The Bonsai Files
Your free access to general and how-to articles, The Bonsai Files. Detailed and filled with bonsai pictures, Zach shows you step-by-step how he designs bonsai and provides before, during, and after images.
The Bonsai Files
Cedar Elm Work – Building Your Apex
I collected this Cedar elm, Ulmus crassifolia, in February of 2018. It recovered and grew so fast that I was able to slip-pot it in June. One thing I really like about this tree is the low branch. I think I see something really unique is the ultimate design....
Hornbeam Collecting & More
Today we hunted hornbeam. The native species is American hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana. It ranges from Canada all the way to the Deep South, and west a little past the Mississippi River. I rate it as one of the best bonsai trees for beginners, because it...
Subtle Changes, Big Impact
You may remember this Water Oak, Quercus nigra, from last summer. I slip-potted it at that time, as it had pushed a lot of growth and I knew the tree had plenty of roots to survive on. But the story didn't end there.A couple of months later, I came to...
Bonsai Odds & Ends – Hornbeam, Water Oak
I acquired this American hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana, from another collector last summer. It had been wired, a new leader grown out, then allowed to grow to get strong. Today it was time to make the next move with it.I took the leader way back. It needs...
2019 BC Collecting Trip #2
We had another good Bald cypress collecting trip today. Here's the take, waiting for cleanup.Here's a nice buttressed specimen that's not too big. I specifically searched today for nice material in the mid-size range. The trunk on this one is 4" across about...
Bonsai Odds & Ends – Swamp Maple, Privet, Water-Elm
While we were out collecting Bald cypress yesterday, I happened across this Swamp maple, Acer rubrum 'Drummondii.' I don't often collected Swamp maples, because they don't seem to last in good health longer than a couple of years, but when I saw the fluting of...
2019 BC Collecting Trip #1
Bald cypress should be in every bonsai enthusiast's collection. But even more, a collected Bald cypress bonsai should be in everyone's collection. BC is one of our specialties at Bonsai South. Each year we do our best to find and lift really high quality raw...
What’s Wrong With This Huckleberry Picture?
Today I lifted this Huckleberry, Vaccinium species. Check out that fantastic rootage and trunk base! There's no doubt this specimen can be made into a fine bonsai over the next several years. But there's something wrong with this picture. Can you guess what...
A Quick Cedar Elm Styling
This Cedar elm, Ulmus crassifolia, was collected in February of 2018. I potted it in April in this lovely Ashley Keller pot. Aside from a little wiring to get an apex going, I just left the tree alone the rest of the growing season.Here's the tree as it was...