Natural Simplicity – Prize Winning White Birch Bonsai

This European White Birch (Betula alba) in all its natural simplicity (and in its great pot) is the winner of the Finest deciduous Bonsai award at the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exibition. It belongs to Dennis Vojtilla. Though birch are ubiquitous in most cold climate regions of North America and the rest of the Northern Hemispere, you see surprisingly few birch bonsai. And even fewer good birch bonsai. I think part of the problem is birch aren’t all that easy to collect and keep healthy. They are relative short lived and prone to insects and disease and though they have … Continue reading Natural Simplicity – Prize Winning White Birch Bonsai

Bonsai Alert: Have You Seen These Trees?

Alert. Have you seen this tree? This beautiful Birch bonsai was just stolen from Václav Stropek, who live in Nyrany in the Czech Republic. If you see it, please let Václav know ASAP. Our original intention was to feature some Birch bonsai, not to send out an alert for stolen trees. Now however, we’ll put a hold on the Birch post and focus on helping Václav Stropek (Nyrany, Czech Republic) recover his stolen bonsai (the birch above and the excellent pine shown below). If you live in or near the Czech Republic, please be aware that someone may try to … Continue reading Bonsai Alert: Have You Seen These Trees?

Restyling a Mugo, Offing a Shari, Bonsai Tourists, More Bonsai Rafting & Some Excellent Events

This old beauty is one of hundreds of quality bonsai that was featured at the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. It’s a Nikko Satsuki Azalea that belongs to The Kennett Collection. It originally belonged to Kunio Kobayashi who started it by planting smaller trees next to each other. The 3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition takes place June 9th and 10th in Rochester NY. It’s not too late to sign up. Now half price. Order this collector’s set from the first two U.S. National Bonsai Exhibitions and save 50% It’s not a bonsai, but it is a sweet photo. … Continue reading Restyling a Mugo, Offing a Shari, Bonsai Tourists, More Bonsai Rafting & Some Excellent Events

Bonsai for You

Close up of a Tamarix bonsai by Harry Harrington (bonsai4me.com). This tree started as a taperless stump (see below). Four pretty good reasons I can think of at least four reasons why I enjoy visiting Harry Harrington’s bonsai4me.com. First, his style is distinctive; I’m pretty sure I could pick Harry’s trees out of selection of random bonsai. Second, Harry uses a wider range of species for bonsai than almost anyone and many of these are seldom seen in quality bonsai galleries (Spirea, Downy birch, Fuchsia, Tamarix, Little leaf linden…). Third, Harry’s choice of pots is excellent (all of the pots … Continue reading Bonsai for You