The annual Trophy in Belgium is widely regarded as the central EU bonsai show, and deservedly so. I was lucky enough to see it in 2015 and felt I’d only once before seen that level outside of Japan, in Taiwan.
Less known to those outside the EU is the UBE convention and show in Spain. This is a Spain-only show, which given the quality of the trees speaks volumes about how deep a bench the EU presently has.
Much as I am proud of our momentum over here in the Americas, hats off to Spain. Though they have superb imports, they are also working with European natives at that same level: Sabina Juniper, Scots Pine, Mugo Pine, Olive, Myrtle, Oak and Elm.
In a few weeks I’ll share photos from Luis Vallejo’s Bonsai Museum, and others from David Benevente’s garden—at both locations, trees of dizzying beauty. All in Madrid, Spain. (Which is shorthand to say if you’re anywhere near Madrid, stay for a day of bonsai.)
Enjoy the photos!
European Yew
Itoigawa juniper
Olive
Cryptomeria
Mugo Pine (Triple prize winner—this tree also won First Prize Conifer at the Trophy 2023)
Olive
Elm
Myrtle
Cork Oak
Japanese White Pine (from the Iwasaki collection)
Scots Pine
European Yew
Elm
Sabina Juniper
Myrtle
Chinese Juniper
Japanese White Pine
Silverberry