“Plans are nothing; planning is everything”
General Dwight Eisenhower
There are some important bonsai shows coming up for Florida bonsai artists in 2026. The most immediate one is the Bonsai Societies of Florida annual convention in Orlando on Memorial Day, followed by the US National Tropical Bonsai Show in Houston, Texas, in September 2026. Preparation for most art shows obviously requires effort. Cable TV reality shows have made it a mainstay to create drama and artificial deadlines for ratings. However, the nature of bonsai shows entails a special process. Let’s walk through the process and see if you agree or have your own method.
I use an approach I learned in the Army for planning tactical missions known as reverse planning. You start at the end of the mission and lay out a timeline by working backward from the time allowed to get there.
“For complex tasks research has shown preparing backward anticipated the necessary steps more clearly and followed the original plan to reach the set goal. “
Association for Psychological Science https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/trying-to-get-ahead-plan-in-reverse-study-suggests.html
Show Day-S0: Place all trees in their display and set up properly. Arrive early to check the presentation and make any last-minute adjustments. Water as needed during the show as HVAC in interior displays can dry and temperature shock a tropical tree leading to leaf loss and drop.
Transportation S-1: Load and deliver the trees to the event. Bring support material such as water bottles and lifting aids and extra labor if needed.
Final Review S-5: Conduct a thorough final inspection of each bonsai to confirm they meet the desired showcase standards. Prepare and arrange all necessary materials for engaging with attendees. Tweak any bark and deadwood coloration using inks or paint.
Preparation for Display S-35: Finalize how each tree will be displayed, including display concept and accessories. Confirm any necessary display equipment is ready. Place moss on the tree now. This gives the moss time to grow in and leaves time to touch up in final preparation. Use moss of different species and size to create interest.
Growth and Maintenance – S-30 to S-90: Plan for the time needed to give each tree appropriate care and maintenance leading up to this final period of preparation, including trimming, defoliation, trunk cleaning, and protection from pests. I like to clean the branches and trunk of my display trees about a month before the event, followed by a light re-cleaning the week of the show. I prefer to show trees without wire, which can only happen with a tree in Phase 4 of the design art cycle. If you must use wire, make it fine wire and avoid crossing the main trunks. Never use guy wire on a tree in a show, as it clearly indicates that the tree is not in Phase 4 and is considered an unsightly shaping technique. The use of lime sulfur on deadwood is another personal preference; if your design requires white deadwood, apply the lime sulfur at least 30 days before the show so it can dry and whiten properly.
Logistics – S-30: Organize the logistics for transporting your trees to the venue. Confirm vehicle arrangements and create protection for the bonsai during transit. Despite taking precautions, I can almost count on a piece of a tree being damaged while in transit. The more you prepare, the better your chances of avoiding damage.
Pruning and Styling (varies): Complete any required pruning and styling well in advance to enhance the visual appeal of the bonsai and allow for recovery. Timing will vary depending on the species. For example, show-ready Japanese Black Pine (JBP) trees require a specific annual schedule to develop small needles. If the event timing does not align with this schedule, you’ll need to adjust your pruning and candle cutting. For the BSF convention in May, for instance, you need to conduct candle cutting about three months prior (in March) to ready small needles. For a Willow Leaf Fig, you can defoliate about five weeks before the show to achieve nice, small yellow-green leaves. If you defoliate three weeks before, the leaves will be smaller and orange-red but less full. You can also show a Willow Leaf Fig after defoliating to reveal its structure, which can happen the day before the show. For Water Jasmine, try defoliating 24 days prior to the show to encourage a new set of flowers. Each species has its timing. If you have a tree in Phase 4 of its design cycle, you should have developed a pattern for when to trim it. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a more experienced club member for timing advice.
Procure or build Suport Items S-90: Collect or build the stands, accents, props or other items you need for the display. This can be an ongoing activity but putting everything off to the last minute leads to mistakes and disappointments.
Selection of Trees S-100 : Decide which trees will be showcased based on both the display concept and the health, aesthetics, and fit for the show’s theme. Select only trees in the Phase 4 of the design art cycle. Putting trees not ready for display in a show is a rookie mistake.
Set Objectives: Define your goals for the show, such as how many trees, the display concept, fit with the show theme and any personal goals such as debuting a tree in an exhibition, showing some unique aspect of your art ,or if you want to make a traditional or creative display. This assumes the trees are in stage 4 of their design art cycle.
This reverse planning then can create a checklist for the various trees going into the show and help the exhibitor keep track of the myriad of moving parts. Have fun and don’t forget to get creative.
By following this reverse planning approach, you can strategically prepare for the upcoming bonsai shows, considering every detail to make your trees and display concept shine.
PS If you are not familiar with the Bonsai Art Cycle see Chapter 5 of my book “Introduction to Bonsai: Growing and Appreciating Bonsai Across the Globe” Available on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Bonsai-Growing-Appreciating-Across/dp/1098773462