I was struck, again, by the crafty camouflage employed by the caterpillars in my garden this week. Looking down at a chojubai, I spotted a caterpillar extending itself stick-like from the leaf it was clinging to. Unlike the completely green caterpillars I’m used to seeing around the garden, this one was clearly suited to the […]
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Experiments with fertilizer
I’ve been experimenting with fertilizers lately. For years, my primary fertilizers have been cottonseed meal and fish emulsion. Both are easy to find and easy to use. Cottonseed meal Fish emulsion I’ve been happy with the results too, but have been curious about newer products that have components beyond the standard NPK. Today it’s easy […]
Review: The Bonsai Beginner’s Course
Earlier this week, Bonsai Empire and Bjorn Bjorholm released the Bonsai Beginner’s Course – an online course that covers bonsai basics. The Bonsai Beginner’s Course The course is available via the Bonsai Empire website for $19.99 through June 8th – the cost may rise if you sign up after the 8th. I was provided access to the course […]
Looking out for swelling on recently wired branches
Spring is a time of year when bonsai grow fast. That’s cause for both celebration and caution. For trees that have been wired, spring is when the wires are most likely to cut in. A casual glance at trees that have been wired often isn’t enough. 3 1/2 year-old black pine – the wire looks ok […]
Displaying a Korean hornbeam
I’m working, this week, on my submission for the Artisans Cup coming to Portland, Oregon, in September. Haven’t submitted a tree yet? No problem, there are still 3 days left. The requirements are simple – a few photos of your tree, a photo of the intended display, and a few words describing your intention behind […]