Three Juniper Bonsai & One Juniper Bonsai Book

Here’s one that jumped off the page while perusing everyone’s favorite social media site. Looks like a Shimpaku juniper. There’s a lot to like here: the way the living veins merge in an inverted U shape on the trunk (a strange feature that might disqualify the tree from exhibiting in the famous Japanese bonsai shows, but one that you might appreciate for its unconventional effect); the dynamic movement of the trunk from the base to the top and the feel of coiled stored energy in the trunk (it’s the coffee). Then there’s the way deadwood in the middle of the … Continue reading Three Juniper Bonsai & One Juniper Bonsai Book

Japanese Black Pine 100% Made in America

“This exposed root Japanese black pine is a beautiful blend of Japanese sensibility and American craftsmanship…. Obviously it’s a Japanese species, and it’s hard to argue that several of the styling cues are based on Japanese bonsai. However, this tree is 100% made in America. The tree itself, started from seed and grown as bonsai material in California. The pot, hand made by American potter Dale Cochy, circa 2004. All brought together, styled and finished by me, an American bonsai artists trained in Japan. An exciting collision of several worlds and a respectful nod to all things bonsai from US … Continue reading Japanese Black Pine 100% Made in America

Swept Away by a Bonsai Broom

When it comes to broom-style bonsai, this Zelkova is no doubt among the very best. In addition to one of the most perfectly developed crowns anywhere (with an amazing profusion of tiny leaves), it provides an excellent example of trunk and surface root development. Neither are overstated; providing a welcome relief from the overly dramatic trunk taper and grotesque nebari that you sometimes see on deciduous trees. But then, you might expect perfection from this tree; it’s from Grand Master Saburo Kato’s collection. For a long time Mr Kato was recognized as Japan’s preeminent Bonsai artist. Up to our old … Continue reading Swept Away by a Bonsai Broom

Two Simple Tricks With Bonsai Wire

Japanese white pine from our 2017 Bonsai Calendar (Sorry, sold out). This tree has no doubt been repeatedly wired over years of development. The photo above is from the October page of our 2017 Bonsai Calendar. The rest of this post is from March 2010. Two dates separated by more than eight years. But the advice is timeless. Yesterday several thousand pounds of Bonsai Wire arrived and now we’ve got Kilo Rolls coming out of our ears Our Solution? Lower Kilo Wire Prices Now Only 14.80 (or 13.90) with our 20% to 25% off Site Wide Sale Too long … Continue reading Two Simple Tricks With Bonsai Wire

Confused about Itoigawa, Kishu & Shimpaku Junipers?

This dynamic Juniper jumped off its digital page on my daily bonsai hunt yesterday. In addition to all its movement, there’s those two perfectly placed foliage clouds. Their gentle downward motion and soft weight help tame the upward thrust of the deadwood. Bjorn Bjorholm’s caption for this Juniper reads: “Itoigawa Shimpaku styled in 2013 during my apprenticeship at Kouka-en.” Today it’s a few dynamic Itoigawa junipers for you. The beautiful & energetic beast above is from Bjorn Bjorholm’s facebook feed. I pillaged the others from our archives. Continued below… SITE WIDE SALE 20% TO 25% OFF EVERYTHING* Don’t Worry! We … Continue reading Confused about Itoigawa, Kishu & Shimpaku Junipers?

Windswept Deadwood?

Windswept deadwood? I don’t think I’ve ever seen deadwood quite like this. It’s those little spikes on the left that conjure wind or speed, but I think it must be something else. I wonder what natural forces would cause this. I like this tree. It’s over the top a bit, but real eye catcher and it’s easy to appreciate the work that went into it. Especially if you know just how hard Yew wood is. In this case it’s European yew (Taxus baccata). Sometimes called English yew, but considering that it grows over much of Europe and into western Asia, … Continue reading Windswept Deadwood?

A Rock, Heavily Furrowed Bark, Ramification & a Well Developed Nebari

At first glace I thought the rock that sticks out on the right was part of the trunk. But a closer look (see below) confirms the strong suspicion that it’s a rock. And in case you’re wondering, the tree is the King of bonsai, a Japanese black pine. We’ve been borrowing great photos of Japanese bonsai from Micheal Bonsai for a long time now. I’m not sure where he gets them, but most are superb. The best of the Japanese trees… which are often simply the best. SITE WIDE SALE 20% TO 25% OFF EVERYTHING* You can see the rock … Continue reading A Rock, Heavily Furrowed Bark, Ramification & a Well Developed Nebari

A Bonsai Symphony in Three Movements

This super-sized three part penjing is by Robert Steven; renowned bonsai artist, teacher, author and tool designer (his New RS Shears are below), and frequent contributor to this blog. We’ve shown this one before, but we’re busy with the seasonal rush, so we’ll take the easy way out and save some time. In Robert Steven’s own words… “This is a super large penjing I did two weeks ago. The total length is three meters (about 10 feet). I combined three large special-order white marble trays in the arrangement in order to give a unique presentation in perspective and composition. The … Continue reading A Bonsai Symphony in Three Movements

World’s Youngest & Most Joyful Bonsai Artist

Too cute for a serious bonsai blog? Maybe, but I think he may be for real… if you scroll down you’ll see him picking off unhealthy needles. Then there’s his high forehead and large cranium. Maybe he knows exactly what he’s doing. The photos in this post are all is lifted from Sandy Fathurachman’s facebook page (link disabled). Thought I’d do a quick recycle for you. This post originally appeared three years ago this month. It was titled, World’s Youngest Bonsai Master. I must admit, even though it’s too cute by a factor of ten, I still like it and … Continue reading World’s Youngest & Most Joyful Bonsai Artist

A Strange & Wonderful Bonsai Beast & Other Pot-less Masterpieces

This strange and wonderful beast belongs to Michael Hagedorn. I’m pretty sure it’s a Maple, but not so sure about the variety. No matter though, it’s the amazing non-pot and playful approach to bonsai that gets me. Yesterday we featured Michael Hagedorn and his newly upgraded Crataegus Bonsai website. Today it’s more Michael, but this time it’s a quick look at some of his rather impressive collection of potless bonsai. I’ve got a big firewood delivery today and too much to do anyway, so no time for captions. You can visit Crataegus Bonsai for more photos and for the opportunity … Continue reading A Strange & Wonderful Bonsai Beast & Other Pot-less Masterpieces