Bonsai Stuff Bonsai Matsu - Scott Martin

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 uniqu...

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 ...

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...

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 Show.Become a podcast s...

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 Show.Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love...

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...