Mugo Pines: A Well Kept Secret

This powerful, well groomed yet craggy Mugo pine jumps off the page. It would be exceptional even if it didn’t have that wild and strange piece of deadwood that doubles back on the trunk; a feature that makes this tree uniquely distinctive and even more wonderful than it would be anyway (though I might remove the straight stick at the end that goes behind the trunk). I might also take issue with the crown; it’s a touch too perfectly groomed and symmetrical for my taste, but still, this is an exceptional bonsai. Worthy of the finest collections anywhere. I found … Continue reading Mugo Pines: A Well Kept Secret

Mistakes & Apologies All Around

Our first mistake (see below) has to do with those of you who have already ordered this book. If you are not familiar with it, it’s our famous Pine book and it’s coming back in April (maybe May). We recommend it for anyone interested in growing pine bonsai. If you are interested, you can pre-order now and you’ll receive two discounts: $5 (for pre-ordering and pre-paying) plus a 10% to 30% book sale discount. First mistake (don’t read this unless you’ve already ordered our Pine book) Yesterday we took our Pine book off our site because of our new book … Continue reading Mistakes & Apologies All Around

Returning Soon: Our Famous Pine Book

Our most popular book. So popular in fact, that we ran out almost one year ago. Now, due to popular demand (really!) we’ve decided to bring it back. $5 Discount if you order in advance Two good things will happen if you order yours now. First, you’ll receive a $5 discount. Second, you’ll be first in line when it arrives some time in April.

Say Goodbye to an Old Classic (Well, Almost)

Almost gone. Our classic Pine book is down to less than 40 copies. We originally printed 5,200, so it’s been a pretty good run. One per person please While it lasts (and it won’t be long) we request that you limit yourself to one per person (or one per company). Thanks. No plans At this point, we have no plans to reprint, though in a year or two, we could change our minds.

Green Workshop: Controlling Conifer Growth

These simple tips on trimming and pinching are from an extensive article entitled ‘How to Train Coniferous Bonsai’ from Bonsai Today issue 42. Stay posted for more tips from this article. Books on the subject Two of the best books on training conifers are part of our Masters’ Series: Growing and Styling Juniper Bonsai, and Growing and Styling Japanese White and Black Pines (most of the info is good for other pines).

The Magician Turns Three into Seven

This rafia wrapped Japanese white pine is the result of an unconventional (amazing might also apply) transformation by Masahiko Kimura. The original article appears in Bonsai Today issue 43. This photo also appears in our Pine book. Approx. height 37″ (94cm). Up to his old tricks The range and dept of Masahiko Kimura’s mastery knows almost no bounds; his highly imaginative and unconventional artistry have changed the way the world bonsai community views and practices bonsai (stay posted for more on the effects of Kimura’s work). The tree featured in this post is yet another example of Kimura’s genius. You … Continue reading The Magician Turns Three into Seven

Green Workshop: Fertilizing #3 – A Plan We Like

This healthy looking, well-fed Green Island Ficus (Ficus microcarpa ‘Green Island’), by Alan Kieffer, originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 74, in an article by Mary Miller. A fertilizing program we like The following program is one that I like. Feel free to adjust, elaborate, or simplify according to you needs and preferences. Start with pellets in the very late winter Apply about one third the recommended dosage* of Green Dream or other pellet or chunky natural fertilizer in the very late winter (just before the buds begin to swell).

Energy Balancing #2 – Cascade Bonsai

It’s good to think in terms of zones when discussing energy balancing. Especially with cascade bonsai, which present unique challenges. The illustrations in this post are all from our Masters’ Series Pine book (Growing and Styling Japanese Black and White Pines). Think zones All trees have strong, medium and weak zones. Because most trees are apically dominant (most of the energy flows up to the apex), the top is usually the strongest zone. Exceptions are low growing and spreading shrubs and some small trees. Energy balancing is critical with cascades It can be difficult to maintain the all important lower … Continue reading Energy Balancing #2 – Cascade Bonsai

In Search of the Perfect Nebari – part 6

Two for One: Splitting Roots This is a great technique for reducing big clunky roots and spreading surface roots to create balance. All you need is a sharp chisel, your fingers and a stone to hold the roots apart until they set. The photos are from our Masters’ Series Pine book.