Noelanders Trophy XIII

I am still trying to get my head over, what can only be described as a fantastic weekend away in Belgium. Not only meeting old and new friends that I had not seen for over a year but also fantastic outstanding quality Bonsai of the highest order and the best sales I have ever had at any show ever.

There was a large contigent of Brits who had had their trees selected for the event and they definately stood proud and sometimes outshone some of the competition on display. My favorite tree of the whole exhibition was Simon Temblett's Willow. Grown from a cutting 25 years ago, the tree was testement what you can do without forking out thousands of pounds for imported material with copious amounts of deadwood.

The winning tree was an ex-Kimura Tree owned by Mario Stemberger from Italy. Not my "bag" but a great tree nonetheless If you can make the show next year it is well worth the trip and I personally know that there are club members who have trees that are well upto the mark of this acclaimed show. You know who you are, why not submit your trees for selection next.

On another note. I am now Bonsai-less and no longer possess any trees. I will be concentrating all my available time on ceramics and will represent the pot part of bonsai at the club meetings, of which I will still attend. So you have not got rid of me that easily....