Bud-Ten 2024
On October 19th, 2024, I had the delightful opportunity to visit the Bud-Ten bonsai exhibition in Bunratty This event has been held every year since 2019, initially hosted at Bud Garden Centre, which is conveniently situated near the iconic Bunratty Castle – a remarkable tower house dating back to the 15th century. Located in the centre of Bunratty village, along the N18 road linking Limerick and Ennis. The castle is a well-known tourist destination overseen by Shannon Heritage.
Ray, a dedicated bonsai enthusiast, manages Bud Garden Centre and has been assisting newcomers to the art for years with his expert advice. He also arranges monthly meetings for the Bud Bonsai group, which convenes in Bunratty.
Just like in the past, the exhibition this year was a collaborative project by the Bud Bonsai members, presenting their carefully tended trees for the enjoyment of the attendees. The event took place at the rear of the garden centre, where the exhibition area was adorned with stunning bonsai examples.
Strolling through the front section of the centre, I was mesmerized by the array of colours and the variety of seasonal plants. Upon entering, I was delighted to encounter a familiar face – Steve, who had attended the bonsai exhibition I hosted at Claregalway Castle for the Autumn Garden Fair a few weeks prior.
Following a short discussion, I proceeded and ultimately reached the destination that was the primary purpose of my journey – the Bud-Ten 2024 exhibition. Within a compact space, the exquisite bonsai trees were tastefully showcased on deep blue tablecloths, forming an ideal setting. The entire exhibition was carefully organized, leading to a remarkable overall impression.
Following a brief discussion with the exhibition organizers, I proceeded to carefully capture photographs and examine each bonsai tree showcased. The diversity of the displays, encompassing a range of sizes and species, was remarkably striking. Despite missing the award presentations across different categories, I still managed to appreciate the winning trees.
The highlighted categories at the Bud-Ten bonsai exhibition in Bunratty were:
- Best Tree/Pot Combination
- Best Conifer
- Best Shohin
- Best Accent
- Best Seasonal
- Best in Show
- Best Native
- Best Broadleaf
Following this moment of contemplation, I wandered through the remainder of Bud Garden Centre to discover the captivating assortment of bonsai trees and materials, ideal for crafting future bonsai '
To conclude this fantastic day, I indulged in a tasty cup of coffee inside a tent facing the iconic Bunratty Castle, engaging in discussions with my friends from the Connaught Bonsai Club.
Experiencing a blend of simplicity and deep happiness in nature's beauty alongside like-minded individuals was a powerful illustration of the significance of human connections and the value of treasuring these brief instances of unity.
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Welcome to Connaught Bonsai! 🌱
I'm glad you've found your way to our space dedicated to the art of bonsai. If you have any questions about the club, our events, or workshops, or need advice on bonsai care, feel free to send a message!
I'll do my best to respond as quickly as possible.
Best regards,
Marek Zemla
Founder of Connaught Bonsai
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