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
How Big Is That Crape, Really? And The Iris Spreads
how big is that crape, really? Sneak Peek I first posted on this big Crape last month when I lifted it. Someone asked, Will it survive? Boy, has it! How Big is that Crape, really? And the Iris is spreading. I left off here with the monster Crape myrtle I lifted...
Big Cedar Elm Update
big cedar elm update Sneak PeekIt's time to do some fall pruning on my big Cedar elm. Big Cedar Elm Update This is what happens when you leave a Cedar elm alone all growing season. Literally, I have not touched this tree all year. As always,...
Sunday Fun – Cedar Elms And The Monster Crape
sunday fun - cedar elms and the monster crape Sneak PeekFall is a good time to do some pruning and wiring on your deciduous trees. I worked on a couple of Cedar elms today. Then there's that monster Crape myrtle. Sunday Fun - Cedar Elms and the Monster Crape I've...
Checking In On A Few Trees – Pocomoke Crape, Trumpet Vine, Privet
checking in on a few treesSneak PeekThe 2020 growing season is coming to an end. Here are a few trees that have made a lot of progress in a short time.Checking in on a Few TreesHere's where we left this Pocomoke Crape Myrtle at the end of June. I had tackled the...
Rulebreaking 101 – Crape Myrtle
rulebreaking 101 - crape myrtle Sneak PeekI enjoy breaking rules when something good comes of it. One of my hardest and fastest rules is to never collect a tree twice. Well ....Rulebreaking 101 - Crape Myrtle And so, way back in 2012 I was invited to collect some...
Bonsai Odds & Ends – Fall Arrives
bonsai odds & ends - fall arrivesSneak PeekThere comes a point in the season where you can feel the change coming, yet it doesn't quite. Then there comes a point where it just happens. Today fall arrived.Bonsai Odds & Ends - Fall ArrivesOur heat broke a few...
Roughleaf Dogwood Ugly Duckling Update
roughleaf dogwood ugly duckling updateSneak PeekI got this Roughleaf dogwood in May and first styled it in July. It's got some unique challenges, but part of our gaining mastery in bonsai is to be able to tackle and overcome such challenges. Here's a step in that...
A Big Huckleberry Gets Styled
a big huckleberry gets styledSneak PeekHuckleberries are one of my favorite species (actually multiple species) for bonsai. With small leaves, and flowers and fruit in scale, you can't ask for much more.A Big Huckleberry Gets StyledOn December 26th of last year I...
Bonsai Odds & Ends – Trumpet Vine, Yaupon, Spekboom
bonsai odds & ends - trumpet vine, yaupon, spekboom Sneak PeekFor those of you interested in vines for bonsai, here are a couple. Plus a Yaupon and another Spekboom in the works. Bonsai Odds & Ends - Trumpet Vine, Yaupon, Spekboom Last year I pulled up some...