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
It’s Getting Cold Tonight, Why Not Dream Of Elms?
I've been hustling today to finish getting my greenhouse up and heated, so all those tropicals I just had to make this year will survive. It looks like a light freeze is headed our way tonight. And this is turn means the weather has broken, so it's just a matter of...
Let’s See If I Can Kill This Bald Cypress
In bonsai we learn the real lessons by doing. With that said, there's no way to learn everything about every species of tree or shrub in every specimen that comes into your care. The closest you can come is if you have many specimens that are all the same size from...
So How Big And How Old Do You Think This Cedar Elm Is?
With fall upon us and cold weather waiting in the wings, I'm feeling antsy because there's three solid months of zero growth ahead. That cuts way down on styling work. Styling is my favorite part of bonsai. This is the last of my "late-bloomer" Cedar elms that I...
I’m Anxious For 2018 To Get Here. How About You?
Okay, I haven't made it through winter yet nor have my trees. In fact, it's just going to actually cool off a little tonight for the first time this fall. But that hasn't stopped me from starting to think about (and plan for) 2018. I collected and grew more trees...
Can You Wire In Fall? Yes, You Can, Provided….
I often see the question asked, "Can I wire in the fall?" The short answer is, "Yes, provided...." That sounds a bit evasive, but as with many things in the wonderful world of bonsai you have to be aware of qualifiers that may come with different species and...
Fun’s On The Way Next Year With These “Two-fers”
I have a couple of specimens I acquired this year, one that I collected and the other that I bought from a fellow grower. The first is a Swamp maple, Acer rubrum "Drumondii." Now, I have not yet in my bonsai career been able to crack the code when it comes to...
How I Made Something Impressive Out Of This Bald Cypress
It's not always easy to see the bonsai in the material. As you gain experience, however, it does get a lot easier. You get better at seeing alternatives. I posted this Bald cypress, Taxodium distichum, for sale the other day. It's a solid pre-bonsai...
How About What This Hawthorn Did?
Riverflat hawthorn, Crataegus opaca, is one of my favorite species for bonsai. They take well to pot culture, grow roots fast and have small leaves. When old enough, they get a nice rough bark. What's not to like? I grew this specimen from a cutting struck in...
Back To The Drawing Board – A Nice Plan For This Cedar Elm
Remember to use the new Insider's Club Form to post your questions and comments. This helps everybody learn and help and this is where I am now posting responses to your inquires and comments. (You'll find the forum by scrolling up; it's on your right.) This Cedar elm...