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
Bonsai Odds & Ends – Privet And Bald Cypress
bonsai odds & ends - privet and bald cypressSneak PeekThis is just a quick redux on the 'Pasture Privet' I posted about the other day, plus a couple of others that got potted; plus it was time to check in on the big Bald cypress I defoliated, styled and potted...
Pasture Privet Progress
pasture privet progressSneak PeekI got over 90% success with the pasture privets I collected last month (actually they all lived; a couple probably won't be usable). They've grown out very well, and today I tackled what I consider the best specimen among them.Pasture...
Cathy’s Massage Studio and The Elastic Fig
cathy's massage studio and the elastic figSneak PeekSome of you know that Cathy is the artist behind the Bonsai South website. Most of you don't know that she is also a licensed massage therapist. We've been working on her studio now since construction began last...
Trunk Building Oaks
trunk building oaksSneak PeekMost of the time we can get a good trunk line with our collected trees. Sometimes, however, you have to rebuild almost from the ground up.Trunk Building OaksI collected this Water oak, Quercus nigra, from my iris swamp two years ago where...
Big Hoss Gets Carved
big hoss gets carvedSneak PeekTwo years ago I introduced "Big Hoss" the Water-elm to you. Last year I chopped the trunk so I could improve taper. Now it's time to do some carving on the chop.Big Hoss Gets CarvedHere's another look at "Big Hoss" the Water-elm from...
Does Design Drive The Tree, Or Tree Drive The Design?
does design drive the tree, or tree drive the design?Sneak PeekWe're all familiar with the established styles of bonsai. Almost all of the trees we create will fit one of them. But sometimes the tree drives its own design, and you have to be prepared to go with...
Swamp Maple Progress – A Couple Of Key Developmental Concepts
swamp maple progress - a couple of key developmental conceptsSneak PeekWhen you develop raw material for bonsai, you'll follow a familiar pattern. There's plenty of detail and nuance in how it goes, though. Here are a couple of key developmental concepts you need to...
Defoliating, Potting And Styling A Large Bald Cypress
defoliating, potting and styling a large bald cypressSneak PeekIt's July 4th weekend, so the traditional cookouts, fireworks and defoliating Bald cypresses are in order. That's right, defoliating Bald cypresses is a tradition for BC lovers. Today's victim is also...
Bonsai Odds & Ends – Bald Cypress Defoliation + Styling, Pocomoke Crape Styling
bonsai odds & ends - bc defoliation + styling, pocomoke crape stylingSneak PeekWe're on the cusp of Bald cypress defoliation season. I did one today. I also did the next round of styling on a Pocomoke Crape myrtle.Bald Cypress Defoliation + Styling, Pocomoke...