2022 Blooper Reel

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
Haven’t done this for a while…ending the year with our most embarrassing images. Really, they’re often better than what we were trying to do. So with that encouragement, please watch our montage, below. Because life is short. https://youtu.be/A_RYFOkkOX4 January 2023 Bulletin Board Seasonal workshop dates for 2023 are up! There’s a waitlist for several sessions, please don’t delay if you’re… Continue reading 2022 Blooper Reel

Windswept Mountain Hemlock: Revisit

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
A couple years ago we did an initial design of this lovely hemlock collected by Anton Nijhuis. Today we revisit it after a rewiring.? The tree is still in a box, and is high on the list of those in need of fun presentations this spring. We may revisit it—yet again—soon. First, here’s a trip down memory lane, two years… Continue reading Windswept Mountain Hemlock: Revisit

Interview with Enrique Castano

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
This was a hoot. Enrique and I talk internationality in bonsai, creative directions, and bonsai education in this 40 minute interview.  Please be patient! The first few sentences are in Spanish, the rest is in English. The interview was for the Latin America groups, FELAB 2021, which I repost here with gratitude. If the video doesn’t load on this page, try… Continue reading Interview with Enrique Castano

Twin-Trunk Hemlock on Slab: Rework

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
This Mountain Hemlock was the first tree I put on a nylon slab, back in 2012. We reworked it this week. Before work, January 2023. This composition was put together 11 years ago. After the initial round of work. The right side of this composition has felt foliage-heavy the last few years. The skinny trunks don’t visually support that. We… Continue reading Twin-Trunk Hemlock on Slab: Rework

Indiegogo Campaign: Buy Binoculars for Young Birding Guides in Ecuador

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
This week, a sideways skip from bonsai…still about connecting with nature, protecting and nurturing it as we do in bonsai, but in a different way. This is about an Indiegogo campaign I just launched. Last month I went on a 2-week birding trip to Ecuador. I saw 327 species on this trip—spectacular birds!—but it was the story of a Quijos… Continue reading Indiegogo Campaign: Buy Binoculars for Young Birding Guides in Ecuador

What’s a Root Aphid and What’s Mycorrhiza?

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
It’s not easy to tell the difference between them. Aphids are detrimental and Mycorrhiza are beneficial, so we have to get this right. Which is tricky, as they are doppelgängers. I’ve seen lost branches from root aphids, and general weakening. They are usually found in greatest numbers right next to the pot wall. Mycorrhiza helps uptake of nutrients and water. Also easy… Continue reading What’s a Root Aphid and What’s Mycorrhiza?

Engelmann Spruce: A 15-Year History

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
A short history of this Spruce: bought in 2008 at Bonsai Northwest, part of a collection being sold styled in 2009 lived merrily for 5 years nearly died of a fungal attack in 2015 many dead branches later, it was reworked in 2023 2008, an Engelmann Spruce camouflaged as a mop. The styled tree, 2009. On de-laminating plywood. (This was… Continue reading Engelmann Spruce: A 15-Year History

Major Branch Removal: Shore Pine

Originally posted on Michael Hagedorn:
Here’s a pine with an odd branch. It arises from the lower part of the tree, across from another branch. It’s a bar branch. Those who have read Bonsai Heresy know I’m willing to leave a bar branch now and then if it’s needed for balance or fullness. In this instance the odd branch isn’t filling those needs. In fact, it’s… Continue reading Major Branch Removal: Shore Pine