Contest #5: We’ve got a Winner (Sort of)

Still a mystery I lifted this shohin black pine is from the American Shohin-Bonsai Association gallery. I couldn’t find who the artist is anywhere (and their contact link isn’t working), so I figured if I used it for our contest, someone would let me know. No such luck, so it’s still a mystery to me. No longer Mr. Second Place! However. two people did answer some of the of questions correctly (at least I think they were correct; the site doesn’t say anything, so I’m guessing). Of the two Vinicius Costa (formerly known as ‘Mr. Second Place’) was first, so … Continue reading Contest #5: We’ve got a Winner (Sort of)

Green Workshop: Yet Another Watering Problem

Tomohiro Masumi watering Shohin bonsai at Koju-en in Kyoto. From Shohin Bonsai by Morten Albek. Yet Another Watering Problem… The following is by Michael Hagedorn from his website Crataegus Bonsai. Probably the worst thing we might encounter when we have a hose in our hand is a tree that, when we think about it, has not dried out in three days of sunny summer weather. That ought to send off all kinds of alarm bells in your head. If none go off, install some.

KoB Shohin Willow Leaf Ficus by Robert Kempinski

Robert Kempinski (author of Introduction to Bonsai) has an excellent article at Knowledge of Bonsai on Shohin Willow Leaf Ficus (the photo above was borrowed from the article). Check it and a slew of other good stuff out, including a revealing exposé on nasty (but beautifully photographed) little aphids by Heather Hartman. While you are at it, take a look at two related books we offer: Shohin Bonsai by Morten Albek (Stone Lantern Publishing), and Ficus: The Exotic Bonsai by Jerry Meislik (Devonshire Gardens Ltd.).

Vacation Gallery: Enjoy, I’ll Be Back July 2nd

This Trident maple penjing was designed by Quingquan Zhao in 2001 at the Mid Atlantic Bonsai show. It was purchased by Dr. McNear and given to National Bonsai Foundation in honor of his daughter Emily Jane McNear. It reside at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington DC.

Back Savers #3: Plan Ahead for Shohin Symposium

Koto Hime Dwarf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Koto Hime’). Bill Valavanis started this sturdy shohin maple from an airlayer taken in June 1986. Height 11 inches, Tokonome pot. 2009 Shohin Bonsai Symposium, Rochester NY. Bill Valavanis’ Shohin Symposium is coming up soon (September). Shohin artists from around the world will be teaching and displaying their talents and enthusiasm for your enjoyment and benefit. Nobuichi Urushibata, Peter Warren, Julian Adams… Harvey Carapella, Sean Smith, Suthin Sukosolvisit, Erik Wigert, Jack Wikle, Bill Valavanis (and you?) will be on hand. And, of course. a host of bonsai friends to hang and play with … Continue reading Back Savers #3: Plan Ahead for Shohin Symposium

Back Savers #2: Shohin & Mame Bonsai Video

This powerful little quince in one of many exceptional small bonsai on a great video (below) I found while wading my way through numerable numerous bad to mediocre bonsai videos on youtube. I’m not complaining though, this gem made the whole journey worth while. Disclaimer: the music may, or may not, be to your taste, but the bonsai and the high quality production certainly will.

Backyard Bonsai Displays #3: A Fresh Start

Starting from scratch Morten Albek (author of Shohin Bonsai) recently moved himself and his bonsai. This photo shows an early stage in the process of building his new backyard display. Not a bad start. Morten will be posting photos on his website as the project progresses.

Green Workshop: The Art & Science of Watering

This drawing is from our Masters’ Series book; Junipers, Growing & Styling Juniper Bonsai. What is Green Workshop? Green Workshop is a series for beginners and others who are interested in some of the basics of bonsai care and training. Green Workshop originated in Bonsai Today magazine and will be continued with regular postings on this blog. The more you know about watering, the better. Without timely, intelligent watering, any plant in a container is at risk. The more you know about watering, the better.

Back Savers: Sohin & Mame Bonsai

This banyan style dwarf Snow rose serissa (Serissa foetida microphylla) was styled by David Fukumoto of Fuku Bonsai in Hawaii. The pot is a Tokoname from Japan. Living in the tropics really helps when it comes to growing aerial roots. Shohin are small bonsai. When compared to large bonsai, Shohin cost less, take less less time to develop, take less space, are easier to move (especially as your back ages), and are less apt to be overwatered. From the back cover of Morten Albek’s Shohin Bonsai (except for the part about your aging back), written almost two years ago by … Continue reading Back Savers: Sohin & Mame Bonsai

Bonsai & You (tube): Mixed Gallery

This is a collection of images that someone put together. I recognized several trees, including at least one Kimura (The Magician), one Morten Albek (author of Shohin Bonsai), and one Wolfgang Putz. Overall the quality is very good, though a few fairly ordinary trees found their way in.