This page is an expanded version of the resources listed in Chapter 6 of The Little Book of Bonsai. Table of Contents Bonsai Clubs Print Publications Multi-day Classes (“Bonsai Intensives”) Public Bonsai Gardens Bonsai Exhibits Bonsai In Japan Bonsai Photo Books Finding Material for Bonsai Bonsai Clubs Bonsai clubs host educational meetings and/or workshops to […]
Search Results for: taikan ten
Photographing bonsai – getting the level right
I’ve long found that the hardest part of photographing bonsai is figuring out how high to hold the camera. Holding it too high can be good for showing the foliage but not so great for seeing the branch structure. Holding the camera too low reveals more of the branch structure but doesn’t offer a good […]
What to look for at fall bonsai exhibits
The first time I visited a fall exhibit in Japan, I was struck by the number of fruiting bonsai. Every aisle offered examples of crabapple, princess persimmon, pyracantha, or hawthorn bonsai with colorful fruit. I hadn’t realized what a good opportunity the season was to show off trees with fruit as I hadn’t been exposed […]
Azaleas in development at Kobayashi Sangyou satsuki bonsai garden
Over the years, I’ve seen a number of spectacular azaleas at exhibits like Taikan-ten and Kokufu-ten – trees with super trunks, interesting movement and full canopies. I’ve appreciated them for years and they make a compelling case for satsuki azalea as a great variety for bonsai. On a recent visit to the Kobayashi Sangyo company […]
A visit to the Gyouzan kiln – the creative containers of Yukizyou Nakano
The Gyouzan kiln is well-known for producing some of Japan’s best contemporary bonsai pots. Why are these pots so well respected? Clean lines, solid builds and attention to detail could be a starting point for describing Gyouzan pots. For me, it’s their handmade character that makes them stand out. Straight lines are essentially straight but […]