of the obvious, since we are all proud of our trees and enjoy the kudos of our compatriots of like mind, we keep our trees in the best possible condition at all times and in all seasons. However it does no harm to note various points, which may be of assistance in preparing for the Spring Show.

Start in Early Spring To:

Groom the tree. Thinning the foliage of shimpaku junipers and other juniper trees is beneficial in showing them at their best and in preventing Spider mites later in the summer. The thick foliage pads, which develop on Junipers, cause the plant to look "poodly". Thinning the foliage shows hints of the structure of the tree and provides better opportunity for air circulation and spider mite control.

Remove all weeds and other growth, which detracts from the enjoyment of the tree.

Groom the moss by shearing with scissors and repair moss by removing all old rotting moss and adding new moss. Excess Moss should be removed as it does interfere with watering the plant if it becomes too solidly packed. Moss also interferes with the Air circulation into the soil and thus impairs the development of food by the plant

Clean rocks if used in the bonsai. In some cases the mossy rocks are preferred however the moss should be groomed and looking its best.

Scrub the trunk and primary branches of the tree to remove the winter accumulation of moss and mildew. Remove the loose bark of Junipers to prevent insect nesting. Inspect the needles of Pines for needle cast and pine scale. Spray with a light horticultural oil if necessary

One Week Before the Exhibit:

Clean the sides and bottom of the bonsai container removing all moss, mineral deposits and soil. Mineral deposits are the result of evaporation of mineralized water so it stands to reason that they can be removed by dissolving with water, however, this is a slow process and adding a little vinegar will be helpful to soften the mineral deposits and they can be removed by carefully scraping with an exacto blade.

Inspect the plant for insects. Nothing is more distressing to the visitors of a bonsai exhibit or the other exhibitors than to have someone declare in a loud derisive voice "there are Aphids on this plant" or "look at these nice fat Scale". Keep your bugs at home. Another event, which creates great humor, is to see a slug traipsing across a white tablecloth looking presumably for a new home.

Clean the trunk and primary branches to remove any residual mildew or moss.

Remove the new growth spears of shimpaku and make sure the Maples have not developed very long internodes in the new growth. On all trees study them from various distances and angles to ensure you will be exhibiting the very best tree in your collection and that you will have to make no apology for their beauty and condition.

Notify the appointed organizer of the exhibit of the Common name of the tree, the Botanical name, age, and time in training of the tree. This is to be used to make labels for the Exhibited trees. (There may be more or less information to needed as directed by the Chairman of the exhibit).

Day Before Exhibition:

Select the stand on which the tree is to be exhibited. Stands do wonders for the overall artistic impact of the exhibit and really give the impression that we are serious about bonsai. Check the selected stand for any damage, dust and apply a light coat of wax to the table part of the stand.

Remove any new weeds and touch up the moss by shearing.

Water thoroughly because the tree is in for a dry spell during the exhibit.

Clean the container and wipe the exterior surfaces with a cloth which has a light amount of olive oil to liven up the pot Do not make the container shiny or slick Looking

Set the tree on the selected stand to check for overall effect

Ensure the Container and Stand are legibly identified with the name and telephone number of the owner.

Make 2 3x5 cards each giving the name of the plant, and the name of the owner of the plant and stand.

Setup Day:

Take plant, stand, and 3x5 cards to the exhibit site where one card will be signed by the Plant receptionist and returned to the exhibitor, and the second card will be retained by the receptionist in the exhibit file. Assist with the set up.

Take Down at End of the Exhibit:

Take plant, stand, and retained 3x5 card to the receptionist who will compare the card in the file with the card retained by the exhibitor and if they match the exhibitor may take the tree home.

Return Home:

Water plant
Check plant and repair as needed.
Immediately clean, dry, the stand and apply a light coat of wax.

The above considerations regarding plant security can, and often are, changed, however the tree preparation should not be put off until the day before the exhibit if one is to present the best possible representation of his skill and artistry in bonsai.