Bonsai Wire

Chat with Chase Rosade Dec 03, 2024

Host Michael Hagedorn talks with bonsai luminary Chase Rosade and Kevin Faris (of the Bonsai Time podcast) about the early days of bonsai in the US and some of the adventures that followed.

2024 Expo Recap Nov 05, 2024

Hosts and Expo Board members Eric, Andrew, and Jonas share highlights from the 2nd Pacific Bonsai Expo.
Links:
- Expo videos
- Photos of award winning trees
- Scans of Expo trees from 3D Bonsai
- How we created the Expo backdrops

Leveling up - approaches to improving your bonsai practice Sep 05, 2024

Andrew Robson and Maciej Adwent address the question of how we can "get better at bonsai."
This is the first episode of the Deciduous Bonsai Podcast featuring Andrew and Maciej.

Olives, olives, and more olives - chat with Cesar Ordoñez Aug 25, 2024

(Following a brief discussion about custom car sound systems - and the music that played on them), hosts Eric and Jonas chat with Cesar Ordoñez about collecting and growing a hardy species that thrives in the heat - the olive.

Chat with Mike Pistello Aug 21, 2024

Host Eric talks with Mike Pistello about his bonsai history, growing bonsai in the Bay Area, and showing bonsai in exhibits.

Chat with Bernard Marque and David Scheltema Aug 13, 2024

Host Eric Schrader chats with Bonsai Society of San Francisco members Bernard Marque and David Scheltema about growing bonsai in a mild climate and the learning opportunities they've experienced working with their club.

Eric chats with Jay and Greg McDonald Aug 06, 2024

Just about everyone in the Bay Area bonsai scene knows about bonsai bros Jay and Greg McDonald, two of the most enthusiastic bonsai spokespeople in Northern California. Join Eric in a wide ranging conversation with Jay and Greg about their adventures in bonsai.

Eric chats with Sam Tan about California Natives Jul 22, 2024

Join host Eric Schrader in conversation with Sam Tan about Coast redwood and Monterey cypress.

Getting excited about bonsai exhibits Jul 14, 2024

Eric and Jonas talk about their early experiences at bonsai shows and provide an update about the Pacific Bonsai Expo.

Chat with Richard Wright Jul 04, 2024

Which trees would you keep if you had to narrow your collection down to three trees? What would you look to acquire if you lost all of your trees?
South African bonsai grower Richard Wright has faced these and similar questions more than once since he started working with small trees, and he's found that the experience has given him great focus in life and in bonsai.
Learn more about Rich:
Bonsai Rich on IG
I am Richard Wright (personal website)

Jury Secrets Revealed Jun 28, 2024

Eric and Jonas chat about what jury members are looking for in the trees selected for the Pacific Bonsai Expo.

How you've been growing junipers wrong May 31, 2024

Jonas and Eric talk about common mistakes juniper growers make and what you can do instead.

Juniper eCourse

Eric and Jonas Chat about Jurying and Judging the Expo May 25, 2024

The submission period for the 2024 Expo has closed and Eric and Jonas discuss next steps with a focus on the Expo's goals for the jury and judging processes.

Updates about the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo Apr 23, 2024

Host Jonas talks with Eric Schrader about what's been going on behind the scenes in preparation for this year's Pacific Bonsai Expo.
Pacific Bonsai Expo images on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pacificbonsaiexpo/

A casual conversation about growing trees with Michael and John Dec 24, 2023

John and Michael sit down over some tea and discuss some of the benefits of empowering hobbyists to grow and develop trees from scratch in their back yards with the oversight of the professional community.
Happy Holidays from all of us a the Bonsai Wire!

Bonsai Central: How to run a bonsai convention Oct 20, 2023

Jonas talks with Nathan Bill, Jesse Gilbertson, and Tim Hutson about next year's Bonsai Central, an ambitious bonsai convention hosted by the Bonsai Society of Greater St. Louis.
Links:
- Convention website
- Registration
- Submit a tree to the exhibit

Corin Tomlinson: a life in bonsai Oct 13, 2023

Jonas speaks with UK bonsai artist Corin Tomlinson of Greenwood Bonsai Studio about growing up with bonsai, the UK bonsai scene, and building a life and business around bonsai.
Corin was in the US as a headliner for the 8th US National Bonsai Exhibition. The two caught up in Bill Valavanis' backyard on a beautiful day following the exhibition.
Visit Corin's YouTube channel and website.
Image courtesy Greenwood Bonsai Studio

Why should one go to the US National Bonsai Exhibition? Oct 06, 2023

Jonas interviews attendees at the 8th US National Bonsai Exhibition.

Chat with Dylan Ferreira Aug 18, 2023

In this episode, Jonas catches up with Dylan Ferreira. Dylan runs Cedar Rose Bonsai & Specialty Nursery in Placerville, California where he grows pre-bonsai and material for accent plants.
Contact Dylan about plant availability at 707-217-8314 or ferreira.dylan2@gmail.com.

Shade Cloth Aug 11, 2023

Hosts Carmen Leskoviansky and Michael Hagedorn talk about the benefits of shade cloth - the number one ally for keeping trees healthy in warm weather.

Chat with Martin Walters Aug 04, 2023

In this episode, Jonas chats with Martin Walters about the New Zealand bonsai scene, working with New Zealand native species, and his club, Kenzo Bonsai.
New Zealand natives mentioned in this episode:
Kauri
Totara
Pohutukawa
IG: @nz_bonsai_martin
FB: Martin Walters Bonsai

Michael and Jonas chat about bonsai containers Jul 28, 2023

Having spent years making bonsai pots, host Michael Hagedorn shares his perspective on the containers in which we grow our trees.

Chat with Cesar Ordoñez Jul 14, 2023

Enthusiasm for bonsai is what shines through when host Jonas Dupuich talks with Cesar Ordoñez of CenCal Bonsai. Cesar talks about keeping trees alive in the Central California Valley and shares his story of getting started with bonsai by learning from different teachers across the state.
Note: this episode contains spicy language.
Follow Cesar at:
https://www.instagram.com/cencalbonsai/
https://www.youtube.com/@cencalbonsai6429

Chat with Bob Pressler and Michael Roberts Jul 03, 2023

Host Jonas Dupuich talks with Bob Pressler of Kimura Bonsai Nursery and Michael Roberts, president of the Golden State Bonsai Federation, about bonsai in California, bringing in teachers from around the world, the need for developing bonsai teachers, and the upcoming GSBF Bonsai Rendezvous.
Image: Japanese black pine at the Kimura Bonsai Nursery

Grafting natives Jun 16, 2023

In this mini episode recorded last fall, hosts Jonas and Andrew discuss the pros and cons of grafting exotic foliage on native conifers.

Learning and teaching pine techniques Jun 08, 2023

Host Jonas Dupuich chats with Eric Schrader about the best ways to teach how to grow pines from scratch.
Eric's new course about growing shohin black pine from seed is available at Bonsaify.com.

Andrew and Jonas talk with Sam Tan and Addison Galambos Jun 01, 2023

At long last - we're back! Our publishing schedule isn't fully back to normal yet but we'd like to share a few episodes we recorded last fall while we gear up for what's next.
In this episode, Sam and Addison talk tell us how they progressed so rapidly in bonsai both in their studies and in the organizations that they help run, respectively, the Bonsai Society of San Francisco and East Bay Bonsai Society.
(Photo: Coast redwood by Sam Tan as exhibited at the Pacific Bonsai Expo; image by Aki Yamakawa)

Pacific Bonsai Expo recap Nov 19, 2022

Andrew Robson discusses the Pacific Bonsai Expo with organizers Jonas Dupuich and Eric Schrader.

Show prep - 7 tips to make your trees look their best Oct 29, 2022

Co-hosts Andrew and Jonas review their top 7 tips for preparing trees for exhibit.

Why visit bonsai shows? Oct 22, 2022

Co-hosts Andrew and Jonas chat about one of their favorite pastimes - visiting bonsai exhibitions.

Warm weather bonsai care Sep 18, 2022

Andrew and Jonas chat about keeping bonsai happy during heat spells.

Andrew chats with Eric and Jonas about the Expo Sep 11, 2022

Why put on the Pacific Bonsai Expo? How's the planning going? What can we do to help? Andrew Robson chats with Eric Schrader and Jonas Dupuich to find out.
Pacific Bonsai Expo Website

Carmen and Michael talk accents Jul 06, 2022

Carmen and Michael discuss accent plants and Kusamono - the Japanese botanical art of creating potted arrangements of grasses and flowers to express season and place.

Andrew and Jonas talk shohin Jul 01, 2022

In this episode, hosts Andrew Robson and Jonas Dupuich admit to a growing fascination with shohin bonsai.

Farm to Table Recap May 22, 2022

Hosts Andrew and Jonas reflect on their experiences at "Farm to Table," an event hosted by the Bonsai Society of Portland that celebrated the legacy of Telperion farms and provided participants with concrete steps for developing field-grown material.

Chat with John Romano May 09, 2022

In this episode, noted shohin authority John Romano talks with host Andrew Robson about growing and appreciating small bonsai.

Learn Field Growing at BSOP's Farm to Table Apr 24, 2022

Co-hosts Andrew and Jonas give an overview of the Bonsai Society of Portland's upcoming seminar, Farm to Table, and discuss all things related to long-term development of quality bonsai.
Learn more about Farm to Table at: https://www.portlandbonsai.org

ABAS Exhibit Critique Apr 15, 2022

Andrew and Jonas critique the 62nd American Bonsai Association Sacramento exhibit held April 9-10 in Sacramento, California.
See Bonsai Tonight for photos of the trees mentioned in this episode:
https://bonsaitonight.com/2022/04/15/highlights-from-the-abass-62nd-annual-exhibit/

Gender Disparity in American Bonsai - Part 1 Mar 08, 2022

Carmen Leskoviansky chats with Samantha Holm about her article "Gender Disparity in American Bonsai" which was published this past summer in Vol. 55 of Bonsai: The Journal of the American Bonsai Society, and the creation the The Purple Pot Society, a national bonsai society focused on uplifting women in bonsai.
Links

2021 Wrap-up Jan 31, 2022

Happy New Year! (And apologies for the delay.) In this episode, Andrew and Jonas review lessons from 2021 and highlights they're looking forward to in 2022.

Introduction to the Pacific Bonsai Expo Nov 11, 2021

In this episode, Jonas talks with Eric Schrader about next year's Pacific Bonsai Expo to be held in Oakland, CA, on November 12-13.
For a video version of this episode, see the Bonsaify channel on YouTube.

Chat with Nao Tokutake Oct 08, 2021

Andrew Robson and Jonas Dupuich catch up with Portland ceramicist Nao Tokutake and learn about how great bonsai pots are made.

Short Interviews at the US National Exhibition Oct 01, 2021

Hosts Andrew Robson and Jonas Dupuich catch up with friends at the 7th US National Exhibition in Rochester, New York.
Find a complete list of guests from this episode along with photos of the exhibition at Bonsai Tonight.

U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Critique Sep 24, 2021

Hosts Andrew Robson and Jonas Dupuich, joined by special guest Nao Tokutake, share their thoughts about ten special trees at the 2021 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition.
See photos of the trees discussed at: https://bonsaitonight.com/2021/09/24/u-s-national-exhibition-critique/

Carmen's first apprentice check-in Sep 10, 2021

Michael sits down with Carmen to talk about the first months of her apprenticeship. Carmen shares her experience surviving the “heat dome,” describes early summer work, and outlines goals for what she wants to accomplish and explore over the next three years.

Andrew and Jonas recommend three species for development as bonsai Sep 03, 2021

Hosts Andrew Robson and Jonas Dupuich would like to see more diverse species developed as bonsai. Tune in to find out their top three recommendations.

Chat with Sergio Cuan Aug 27, 2021

In this episode, host Andrew Robson talks with noted deciduous expert Sergio Cuan about one of their favorite topics: deciduous bonsai.

Bonsai Evaluation with Jonas and Andrew Aug 04, 2021

How do we recognize excellence at bonsai exhibitions? In this episode, Jonas and Andrew discuss different approaches to evaluating bonsai as they prepare for the inaugural Pacific Bonsai Exposition in November, 2022.

Chat with John Thompson Jul 28, 2021

Oaks are a fantastic genus for training as bonsai, and John "JT" Thompson is an expert when it comes to oaks. In this episode, JT shares with Jonas the story of how he was introduced to bonsai in Japan, how he developed a love for oaks, and practical tips for how he trains oaks in his Northern California garden.

Andrew and Michael chat about chojubai Jul 02, 2021

What are the best ways to grow, style, and propagate the dwarf flowering Japanese quince known as "chojubai"? In this episode, Andrew and Michael talk through their approach to the popular species.

Spring Roundtable May 20, 2021

This week the full team, John, Michael, Andrew, and Jonas chat about the tasks after repotting including maple and spruce pinching, pine decandling, choosing shade cloth, and that unending bonsai topic, fertilizing.

Chat with Cheryl McAlister May 10, 2021

In this episode, Jonas and Cheryl McAlister, a painter and beginning bonsai student, talk about art, bonsai, and approaches to learning when we don't know what we don't know. Learn more about Cheryl at https://www.cherylmcalister.com.

Starting a Bonsai Garden: Rakuyo Apr 10, 2021

Andrew chats with Jonas about building his bonsai garden, Rakuyo. Named for falling leaves or deciduous trees, Rakuyo will be a site for the development of and appreciation for deciduous bonsai.

Planning a regional bonsai show Mar 18, 2021

Andrew interviews Eric and Jonas about their plans to host a regional bonsai exhibit, the Pacific Bonsai Expo, in fall of 2022.

Repotting roundtable Feb 24, 2021

This week the team talks about all things repotting - soil media, timing, clues telling us when to repot, and aftercare.

Chat with Carmen Leskoviansky Jan 21, 2021

Opening our series about women curators of public bonsai gardens, Michael and Jonas chat with Carmen Leskoviansky about the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Michigan, upcoming apprenticeship with Michael, and her desire to open the bonsai door wider to women.

Chat with Kaya Mooney Dec 29, 2020

Apprentice life has its ups and downs. Kaya Mooney, an apprentice with Keiichi Fujikawa at Kouka-en near Osaka, Japan, shares highlights with John and Jonas and explains what can make the sky purple for apprentices. Learn more about Kaya at https://www.instagram.com/moonlightbonsai

John talks to Jonas about his apprenticeship Dec 06, 2020

This week Jonas sits down to chat with John about his apprenticeship with Michael at Crataegus Bonsai. Check out Crataegus at https://crataegus.com/.

Stories Behind The Little Book of Bonsai Nov 15, 2020

This week Michael sits down with Jonas to discuss everything that goes into writing and publishing a bonsai book aimed at helping people start off on the right foot. 2D vs. 3D teaching, tips for bonsai photography, and long lines at Kokufu make appearances along the way.

Jonas and Michael chat about Michael's new book: Bonsai Heresy Nov 07, 2020

This week Jonas sits down with Michael to discuss the science, tradition, and fantasy that inform his new book, Bonsai Heresy. It is a deep dive into the thought process, anguish, and joy of writing a book that undoes bonsai myths.
You can purchase Bonsai Heresy at: https://stonelantern.com/

Chat with Adam Toth Oct 04, 2020

Ever wonder what it's like to be a bonsai apprentice in Japan? This week Jonas speaks with Adam Toth, an apprentice with Taiga Urushibata at the Taisho-en bonsai garden in Shizuoka to learn about the experience. Join Adam as he shares anecdotes that convey the joys and challenges of apprentice life.
Learn more about Adam at: https://www.instagram.com/adam.jp.bon

Chat with Eric Schrader Sep 18, 2020

In this episode Jonas and John catch up with Eric Schrader and talk about growing trees, working with local natives and much more.

Chat with Bill Valavanis Sep 12, 2020

This weekend would have been the US National Bonsai Exhibition, so to honor that event Michael and Jonas sit down with Bill Valavanis and talk about his years of experience.
The 7th US National Bonsai Exhibition has been rescheduled for September 11-12, 2021.
Please check their website for more details: https://www.usnationalbonsai.com

Bonus Episode: Andrew and Jonas chat about colanders Sep 07, 2020

In this week's bonus episode, Andrew Robson calls Jonas Dupuich about using colanders for pre-bonsai. Enjoy their conversation and please forgive the poor audio quality.We are still working on the watering/fertilizing episode. Please send any questions you have on the topic to

talk@bonsaiwirepodcast.com by September 30th, 2020

Listener Questions about Deciduous Trees Aug 30, 2020

This week John hosts a question and answer session with questions that were submitted to us via talk@bonsaiwirepodcast.com. Michael and Andrew join in with expert answers and a bit of banter. We are requesting questions for an upcoming episode about watering, fertilizing and pH adjustment. Send your questions to talk@bonsaiwirepodcast.com.

Bonus Episode: "From the Apprentice". Watering in the summer. Aug 19, 2020

Michael Hagedorn's apprentice, John Eads, shares tidbits from his apprenticeship in a new bonus series. This episode is all about watering, especially in the summer.
We are soliciting questions for an upcoming round-table discussion on watering, pH and fertilizing. Please submit related questions to talk@bonsaiwirepodcast.com.

Colin Lewis Aug 11, 2020

British bonsai icon Colin Lewis shares his move across the water with Jonas and Michael, including his dislike of demonstrations, how to toss your worst tree, the best way to nab a Japanese beetle, and a few really cool observations about bonsai, the community, and how things ‘are a changin’.

Curating a Personal Collection Aug 11, 2020

A roundtable debate among the four hosts about the nuanced decision making that goes into selecting trees for one’s backyard including the power of the single decision, the appropriate number of trees, and how choice of species affects both daily and yearly time commitment.

Introductions Aug 11, 2020

Jonas, John, Michael, and Andrew share how they got into bonsai, heckle one another with mispronounced names, state goals for the podcast, and offer an ad from our esteemed sponsor, ‘Patina Buster.’

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