Category Archives: Advanced basics

Let the tree talk to you, just don’t be surprised if they say they want to leaf……

Posted on February 23, 2018 by

This is a clients tree, chloroluceun tortum, the Brazilian raintree. It’s a humble little tree really. But she likes it. And that’s all that matters. It had a Jin on it, but this is all that’s left of the deadwood. … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced basics, Horticulture and growing, maintenance | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Akadama, the ideal Bonsai soil

Posted on January 30, 2018 by

Soil. Dirt. Aggregate. Substrate. Soilless mix. Whatever you call it (the only correct and descriptive phrase is the last one), it’s a controversial subject. One can have a more civil argument discussing the left/right division in the US political paradigm … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced basics, Horticulture and growing, philosophical rant, roots | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

The return of the Bonsai Turkey

Posted on December 22, 2017 by

Well, my bench looks like a mess. What is happening here? We got trees, pots, and it looks like the beer is hiding behind the trees…..GET OUT THE BUSHES AND IN MA’ BELLY! I do believe I have a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced basics, Horticulture and growing, rare finds, roots, tips and tricks, updates | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The green, green island of ficus

Posted on November 16, 2017 by

Here I sit again, in the back of my PT Loser, waiting on my spawn. And, of course, I have a tree to play with. This time, it’s a ficus microcarpa “green island”. You missed the good parts though, I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced basics, Horticulture and growing, rare finds, redesign, styling bonsai, wiring | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

What a Tangled Web of Roots We Weave 

Posted on November 4, 2017 by

Here’s a challenge: Ficus microcarpa. A seedling grown one, looks like it, or what the trade calls, a “ginseng” ficus. Which isn’t a variety, but just a marketing thing. Like calling American style Chinese food “Chinese Food”. I got the tree from … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced basics, branch placement, rare finds, roots | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Midnight Rider

Posted on July 14, 2017 by

It’s after midnight, and I’m going to let it all hang out (and mix my song references).  Because I’m not sleepy, or maybe I have a guilty conscience (or not, depends on who you listen to, I could, as evidenced … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced basics, Horticulture and growing, philosophical rant, redesign | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Chop chop chop, is it technique or butchery? 

Posted on May 12, 2017 by

Uh oh! It doesn’t look good for this ficus.  Like they say, the first cut is the deepest. Snikt!!Don’t worry, I might know what I’m doing…..maybe.  Let’s continue with the insults, it gets worse. Poor tree. It gets worse. You see, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced basics, branch placement, Horticulture and growing, rare finds, roots | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments