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Last summer I started an ground layer on a small olive (see “Shohin olive ground layer” for details). The lower part of the trunk was unattractive so I figured layering the upper part of the trunk would be a great way to make the most of the material.

A few months ago I reacquainted with a friend from college that I’d not spoken with in a couple decades, and we had one of those far-ranging 90-minute chats that didn’t come close to closing the gap.

Mature Trees:
Young Material:
 
Mature Trees:

I’m writing on a Tuesday this week as the release date for The Essential Bonsai Book has arrived!

To help see asymmetrical planting position in repotting, use a chopstick to find the center of mass for the lower trunk and nebari. The chopstick shows more easily where it is, right or left, in the pot. Then adjust placement. This placement is good for a right flow tree. 

When I found out I was going to Atlanta, I immediately made plans to visit Kenji Miyata’s garden. Kenji is a Japanese-trained bonsai professional who spent the majority of his career in the US, first in California, and now in Georgia. Kenji studied with Yasuo Mitsuya (Boon’s first teacher in Japan) where he learned black pine care and became known as one of the top professionals working with cryptomeria.

Right flow Japanese Maple. In display the accent piece would be to the right. Luis Vallejo Bonsai Museum, Spain.

Earlier this month I made a trip to Georgia to participate in the Atlanta Bonsai Society’s annual show. Held at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the two-day event featured vendors, critiques, a workshop, (fantastic food), and an exhibit in which every member is encouraged to participate.

Advanced Open Workshops are now beginning at the International Bonsai Arboretum, Rochester, New York, conducted by William N. Valavanis. The Introductory Bonsai Course will soon begin on the four Monday evenings in April.

The latest online course from Bonsai Empire continues its series with Mr. Masahiko Kimura. The 4.5 hour series of video lectures covers the styling of a huge Japanese Black Pine and the detailing of a Hinoki Cypress for the Kokufu Show.