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 […]
Search Results for: pine
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 […]
Visit to Telperion Farms
Plants love Oregon – 100 wholesale nurseries can’t be wrong. Many of these nurseries focus on conifers – and at least one grows bonsai exclusively: Telperion Farms. Chris and Lisa Kirk started Telperion Farms on 100 acres east of Salem, Oregon. Numerous growing fields support pines, maples and junipers while less common varieties including hornbeam, quince and […]
The Portland bonsai tour continues
I’m always surprised at how lush and green spring is around Portland when the dogwood, rhododendron and hawthorns are in full bloom. Driving between bonsai gardens in the area provided ample opportunity to enjoy the season. Even more striking is the amount of collected material in the area. Visiting bonsai gardens in Oregon means seeing […]




