Bonsai Stuff

Over the years of 'doing' bonsai or more like being obsessed by them, I must say I have had my fair share of 'love related' injuries. From the old finger slice numbers 1, 2 and 3 through to high speed injuries. This podcast has something I think everyone can relate to. I hope you enjoy and more importantly learn from some of these misfortunes...Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

Why must there be a compromise when it comes to the design of your bonsai? Is it better to live with it or start again? Can you split the difference? Should you? All questions I ask myself and sometimes I ignore my own advice. Australian natives are increasing in popularity and I want to chat about some styling considerations for them...according to me...not intended to be hard and fast guidelines but just an insight into what I see as perfection and how I find it.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

With bonsai repotting season well under way the pot or container you use for your bonsai is a serious consideration and I have some thoughts on sizing and design of the pot. And when you repot, in order to avoid damage or wasting the tree's resources, you really should securely fasten your bonsai to the pot. There are repercussions if done incorrectly and I run through my method and what I use. We are exactly mid way through winter and while we are busy you cannot take your eye off the ball. There are things around the year that still require your attention.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

With repotting season officially kicking off I want to start with talking about removing old soil and an experience I had recently. Wiring your bonsai to style them takes time and skill and I have a little tip that will help you do it once only. Don't wire light as you'll pay the price. I recently went along to a bonsai demonstration and there was talk about bonsai etiquette about the age of a tree. It's an interesting concept and I talk about the importance of perceived age versus the true age.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

Marcela is seriously one of the nicest bonsai people you will ever meet and her passion for Australian Native trees being used as bonsai is unmatched. I have a chat with her about the Victorian Native Bonsai Club, its inception and growth as well as what it offers to members around the country (and world).  They are also hosting the  10th Symposium on Australian Plants as Bonsai in August/September and we get a sneak peak at the program and structure for the event. Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

When you're pruning it is very common that you will need to make a split decision based on the branching structure you are working through. The angle of the bud is very important as is the strength of the growth but you need to consider what is horticulturally the best choice. And in a world full of noise, it's important that you do you. Look at what's in front of you right now, plan for the future but be in the moment.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

When wire is left on too long (and it will be), what is the best way to remove it? I discuss a few tricks and techniques I use which help minimise the damage to your bonsai. Important decisions shouldn't be rushed either, you need to buy yourself some time. I have a range of different things that I do to help take the urgency of the decision away from me and it might help you too. I also ask the question, 'Is it wrong to want a bonsai that looks like another one?' Does bonsai have to be unique?Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

Beauty is such an individual thing and it's fantastic that we all see beauty differently. Imagine how boring it would be if we all thought the same way?? But care and respect needs to be shown as well as some special bonsai love. I chat about a recent post that created a lot of discussion. When you are looking at a serious removal of a part of your bonsai, it's important to reassure yourself it was the correct thing to do and you should also allow yourself time to get quicker when working on your trees. Like the little caboose, I think I can, I think I can...Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

The impact of the trunk on a bonsai cannot be underestimated and there are things  we can do to make them appear more powerful or dynamic. In this podcast I'm talking about height reduction. There are two techniques I use and I discuss the factors you need to consider when using either of them. All of our bonsai have a plan and sometimes they do not develop as per the plan. So I've come up with a 'Plan Variation Agreement'. And if you're planning on changing your soil mix then you need to listen to this podcast. Bonsai is about so many different processes and the soil is just one piece of the puzzle.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

When you are working with a living form, that changes and grows, sometimes fixing one problem can create a second problem. Having the foresight to pick this up before taking irreversible action can be difficult. Ever heard the saying check twice, cut once? And I discuss a bending technique that I use quite a lot especially at this time of the year. Azaleas are a beautiful bonsai species and I chat about flower removal, when, why and the process I go through.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

While this podcast grew from my current work on a large number of pines, it applies to all work you do on your bonsai regardless of the species. I have made a checklist of things to look out for, how to do certain tasks as well as a mindset I use when working on my pines in this late Autumn/early winter period. And watering at this time of the year can be very tricky so I let you know what I am doing and what to look out for.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

There is one major consideration you must take when working on young stock for the future. I chat about my approach  and offer a few tips to make it a little easier in the long run. Also bonsai isn't always about world class trees being on display, most times it's the mundane tasks we must undertake that really make the difference. Things can and do go wrong and it's what you do with at these times that can make a massive difference to the future of your bonsai and your enjoyment.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

So an idea has grown into reality with the first Annual Olive Bonsai dig hosted by the South Australian Bonsai Society and all the details are in this podcast. What it is, how you can get involved and when. Get your hands on some true, legal Yamadori!If you are interested then you must register your interest via email - secretary.sabonsai@gmail.comAlso, I think it's never too late to start something with your bonsai. Now is much better than never. Things to watch out for right now around your bonsai as you inspect them and work on them.  Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

This podcast follows from a recent question at a demonstration/presentation I made and it really was refreshing to go through the process for myself and I think you'll enjoy it too. It provided reminders for me for how I care for my bonsai now and some thing we all need to focus on. It's never too late.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

I love meeting bonsai people! And recently I've been meeting a lot, at the Bonsai Open on the Central Coast and then in Sydney. I talk about how I judge a bonsai and what are the components of the trees that combine to make them a winner. I review the Bonsai Open and the great work that was done up there as well as chat about a demonstration for the Sydney City Bonsai Club that was really interesting. And I talk about what is the foundation of all good bonsai in my opinion.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

How good is bark! It is the one true symbols of age on a tree and it cannot be rushed. I love it and it needs to be protected.  I also outline my process for protection techniques for major bending. Serious bends need serious protection to help the tree thrive after the bend is made. And I also cover  my approach to deadwood on bonsai and why I am in no rush. Waiting gives a far superior result.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

CODIT stands for the Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees and I find it really interesting how this relates to bonsai. It just shows how smart and special trees really are and know this process helps us with wound management and repair. As bonsai lovers we could learn a little from this process too for ourselves... And now is the time (or close to) for deciduous pruning to occur prior to winter dormancy.  I chat about the how and why in this timely reminder.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

We are heading towards a significant time for pines and their design and balancing  work. Part of this is needle removal and I'll run through the 2 techniques I use and how they apply to various pine species. As a follow on from the previous podcast where I talked about the visual weight of the foliage on your bonsai, I feel it is important to also discuss knowing when it is time to put your scissors down. Overworking your bonsai is a serious issue that affects us all sooner or later. The skills needed to develop bonsai are like any other skill, they need to be practiced and improved upon and now if the time to start.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

So this is the Bonsai Design podcast. The Visual Weight of your bonsai is a very important consideration when it comes to your design. If it's too big or dominant do you need to change it? And a debate rages on about Bonsai Designs and if bonsai is a static art form. I'll give you my opinion and some more reasons why I love bonsai. When designing your bonsai, I have 4 key factors I like to consider which I'll let you know.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web

Well it's that time of the year again  to start the fertilising engine! While the smell of fertiliser may upset your nearest and dearest I guarantee your bonsai will love you for it. I discuss my methods and processes as well as if we should be fertilising Japanese Black Pines at the moment after decandling. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I also focus in on when is the right time for working on your pines, what are signs we should wait and when can we just get started.Support the showBecome a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/supportWhere to find Bonsai Matsu:InstagramFacebookYouTube Web