Bonsai Stuff

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.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 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.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 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.Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott AllenPhronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders offers a smart, fast-paced discussion on all...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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

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 can use them to fix a problem before it becomes a problem.Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott AllenPhronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders offers a smart, fast-paced discussion on all...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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 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.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

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. 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 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 is not managed correctly.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

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.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

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.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

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 these cuts correctly.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

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.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

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.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 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 you all the steps I take to check the impact and how to manage the side effects too.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

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