Bonsai Stuff

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I am a reflection/continuous improvement sort of person. I like to consider how could I do that better? Or what do I need to focus on? What do I need to change or stop? Always taking steps forward along with my bonsai. So as decandling season starts to wrap up for me I like to look back at my list of grievances I have with myself and the different areas I look to improve as I work on any bonsai. And while it relates to Japanese Black Pine these focal points...

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Summer is a time for a well earned rest but for your bonsai it can be a very stressful time. Whatever the system is you plan on using for while you are having a break, make sure you test it early. Friends, family, neighbours, watering system, no matter what your plan is, start the testing and 'training' now. If you have Japanese Black Pines this time of year is one of the most important and exciting periods. It's officially Decandling Season in southern Australia so here's a refresher on what we do...

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Sometimes you can just get caught by surprise. You style a bonsai and it looks great, then a year or two goes by and all of a sudden you look at a part of a pad and it's weaker than it should be. Almost always it is a result of shading either from another part of the tree or the environment the bonsai is kept in. This needs to be rectified asap. Some of the tasks for our bonsai are extremely time sensitive however the exact timing will depend on your local...

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Doing something which may not be perfect is far better than doing nothing. But more important than that is the health of your bonsai. So sometimes it is best to do nothing, but at times you have to do something. Taking your bonsai to the next level in the ramification stage takes serious focus on branch selection. I'll discuss my approach on how to move from flat structure to a full volume pad through your pruning practices.

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Spruce and Cedar both make excellent bonsai and about now is a vital time to do some maintenance to improve their future structure. There are a few techniques I use that will help you understand and develop them into beautiful bonsai. Spring is a turbulent time for our bonsai as well, with weather extremes still impacting them. From excessive heat on fresh spring growth to overnight frost, hail and days of rain. What should you do? Not working to a calendar and focusing on your trees needs will ensure you give them...

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With all this talk about pruning and managing the Spring growth, is there ever a time where you should just let them grow? Yes there definitely is. And if you do let them run when should you prune them? To improve the strength of your bonsai we can use selective pruning (or not) and help build resilience and improve vigour. Sacrifice branches are a tool we use when we talk about trunk development or primary branch development but there is another use for them. 'Short Term' sacrifice branches are great and really...

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The candle cutting process is a technique we can use to successfully develop certain pine species. It is not decandling, rather candle cutting into the new spring candle to help build structure and ramification. I chat about the process, timing, what to expect, what to do next as well as the finer details to ensure you have a complete understanding of the process. This is an episode for every pine lover!

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What a month of bonsai! Travelling around different areas of Australia, meeting loads of bonsai lovers and getting to create new bonsai. What could be better? When I do a demonstration I need to find the bonsai within the 'bush' and I have a process that I will share with you. From finding the trunk line, forcing taper and integrating flow and movement. I get to meet a lot of people and I love hearing their bonsai stories and I was asked a really interesting question...when does bonsai become a cult...

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There's lots to do now around the yard, including deciduous pruning, defoliation, repotting Australian natives and Ficus as well as working on cedars. You need to be careful (very careful) with watering both over and under watering and we need to prepare for Summer. The last round of fertilising needs to happen and there's almost too much to talk about in one podcast! Let's chat about your Mid Spring Bonsai Jobs Checklist.

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Trees have a fantastic approach to damage and the greater good of the tree. They can lock away 'issues' and move on. It's not a bad approach we could use too when things go wrong. Deadwood on bonsai is beautiful and I discuss my approach to working on it and when. As we hit the midway point in Spring there are lots of jobs to be undertaken with our bonsai and I run through my current checklist.

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Early Spring is a magnificent time especially for bonsai however things don't always go to plan and about now you might find there are issues or concerns with the new fresh foliage on your bonsai. What should you do? What's causing the problem? I run through some practical steps I use to help work through these issues. What do you do if you are seeing problems or a lack of vigour for a bonsai that should have been repotted but it wasn't? I have a technique which if you apply it correctly...

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This episode of the podcast is the final in the 4 part series for Deciduous Bonsai Development and it will focus on styling and shaping strategies. When to wire, when not to, clip and grow methods, branch angles and so much more. Plus an approach to have you avoid losing time with structural improvement. 

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Your repotting strategy for Deciduous Bonsai development is extremely important and this will vary based on your objectives and the stage of development the tree is in. I discuss field or ground growing, grow pots, transition pots and also bonsai pots. Each correlates to a different objective and the frequency of the repotting that is undertaken. 

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Successfully developing your deciduous bonsai requires strategy and an understanding of exactly where in the stages of development your bonsai is. Fertilising is a key tool we can use (or hold back) to allow your bonsai to achieve a higher level. I chat about my approach for various stages and my thoughts as to why, how much and when I fertilise. Wound management is extremely important for deciduous (and all) bonsai as their wood is not designed to last forever. My approach is simple and consistent. 

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Deciduous bonsai are just beautiful and it requires a mindset and certain process to develop them accordingly. It is easy to apply techniques we all hear about but is it the right thing to do? I consider the health and stage of development then build a plan before applying any process to the bonsai. When should you pinch? When is it Grow/Cut? What about sacrifices? If you want to develop your deciduous bonsai then this is the podcast for you!

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Welcome to Spring and with that comes the close of the repotting season for me (well nearly the close) so I like to look back and reflect on what I've learnt and discovered of the repotting season. From tested tie ins due to late winter storms to hand cleaner. Doing it right now for future benefit is the name of the game. Plus now Spring has arrived we need to get moving on our early Spring tasks.

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Sometimes when tragedy occurs it is an opportunity for improvement and that was the case with my large European Beech. A few years ago the bonsai was hit by a falling branch in the garden. Part of the apex was ripped off and the upper section of the trunk was bruised. Have a listen to the tale of heartbreak that lead to the chance to build a better bonsai the was two years in the making. Yet another forced redesign.

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Will changing your soil mix fix the problems and issues your bonsai is experiencing? No, it won't. Soil is a massive piece of the bonsai puzzle but it is only one part of the equation. There are other factors to consider. And I have been flat out lately repotting so there are some tales to tell, including a cascade Pine that was stuck in the pot!

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Are expensive tools the best? Will they last forever? Tool fatigue is a real thing and something to expect when you work on your bonsai. But you can avoid unnecessary early tool retirement by using them correctly and maintaining them. The right tool for the right purpose. Around this time of the year during the repotting process avoiding making decisions or making the wrong decision is common. Buy yourself some time, gather your thoughts and make the right decision.

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Repotting is a job we do not get to complete very frequently, only every 2-5 years, so you want to make sure it's done right. And I find that when you mound up your tree it can create some issue. So let's explore whether we should mound or not. When does a bonsai become yours? Or is it always linked to the previous owner? What has to happen for it to become yours? This is a really common question and I have a really simple answer.

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If you know me you will know I do not like rules especially when it comes to bonsai. However in this case I will make an exception! I've come up with six golden rules to consider before acquiring a bonsai and this relates to all bonsai lovers at all stages of their personal bonsai journey. Successfully owning and developing beautiful trees in pots takes not only a personal skill set but certain environments factors. Have a listen and see if you live by these rules or if you should.

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The downside to not dealing with root issues last repot is that you have to deal with them now and it will be much harder to sort out. Bonsai that haven't been repotted frequently enough or were not repotted correctly last time means you may be dealing with a brick this time. Let's chat about how to resolve that issue. Root rot is real and I'll discuss how to identify it, what are some common causes and how you can avoid it in the future. 

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Welcome to Repotting Season! It's officially started and we need to talk about it. Firstly, not all soil mixes are created equally and I have proof. I'll tell you a story about a recent repotting adventure that proves my point. Repotting is all about technique and being absolutely perfect. You need to practice and ensure your bonsai gets stronger as a result. And drainage layers, should you always have one?

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Do you need to adapt your bonsai care to allow for changing weather patterns and extremes? This isn't a podcast on climate change, it is more to consider how we need to adjust our care regime and timing of processes for our trees to be able to continue to thrive. What if your growing period is shorter? What if it's longer? What does that mean for fertilising? We have always had weather extremes and now they seem to be popping up a lot more frequently so we need to be ahead of...

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I have found that your mindset when working on 'small' bonsai needs to be very different as to when you work on the larger species. A little foliage extension can make a big difference when the bonsai is only 20cm wide but if it's 70cm wide you will barely notice. So you need to approach the work on the smaller bonsai with a few key thoughts in mind. How do you create separations and not simply work it as a blob, is there too much back budding, is it too crowded. Wiring...

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Deciduous bonsai look their best in their winter silhouette, there is no where to hide! Use this opportunity to identify areas for improvement before the foliage returns in the near future. And if you have over worked a bonsai, what should you do? How do you adjust your care to help the tree heal and move on from the shock of what you have done. Yamadori is always a hot topic and I have a little delve into responsible sourcing and how consumers and bonsai lovers need to make the right decisions...

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We all have scars from our past, it makes us human and our bonsai history is scattered with ‘things I wouldn’t do again’. You can learn from these scars but don’t let them hold you back from achieving something pretty fantastic. Winter is upon us and the thoughts about winter protection for your sensitive species need to become a priority before something happens to your bonsai. I chat about classifying your bonsai and also working within the constraints of your bonsai area to develop the best possible care strategy. There are lots...

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We are all busy! But your bonsai need you. How and where do you allocate your time for them? You need to look at what is most important right now and prioritise that task, whether it's weeding or pruning, repotting or fertilising. By using your limited time wisely you and your bonsai will feel great. Japanese White Pines are a little misunderstood and I find they are unique in our care approach, as well as simple once you know the formula. I'll break it down so it's as simple as possible. And...

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Seeing the end target for your bonsai in the developmental stage can be challenging. Breaking the development of your bonsai into bite size chunks can be so helpful in keeping everything on track. Perspective in any form of design is so important. When reviewing your bonsai, your perspective will allow you to see completely different designs and ultimately make the best decision for the future path you will take with your bonsai. Angle, tilt, height, distance are all valuable.

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After recently visiting a bonsai show and seeing some amazing bonsai that were collected trees or yamadori, I think it is important to chat about expectations when comparing these nature impacted trees with nursery or 'man grown' stock. Can we compete with Mother Nature?? Terminal issues like wilt can and do occur and the end result can be heartbreaking. While we may not be able to treat these issues we can slow the clock and do everything in our power to try and prevent them. And when it does happen, it may...

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Right now is a very important time for your bonsai, they are heading towards dormancy and how you manage their needs is critical to their future development. It is also a time to be neck deep in needles while styling your conifers. I have a styling consideration checklist for you to consider that I find a valuable tool. And moss on your bonsai. Love or hate it there are a few things to be mindful of as to how it can be detrimental to your bonsai. 

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What an experience! I was fortunate enough to spend some one on one time with the Italian bonsai master Salvatore Liporace in Milan in the north of Italy at his property. Salvatore, who originally studied under Mr Kimura in Japan, has travelled the world extensively demonstrating and presenting and is renowned for his work on conifers. While the visit focussed on advanced grafting techniques it offered me so much more. We were just two bonsai professionals chewing the fat. Not only is he a world class bonsai professional but he is one...

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Is too much of a good thing bad for you? Maybe if it’s chocolate, but does that apply if it’s bonsai?? I don’t think so…and there’s a good reason for that too. Every tree provides you with the opportunity to learn and develop both personally and for your approach to future bonsai. We always have so much to learn from trees. It’s also late autumn/fall and that means it is time for pine work! Finally!!!! I’ve got a short checklist for you to use and some of th...

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How do you overcome the fear of working on your bonsai? One backward step can shatter your confidence but you must get back on the horse and keep moving forward. Bonsai confidence comes with experience and seeing the results of your hard work over long periods of time. Only you can change you! You remember the old saying that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is? Well that certainly applies to bonsai. Those good old short cuts will take you and your bonsai longer to develop, guaranteed!

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Your bonsai are only as good as the tools you use and the maintenance you undertake. Over time your tools will deteriorate and you can feel it as it happens. I run through the maintenance of my tool kit and how to ‘test’ your tools for wear and tear. It might be time for an upgrade! Bonsai for me is everything and I reflect where I think I would be without bonsai in my life. We are all bonsai tragics and lovers in the one breath so I am sure you will rela...

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It’s time for a mid Autumn or Fall check in. There are lots of jobs that need to be done at this time of the year and plenty to keep an eye on too. I like to run through a final checklist before it’s too late to make a difference. Cedars as bonsai are just brilliant, with so many variations on styling and colour of the foliage, they truly are one of my favourites. To get the most out of their appearance and development there are certain tasks I undertake now...

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Understanding when to commence the Autumn/Winter work on your pines as well as the work to undertake is extremely important if you are going to manage their needs correctly. There are also considerations to make if you plan on showing your pine at a later point in time. Different species of pine need different techniques and you must know what they are and master the techniques to continue their development.

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There is nothing I enjoy more than letting my creative bonsai juices flow! It is never at the expense of the tree in front of me but it’s nice to think outside of the square every now and then. What is the story behind your bonsai? Does it have one? Is it important? What if there is no story? Every great story has a start and you can be part of history.

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Branch cutters are an essential tool when it comes to bonsai but they are commonly abused and misused. I love them and have them in a range of different sizes and shapes. I want to run through how I use them to get the best results. And the old saying of ‘Practice makes Perfect’ isn’t necessarily correct. It should be ‘Perfect Practise makes Perfect’. The apex on your bonsai can make or break your design and I have a few ‘guidelines’ that may help. As I always say, these are not rules and your...

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Bonsai wire and bonsai go together like Vegemite and hot buttered toast! We use wire for design and horticultural requirements for our bonsai and quite honestly I believe we would be lost without it. In this podcast I chat about all things wire, wire removal, reusing, copper versus aluminium, bending, time frames, storage and the dreaded 1mm wire roll. Our bonsai community is beautiful in every way, just like our trees. I’ve got a story on how mosh pits and bonsai are very similar, or they should be any way.

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Autumn is a brilliant time for your trees. They may be starting to show some colour or they may not but they are already working very hard to become a better version of themselves and they need your care and assistance. Understanding the process they go through will help you become a better practitioner. Feeding, pest management, and most importantly pruning are important tasks you need to undertake. When working a new tree or reworking one that you might be a little stuck on can be daunting. I’ve got a strategy fo...

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Autumn or Fall is an extremely important time for your bonsai and you have a key responsibility to ensure you do your bit. Fertilising is really important and now is the time to get started. The why, how and my strategy for fertilising is really simply and easily replicated. When I design or work on bonsai, one of the final steps I take is a top down view of the tree. A very common mistake is flattening the structure so your bonsai 'looks good' from the front viewing angle at the expense...

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As we head towards the end of the southern hemisphere Summer period, it is a great time to pat yourself on the back for helping your bonsai make it through another tough period. Have a look at what has done well and accept the satisfaction as to why. Where trees have not faired quite so well it is time to review why and take steps to correct it for next Summer. Formal upright bonsai are very difficult to develop and I have a range of consideration for the tree before I start...

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Carving and bonsai seem to go hand in hand. I think everyone I have ever spoken to about bonsai over the years has mentioned carving at one time or another. And carving, good carving, takes skill and technique. Texture, the need to appear 'natural' and staying safe are all very important! How you work with an electric carving tool is crucial to your success and I'll let you know how I work with them to help minimise collateral damage to the rest of the bonsai.

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So what got you into bonsai initially? I bet it's not what keeps you in bonsai now. I find it is important to reflect back on the start of your journey as you can sometimes lose sight of what make you happy. Do the maintenance! And do it first!! Big decisions can wait and the maintenance work will clear the path for your decision making process. Remove the unnecessary, then into the structural decisions. Late Summer is a time to review your collection and see what species are not necessarily doing quite...

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We are in the last month of Summer and while there are certain trees I will fertilise, there are also trees I will not. I run through my program right now and how it could apply to your bonsai garden. I also have a tale of a poor pomegranate that almost made it to the green waste bin but didn't thank goodness! The lesson of sometimes you just need to wait a little longer was learnt. It's always worth waiting.

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One of the most iconic Australian species of tree is the grand Banksia and there are 173 different species (according to natureaustralia.org.au). They make the most magnificent bonsai and there are 'rules' to their successful care and I think everyone should have at least one in their collection. The Banksia has so much to offer. We all have trees in our collection that just don't develop the way we have expected or that you just cannot see the future bonsai in. What do you do with those trees? I'll discuss a...

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When you are working on any of your bonsai, at any stage of their journey, you need to have focus. There are some key areas of my work I give particular attention to and they make all the difference. Remember it's the 1% that can have a massive impact. You need to respect the bonsai that is in front of you here and now. Be thorough, be focused, be accurate and be respectful. Simple.

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Welcome to Season 7 of the Bonsai Stuff podcast! 2025 is going to be a brilliant year for bonsai and to kick things off I'll let you know my 3  step simple plan for the year and my bonsai commitment. Post holidays it is time to dust off the cobwebs and get back to bonsai. This is my time to work on my junipers too and I have a check list I work through to make sure I am thorough and don't have a need to rework the trees. I'll share this list with you a...

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Well 2024 is done and there has been so many highlights for me personally as well as with my bonsai. I chat about a few of my podcast favourites and how small incremental improvements with my bonsai make me happy. During the year I travelled for bonsai, I travelled a lot! From one corner of Australia to the other as well as a trip to New Zealand and I loved it all. So many shiny, happy, bonsai people and so much bonsai love. It's nice to know we're not alone. Bring on 2025...

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With the holiday season upon us, now is the time to devote some special attention to our bonsai. I run through my pre-Christmas checklist of jobs that I look to have completed before the Summer break. With decandling now being completed, well for me anyway, I talk about sacrifice branches and how I looked at my Japanese Black Pines a little differently this year. How can I harness the strength of a new Spring candle to improve my bonsai? That was a question I asked myself constantly while decandling. 

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So you've got a beautiful tree, lovely trunk, great foliage but how and where do you start your design process? I've got a simple procedure I use that helps you get the result without possibly knowing what the design is before starting. Australia bonsai has taken another leap forward and I have a chat with Leigh Taafe the Curator of the National Bonsai and Penging Collection of Australia (NBPCA) about an agreement between the NBPCA and Omiya Bonsai Village. Based on a recent intensive immersion experience, I think it's really important to...

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The Decandling process on Japanese Black Pines can be very rewarding and often seen as the key to successfully developing them into magnificent bonsai. But it can also be disastrous. So you need to know when not to decandle. I recently had a long term student at Bonsai Matsu who undertook an immersive intensive learning program. And I must be honest and say I loved the experience and so did Aaron. We have a chat to him all about it. As we get well and truly into the Summer weather it's time...

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So you're given some advice about your bonsai. What should you do with it? Will it have a positive or a negative effect on your bonsai? It is possible that well meaning advice may well be the completely wrong thing for you and your bonsai. I also get to have a chat with Oscar Jonker from Bonsai Empire about an entirely new course that is very interesting as it isn't about techniques for bonsai development but rather about how we display and enjoy our bonsai. Filmed in a few locations including at...

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The very first focus when 'building' a bonsai should be the trunk and the nebari. If you do not have the correct plan in place then you will never achieve the bonsai that you desire. Working on ramification will not result in trunk development. Let's have a look at what the difference is. Summer is nearly here and you need to be prepared, for the sake of your trees. We've been given fair warning and the weather has shown us what to expect, so what will you do to ensure your bonsai...

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One of the most important processes I use with my single flush pines is Candle Cutting, not decandling and in this podcast I explain the process as well as the difference between these two tasks. I also chat about the species I use this technique on and more importantly which I do not. It's a must for any pine lover. We all have that moment in our bonsai journey where we ask ourselves, when does it become about quality and not quantity. We've all been there.

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Here's a little behind the curtain look at podcasting while travelling! After 8 weeks on the road it has meant being 'resourceful' about how and where to record this podcast. Fungal issues in trees are a bit of a nightmare and so much worse for bonsai. They are often best avoided, but you need to know what to look for, where they come from, a treatment plan and then most importantly how to try and prevent them in the first place. I'll run you through my approach and recommendations.

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Western Australia is a beautiful part of the world and in particular the south west corner as a pretty special place for bonsai. They have incredible local native species which are perfect for bonsai. I have been fortunate to be involved with the clubs in Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury and Albany for over 4 weeks and have loved absolutely every second of it. So what did I learn? They grow their trees so well that there was plenty to take on and there is so much bonsai love in the west, as well as...

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We it's official! Summer is just around the corner and being prepared is the best approach to caring for your bonsai during a period of extended extreme heat. Planning now for that time is the only way. I also have a final word on bonsai design and to clarify it's up to you and absolutely no one else. The only real consideration I am concerned with is tree health as well as your bonsai love. And a nice story where tragedy turned into triumph for a beautiful bonsai.

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So let's talk about defoliation, it's a great technique but needs to be used with extreme caution. I discuss the various types of defoliation, the reason for the timing as well as most importantly, why. And that term Bud Conveyor gets a work out again. What should you do if you lose your bonsai spark? This is really common and happens to us all. I have a few tips that can help fan your bonsai flame.

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I don't like windswept bonsai. It's nothing personal and I want to chat about why. But more importantly I want to propose an alternative. While we manipulate trees to our will, nature is more often than not a great influencer of design and what 'looks right'. So stick with me and hear me out. Also, mid Spring has a few gentle reminders of what must be done and not left any longer. Act now for the future.

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As we head towards the middle of the Spring period, it's time to think about what's next. Planning for what you need to do in 3-4 weeks now allows you to take steps to ensure your bonsai continues to take steps forward. There's nothing worse than getting to a time when you need to take action but have missed the boat because of what you didn't do in the past. Ants are a nuisance, plan and simple but they are also an indicator that there are certain issues with your bonsai. We...

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While there are lots of size classifications I prefer small, medium and large for my bonsai. Each size has its benefits but also a down side. Large bonsai always seem to take the chocolates at shows, why? Are they really better? Is bigger better? I have lots of bonsai and lots of various sizes and I want to explain where they are better and worse than each other. And which one is my favourite and why.

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Spring has well and truly sprung and with that comes a morning faceful of spider webs as I walk through the yard. Can spiders damage our bonsai? No and yes. I talk about my approach and what they are a trigger for me to do and check. In an age of AI generated information and images, I talk about what we should do to 'keep it real'. Misinformation seems to be a part of daily life and I discuss my recommendations to help you achieve your goals and stick to your plan.  Duration: 00:27:22

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I have been fortunate to travel recently again and this time up to Far North Queensland to Cairns and to Brisbane with a fantastic club called Bimer Bonsai Club. I not only enjoyed myself but learnt quite a lot about growing different species in a completely different environment to what I am used to. I love learning and these trips did not disappoint. Also, now is the time for a reminder about your plan for recently collected trees. Early Spring often shows real promise but this can end in tears if it...

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Fertilising your bonsai is a must but how much and how frequent? As there are different stages of development which affect the fertilising of your bonsai so too does the period since the tree was repotted. It is a complex situation and being close to your bonsai is the key. The arrival of Spring comes with a list of responsibilities for us Bonsai Lovers, including growth management and protection of our well loved inner buds. Here's what I'm doing at the moment.

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Flowers on a prunus variety bonsai are just incredible! And to achieve these flowers I prune them in a very specific way. I discuss the method I use to successful help have my prunus flower yearly. And it's that time again where repotting has finished, the sun is shining and it's time to actively fertilise your bonsai. I chat about fertilising raw stock specifically and how to harness the strength of Spring.

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Is it wrong to use an automated watering system? You must decide what is best for you and your bonsai. Here's a bit of a chat about living with bonsai. The nebari on your trees is one of the most beautiful features and it is developed over a very long period of time. You must work it and make it happen. When removing either a large branch or root, you must be careful and avoid unwanted damage caused by 'chipping' in. There are techniques we can use to make sure you make...

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As the main repotting season comes to a close it is time to reflect upon my learnings. Developing stock and the soil mix you use, does it make a difference? What if you don't repot but are worried, what should you do? There is a procedure you can use the may help. After repotting, there are times you need to be careful and protect your bonsai. I have a few tips that are useful. And Spring is nearly here! Here's what you should start preparing for.

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What started as a laugh and a chat over a meal turned into The Great Olive Dig which included 1600km round trip, some blood loss, loads of laughs and tales as well as some pretty spectacular olives being harvested to become magnificent bonsai in the future. What a weekend it was! Listen in for this adventure before the dig, the dig itself (or the hunt) and after the dig.

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When undertaking significant procedures with your bonsai, planning is the key to success as is the expectation of the outcome. I tell a story about an informal upright juniper that was made into a cascade with some serious bends. In order to improve the structure of your bonsai sometimes you need to take drastic steps and I did recently. I had to hit the reset button. Large roots can be daunting when you are repotting. How do you safely remove them? What should you do after you have removed them? I'll tell...

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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.<...

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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. 

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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.

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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...

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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...

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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 t...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.com

Also, I think it's never too late to start something with your bonsai. Now is much better than never. Things to watch out for...

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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 n...

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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.

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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.

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Cedars make brilliant bonsai! There is so much to love about them and they should be part of every bonsai enthusiasts collection, no excuses. They have certain requirements and I chat about their characteristics and techniques I use. Then there is the bud conveyor, one of the most important concepts in bonsai and everything we do with our bonsai will be to feed the bud conveyor. I chat about this concept and how we can use it to maintain our bonsai design integrity. And finally, pine season is nearly here....I need...

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The love of bonsai is growing worldwide and so too are the online learning platforms. Oscar Jonker is the founder of Bonsai Empire which has become a household name for anyone with an interest in bonsai. But you don't often hear much about Oscar. I was fortunate enough to get to have a personal chat with him about bonsai all around the world, about Bonsai Empire and the piece of the bonsai puzzle that is online learning as well as what the future of bonsai may look like. I really loved this...

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When something goes wrong with your bonsai, you take action. But how do you know if what you have done has worked or if it's getting worse? I've got a process that will help. Also we have a connection with our trees, some more than others and Autumn is on the way, might not always feel like it with the final kick of Summer still in the air but it is. What can you expect, what should you do and what shouldn't you do? I'll chat about it.

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I seriously love bonsai in New Zealand! And what an amazing place too, just so beautiful. Having just returned from a short trip I look back on my experiences, the native stock I came across and the people I met. One of my key objectives is to get and keep people involved with bonsai and to do this it needs to be simple, clear and inclusive. And you will not believe the story about my watering system failure....

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How did your bonsai fair over Summer? Now is the time to review. I chat about what to look for and how to strengthen your system to make continual improvements as well as let you know where my system failed. And when working on bonsai, we all have the experience of indecision regarding a tricky section on the tree. I let you know how I manage this and move forward. Also, you know that feeling you get when the plan comes together? That ah-hah moment? I love it and it's what makes...

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Our Australian Natives make brilliant bonsai, I've said it before and I will say it again. They need to be a part of your collection without a doubt. I talk about the pruning process I use on them and what to look for to avoid swelling at branch junctions. Figs or ficus are also being worked at the moment. And as I head off to New Zealand for demonstrations and workshops I detail the process I go through in preparing to work on a tree for a demonstration. It is also the...

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This is the tree lovers podcast and I like this time of the year to prune my junipers. In this podcast I discuss a technique I use for pad development. It is also a good time to check the wiring on your trees and make sure it isn't causing too much damage, remove it if needed. And if you are going to wire your bonsai please be careful. Mid Summer is a time where you will identify those trees that are struggling and this is normally a signal that they need to...

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This episode of the podcast is about my love for Australian Bonsai and Australia and why I honestly believe we have the capability to be the best in the world. And we are well on our way. We have the most incredible native species we can use that are unique and that develop so quickly. Link that with an annual bonsai show called the Bonsai Open that has some serious prize money on offer and it's in our backyard.

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Welcome to 2024! This is going to be an amazing year for bonsai and it's great to start the year with a review. In the podcast I chat about a collection review as well as a bit of self reflection. Personal skill and technical improvements will make a massive difference to your bonsai. And look at your collection, the good, the bad and the ugly. I discuss why the ugly are so important. There is also a new Bonsai app on the market from Bonsai Empire and I do a review (unpaid and...