Just over a year ago, I mentioned an idea for a regional bonsai show. It’s time for an update! For starters, Eric Shrader and I have decided to move the event to next year. We’re aiming for the first or second weekend in November, 2022. The main reason for this is to give exhibitors more […]
Search Results for: pine
What kind of soil should I use for my bonsai?
I hear the question a lot, and it’s a good one. In my garden, I use mixes based on the species I’m growing and my development goals for the tree. I make adjustments for the health of the tree, my budget, and the availability of the ingredients I’d like to use. If I’m working with […]
Aligning containers with development goals
I use a variety of containers in my garden, but over the years I’ve narrowed the types of containers I use at different stages of development. Here are some common options for our trees and some of the reasons why we might want to use them at a given stage of their development. Plastic containers […]
Branch refinement – controlling vigor with decandling
It’s been fun watching the branches develop on some of the older pines I’ve grown from seed. When these trees are healthy, it only takes a few years to reduce the internode length and fill out the basic silhouette. The main challenge at this stage is managing the tree’s vigor to reliably produce two shoots […]
Review: Bonsai Heresy by Michael Hagedorn
I first heard about the idea for Michael Hagedorn’s recent book, Bonsai Heresy, over ten years ago. Hagedorn explained that he had started collecting, and debunking, unproductive myths in the bonsai world. I couldn’t wait to read it! Finally, I got the chance when I saw drafts of the book earlier this year. The experience […]