Displaying Bonsai Trees
in an Exhibit

For example - if the bonsai tree is a rugged juniper or pine, the accent could be a stone, and the scroll, a ‘snow on a mountain’ scene.

In the photo shown here, the awarded bonsai is a Florida Bald Cypress, created by David Baruch.

The sun in the scroll could certainly be considered tropical and the accent plant (difficult to see in this photo) is also from South Florida.

All of this calls for some contemplation and coordination.

One of the least complicated introductions on ‘how to create a bonsai display’ is by Andy Rutledge.

With simple drawings, Andy makes these layout concepts much easier to understand.

Bonsai Display Stands

The closer to eye level, the better it can be seen by observers.

More and more clubs are also raising the foundation benches before draping them and using individual pedestals, for the same purpose.

See full page on Bonsai Display Tables

Scrolls

Although there are expensive antique scrolls available, you can also find appropriate inexpensive Chinese and Japanese scrolls online and in many oriental gift and import stores.

Occasionally, the most detailed or colorful may be perfect for hanging alone on a wall, but it may be overwhelming in a bonsai display.

Remember, the scroll is not the focal point. Select carefully.

The scrolls do not have to be a traditional Japanese scrolls. One year for the Miami show, club member Mieko Kubota created several kanji panels for us to chose from. Another year, the late Joe Samuels created a simple moon scene with pastels on heavy dark blue paper as a backdrop for a blooming white Bougainvillea.

Accents

Although plants are most commonly used, accents can also be a small sculpture, bonsai figurine or even a stone.


This succulent accent plant is the perfect combination of plant, pot and stand.

Whatever your companion choice, it should also be on a “stand” …
lower than the bonsai.

This vibrant, beautiful, uncommon plant and the scale of the tiny flowers left many visitors asking
"Is it real?"

Bonsai societies around the world are paying much more attention to accents when displaying bonsai.

A good example is the first dedicated exhibition of bonsai accents in Britain ... Magical Bonsai Accents - to be held May 27, 2012... nothing but accents!

One of my favorite accent "stands" is a simple black, glazed ceramic circle. This would not work in all scenarios, but with the right tree and a brightly colored flower -- it’s impressive.

At any show, in addition to traditional bonsai display stands, you may see bamboo place-mats (they can often be cut to size,) wood slabs (painted and unpainted), porcelain tiles and many other creative ways to show off the subject.

Member Brian Saponaro carved the stand from a 4” x 4” block of construction wood.

He also made his own bonsai pot.

The tree was an imported, upright Fukien Tea, which he totally restyled.

Brian added a scroll and one of his bonsai figurines (fishing at the base of the mountain) to complete his scene.

Needless to say, guests were impressed.

Each grouping is not just lined up in a hodge-podge manner ... and that is another study. Any good exhibit displaying bonsai takes a lot of work!

See much more about accent plants, bronzes and pots!

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