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
Bald Cypress With Knee Gets Initial Styling
bald cypress with knee gets intial stylingSneak PeekIt's always great to find Bald cypresses in the swamp that have knees, especially when the scale is right. Here's one that's ready for its first styling.Bald Cypress with Knee Gets Initial StylingI was really...
Live Oak Update
live oak updateSneak PeekSometimes you have to start over with a bonsai. That has been the case with this old Live oak I was left by a bonsai friend who passed.Live Oak UpdateBack in May I started the rebuilding process on what started out as a legacy tree I was...
New Flat-Top Bald Cypress
new flat-top bald cypressSneak PeekEach year we bring home a few BC's that catch my eye to the point that I want to train them. This one shouted "flat-top." So let's see if we can get that going.New Flat-Top Bald CypressWhen we brought home this year's Bald cypress...
Styling An Apple Bonsai To Be
styling an apple bonsai to beSneak PeekI collected this rather stout apple from a bonsai friend's property last year. Since then I've left it alone to grow out and gain strength. Now that some of the branches are almost too stiff to bend, it's time to do an initial...
Oak Gallery
gallery oak
Monster Bald Cypress Available
monster bald cypress availableSneak PeekWe always bring home a selection of very large Bald cypresses each collecting season. Here's one that's available for someone looking for a "statement" BC.Monster Bald Cypress AvailableWe brought home this monster Bald cypress...
Change Of Design For Spekboom
change of design for spekboomSneak PeekHave you ever had a tree that was completely designed, and then the design just stopped working for you. That's what happened to me with this Spekboom.Change of Design for SpekboomIn September of 2020 I repotted this Spekboom...
Maple Layering Success
maple layering successSneak PeekThis Swamp maple, Acer Drummondii, has been developing nicely for the past year. But there's always been a problem with the base. Time for a layering!Maple Layering SuccessThis Swamp maple has developed quickly since we collected it...
Bald Cypress Styling – Formal And Informal Upright
bald cypress styling - formal and informal uprightSneak PeekIt doesn't matter if your Bald cypress bonsai is going to be a formal upright or an informal upright, certain "rules" apply to the design.Bald Cypress Styling - Formal and Informal Upright I first showed you...