Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition
OCTOBER 17 & 18, 2026
The North American Bonsai Federation (NABF) and Hidden Lake Gardens are proud to announce this inaugural bonsai exhibition taking place at Hidden Lake Gardens in the fall of 2026.
Cash Awards
1st Place = $1,000
2nd Place = $500
3rd Place = $250
Best Public Collection Tree Award = $250
Please check back for a complete schedule of the event, including VIP opening reception, tea ceremony, bonsai exhibition, educational presentations, bonsai vendors, auction, food and beverage options and more.
CALL FOR BONSAI ENTRIES
It is the goal of the North American Bonsai Federation (NABF) to exhibit the finest fall fruiting and/or foliage bonsai in North America. The Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition will be held at Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Michigan. Applicants are encouraged to submit for consideration what they assess to be the best fall fruiting and/or foliage bonsai in their collection. The selection panel will choose from the entries submitted those trees that they believe best represents the style and diversity of fall fruiting and/or foliage bonsai.
APPLICATION CRITERIA
- Each applicant must complete an application for entry - please check back for application to be released.
- Preliminary selection will be by digital image. The NABF does not maintain a collection of stands or accent plants, therefore, it is necessary that appropriate stands and accent plants be photographed with the tree and, if selected, displayed with the tree.
- Each applicant may enter a maximum of two bonsai for consideration by the selection panel.
- Selection of bonsai will be by a juried panel.
- There is no entry fee, although if your tree is selected, we ask that a bonsai related item of value is donated to the auction.
ENTRY FORMS AND PHOTO SUBMISSION
Deadline June 1, 2026
- A maximum of two bonsai may be entered for jury consideration.
- Two photos are required, one of the bonsai alone and one with stand and accent.
DELIVERY OF BONSAI
- All bonsai accepted for exhibition must be delivered on Friday, October 16, 2026 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Any bonsai received after that date and time will NOT be exhibited.
- Trees will be spot watered throughout the weekend of the event, but please make sure your tree(s) are watered thoroughly before delivery.
The North American Bonsai Federation (NABF) reserves the right, in conjunction with feedback from Hidden Lake Gardens, to reorganize and move tree / displays around the Exhibition at its discretion, for aesthetic or logistic purposes, at any point during the Exhibition. Lighting is fixed within the Exhibition hall; tree owners are not able or allowed to modify the lighting above or around his/her tree(s).
Disclaimer: The North American Bonsai Federation (NABF) is not responsible for loss, theft or damage of items placed for Exhibition.
Please check back for application availability.
BONSAI VENDORS
