6th U.S. National – Bonsai on a Steady Upward Curve

This award winning dwarf Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’) belongs to Creighton Bostrom of Waxhaw, North Carolina. The photo is from the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. You can find it and all the other trees in the Exhibition Album. The same goes for the 4th Exhibition (the albums for 1, 2 and 3 are out of print) Thanks to Bonsai Empire for the photos shown here (and for identifying the varieties and the owners). They just made my job easier. And of course, thanks to Bill Valavanis and all the kind folks who put together the previous U.S. National Bonsai Exhibitions … Continue reading 6th U.S. National – Bonsai on a Steady Upward Curve

Grape Bonsai, in a League of Its Own

We don’t see grape bonsai that often and of the ones we have seen, this one is in a league of its own. Even if it weren’t a grape, the well-tapered trunk with its powerful base, beautifully carved deadwood, undulating live vein* and long cascading branch present an impressive picture. And then there are the grapes! The artist is Juan Antonio Pérez. He doesn’t list the varietal I’m always a little stoked when we discover a new bonsai artist (new to me and Bonsai Bark, that is). His name is Juan Antonio Pérez and he lives in El Puerto de Santa María, Spain. The discovery started … Continue reading Grape Bonsai, in a League of Its Own

50% Bonsai Book Special Ends Wednesday Night – 30% off Special Also Ends

This luscious Satsuki azalea is one of a multitude of remarkable bonsai photos from the very aptly named, Fine Bonsai, Art and Nature – Now on Special There’s a method to our madness. All these spectacular photos we’ve posted for your enjoyment are from some of our large selection of bonsai books that we offer and all our books are currently on special. Stone Lantern and Haskill Creek Publishing books are 50% off list prices and all other books are 30% off. Our books on Japanese Gardening and related topics are also 30% off . 50% off Bonsai Book Special Ends Tomorrow Night 30% off … Continue reading 50% Bonsai Book Special Ends Wednesday Night – 30% off Special Also Ends

Naturally Dramatic Bonsai

A particularly dramatic and complex Pemphis acidula. Not that Pemphis don’t tend to be dramatic anyway, but this one is almost unrivaled. It was collected and styled by Gedemerta. Height 82cm (32″). Continuing from yesterday with more bonsai by Gedemerta, we’ll borrow a few photos from our archives (June, 2015). All but one of the trees here are Pemphis acidula which has to be one of the most naturally dramatic trees in the world. It’s a safe bet that they were all collected from the wild. In fact, it might not be too far fetched to assume that Pemphis bonsai only originate in the wild, … Continue reading Naturally Dramatic Bonsai

Bonsai Beasts of the Southern Wild

Beast of the Southern Wild. We don’t know the dimensions of this monster, but we know its name. It’s a Pithecellobium unguis (Catclaw black bead), a genus and species completely new to us (and probably new to you too). As you can see, this particular bonsai is about as unique as they get with nature doing most of the work and Nacho Marin providing the finishing touches. Getting ready to head out of town for a little mixed R&R and work (there’s always some work), so we’ll take a shortcut today. This post originally appeared in February, 2015, though from where we sit now, it … Continue reading Bonsai Beasts of the Southern Wild

A Soft Spot for Unusual Bonsai

I have a soft spot for unusual bonsai, and this one is no exception (nor is its bow-shaped pot). It’s from Miguel Ros’ Museo Tatsugoro. The trees are Cryptomeria Japonica (commonly called Japanese cedar, though they’re not really cedars). Miguel’s caption is… “Excellent Monday” Last month we put together a post titled A Very Variegated Unusual Bonsai. Now we have another unusual bonsai (along with three others that may qualify) from the same source, Miguel Ros’ Museo Tatsugoro. Miguel and his museum are in Vera Cruz, Mexico, and speaking of soft spots, I’ve been to Mexico about a dozen times, but I’ve never been to Vera Cruz. Next … Continue reading A Soft Spot for Unusual Bonsai

A Lifetime of Bonsai Inspiration

This convoluted Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) belongs to Ed Trout of Pembroke Pines Florida. The container is by Sonny Boggs. The photo is from the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Album. We always have an eye out for unique, high quality bonsai and this one certainly qualifies. A little over two weeks ago we received our copies of the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Album. Since then, I’ve tried to spend a few minutes each day thumbing through and allowing myself to re-experience the initial jolt of excitement from that first day. Now it’s your turn. But we don’t want to spoil … Continue reading A Lifetime of Bonsai Inspiration

Florida Cracker – Before & After

This Buttonwood is just a tad more eccentric than your average bonsai. Juan Andrade posted this and some other photos of this tree a while back. Here’s his caption “Florida Cracker”, ain’t it? Sourced @ Olicata Bonsai Studio last year. Thank you Hiram!”* Today I set out to find a something that Juan Andrade wrote about four types of bonsai nurseries. Sadly, I failed in my quest (not defeated, just postponed), but I did find the photos shown here on Juan’s timeline and couldn’t resist. And if you’d like to get back to this tree’s source, you can visit Olicata … Continue reading Florida Cracker – Before & After

Frozen Bonsai & 2 NEW Tool Sales

Frozen! Though there’s no explanation with the photo, it’s easy to guess that someone watered these trees to protect them from excessive cold. You probably know this, but cold damage or death is caused by dehydration; the dry cold pulls the water out of the foliage and stems. Though there’s more to it than this (having to do with cold hardiness, the difference between plants in the ground and plants in pots and other factors), we’ll leave it at that. I found this photo on Bonsai Art & Ink Paintings – Sakura Studio – Sonia Stella. No attribution given. After … Continue reading Frozen Bonsai & 2 NEW Tool Sales

Five Shohin Bonsai Plus One

A sweet little Firethorn (Pyracantha) in full flower. Yesterday we showed one with a few berries and if you scroll down you’ll see one with a lot more than a few. Thought we’d continue yesterday’s Shohin theme with a few more photos. I’ll spare you too much commentary. The photo above is from Bonsai Mike. Continued below… NEW SALE 25% off All Bonsai Books Choose from 50 different titles additional 10% off orders 100.00+ FREE Shipping on U.S. orders 50.00+ be sure to select Free Shipping when you check out It’s not everyday you see a shohin Buttonwood (Conocarpus … Continue reading Five Shohin Bonsai Plus One