What if you woke up on September 25th and realized that you’re not at the Artisans Cup?

You know there has to be a living vein somewhere, but it must be hidden behind all that impressive deadwood. The crown belongs to a Shimpaku juniper that was grafted onto a collected Rocky Mountain juniper. The tree belongs to Michael Hagedorn, as do all the trees (and boots) shown here. In two hours I’m leaving for SF and then Portland for the Artisans Cup. No time for a new post, but what could be more timely than another (last) reminder that’s it’s not too late for you to get in gear and go (well, maybe it is too late … Continue reading What if you woke up on September 25th and realized that you’re not at the Artisans Cup?

Slow Down & Take a Bonsai Tour

Michael Hagedorn reworked this Sierra juniper (grafted with shimpaku) in a refinement session at the Weyerhaeuser bonsai collection (now the Pacific Bonsai Museum), way back in 2009. The before photo is below. This is the third time for this post (nonwithstanding some key changes and additions). And though today is not yet Labor Day, it is Labor Day weekend. Time to chill with family, friends and late summer bonsai chores. It’s rare to find writing that explores our thoughts when we work on our bonsai. So I was surprised and delighted when I read Michael Hagedorn’s post on Crataegus Bonsai, … Continue reading Slow Down & Take a Bonsai Tour

It Takes a Bonsai Village

Not in its pot yet and not a perfect photo, but still…! It’s a Rocky Mountain juniper from Michael Hagedorn’s Crataegus Bonsai portfolio. While we’re in Portland (see yesterday’s post) we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Portland Bonsai Village. In fact, it would almost criminal and an insult to our friend Michael Hagedorn if we didn’t clue you in. So, click this link and consider yourself clued… and while you’re in Portland at the Cup, hop on board (bus below). Skip this paragraph unless you’re a fan of self flagellation. Sometimes I amaze myself at just how dense … Continue reading It Takes a Bonsai Village

Artisans Cup – an Inspirational Bonsai Event that You Will Remember for the Rest of Your Life

Announcing the exhibitors. From the Artisans Cup blog. Stick: Awhile ago we posted “What if you woke up on September 25th and realized that you’re not at the Artisans Cup?” An unabashed scare tactic. Problem is, some of you don’t scare all that easily, so we’ll switch from stick to carrot. Carrot: If this post convinces you to go, you will be eternally grateful. Even if you’ve already made up your mind (or better yet, already registered) you will be delighted you decided to go to the Artisans Cup. It’s the first of its kind and promises to be an … Continue reading Artisans Cup – an Inspirational Bonsai Event that You Will Remember for the Rest of Your Life

The Sun Almost Never Gets Too Hot Here in Northern Vermont, but It Just Might Where You Live

Deciduous Award at the 2012 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition for the Finest Deciduous Bonsai. It’s a Japanese Maple by Suthin Sukolosovisit of Royal Bonsai. It has nothing to do with the topic of this post, at least directly, but the 3rd (2012) U.S. National Bonsai Exhibiton Album and all of our other books are now on special at Stone Lantern. Michael’s font of bonsai wisdom: The following very useful piece of summer advice is by Michael Hagedorn from his Crataegus Bonsai. When the sun gets too hot… July 16, 2015 by Crataegus “There are various ways of helping our bonsai … Continue reading The Sun Almost Never Gets Too Hot Here in Northern Vermont, but It Just Might Where You Live

Bach and Bonsai

A small slice of Michael Hagedorn’s bonsai world (aka Crataegus Bonsai). This photo and the page below are from Andrew Robson’s website. Not that you need it, but here’s another good reason to visit The Artisan’s Cup this September. Here’s the whole page from Andrew’s website.

A Heat Story from Japan by a Natural Story Teller

I borrowed this Vine maple photo from Crataegus Bonsai’s portfolio. If you’d like to see and read the story of this remarkably strange and wonderful bonsai, here’s your link. I never miss Michael Hagedorn’s posts on Crataegus Bonsai. He’s always got something useful to say and he’s a natural story teller. For evidence you can check out his eminently readable book, Post-Dated – The Schooling of an Irreverent Bonsai Monk. There’s our last post too (Michael’s Spring Watering Tips). Back in 2009 Michael put up two posts that were prompted by a heat wave out west. One is a very … Continue reading A Heat Story from Japan by a Natural Story Teller

Michael’s Spring Watering Tips

This old collected Rocky Mountain juniper is from Michael Hagedorn’s Crataegus Bonsai portfolio. What follows has been lifted word for word, photo for photo from Michael Hagedorn’s Crataegus Bonsai. We usually just borrow bits and pieces, so reprinting an entire borrowed post might be a first. If you don’t know Crataegus Bonsai (or even if you do), I strongly encourage you to visit and spend some time there. Michael’s depth and breath of bonsai wisdom and his ability to communicate what he knows (with a light touch and sense of humor) will enhance your bonsai experience. I guarantee it. Spring … Continue reading Michael’s Spring Watering Tips

Bonsai Mirai, Yamadori & Why You Should Visit Portand this September

Only Mother Nature. There is no way anyone will ever grow a tree quite like this magnificently wild Rocky Mountain juniper. Taking this a step further, there is almost no way anyone will ever be able to collect and style a tree like this, though there are a handful of people who have the requisite skills and knowledge. In this case, it’s a combination of two who share the skills and knowledge: Randy Knight* found it, collected it and made sure it survived the trauma, and Ryan Neil styled it, potted it and currently keeps it alive and well at … Continue reading Bonsai Mirai, Yamadori & Why You Should Visit Portand this September

Michael’s Mountain Hemlock Clump After Some Serious Work & a Little Touch Up

January, 2015. Michael Hagedorn’s freshly touched up Mountain Hemlock clump. From Micheal’s Crataegus Bonsai blog. If you only had time to follow Bonsai Bark and one other blog, you wouldn’t go wrong with Michael Hagedorn’s Crataegus Bonsai. I won’t bore you by repeating the praise we’ve already showered on Michael in previous posts, but I will encourage you to visit Micheal’s blog and to serious consider reading his highly enjoyable page turner, Post-Dated, The Schooling of an Irreverent Bonsai Monk. 2010. Taking nothing away from Michael’s cheerful demeanor, or the planting, I think the best part of this photo … Continue reading Michael’s Mountain Hemlock Clump After Some Serious Work & a Little Touch Up