Mid-Michigan Bonsai Message Corner

July 17th, 2025 - BYOT (Bring Your Own Tree) - Foster Community Center Room 109

This is an opportunity to further work on your bonsai, kusamono and accent plants in preparation for the MMBC August Show at Van Attas.  Get advice and recommendations on how to further develop your bonsai.

Which Species Fatten Trunks in a Bonsai Pot?

Growing plants for bonsai tends to assume time in a large training container, or the ground. The goal is to grow a big trunk.

What Bonsai are Worked on in August?

In the Northern Hemisphere, July is the last summer month to trim back deciduous trees. If deciduous like this Chinese Quince are cut too late, past the first week of August, we can set up two problems: not enough time to finish growing before frosts set in, and not enough time for some species to set flower buds for next year. Wisteria and Satsuki azalea are examples of the second issue.

Warren Hill Trees, Then and Now

A recent post shared the loss of one of our great teachers, Warren Hill. When we talk of legacy in this community, the bonsai themselves are a part of that.

Summer cutback on a large cork oak

After a number of years working with cork oak bonsai, it’s become really clear that for the lower branches to thicken, the top needs regular trimming. This photo from earlier this week makes it clear where the tree wants to produce new growth.

New Jersey Bonsai Societies Exhibition A Great Success!

Last weekend four bonsai societies worked together to present their 2nd Annual Open Event “The Art of Bonsai” exhibition and sale at the Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. Members from the Bergen, Deep Cut, Great Swamp and Pennsylvania Bonsai Societies sponsored the exhibition which was a huge success!

Does It Matter If Our Benches Are Level?

Aside from looking at things with our heads tilted, yes, it matters in another way, too. 

Shade Cloth Part IV: Foliage Health

Here is a set of images for a clearer idea of the benefits of shade cloth.

50th Gafu Ten Shohin Bonsai Tour

Join Kora Dalager and me for the 50th Anniversary Gafu Ten Shohin Bonsai Exhibition held in Kyoto, Japan, in early January. This is the premier exhibition of shohin bonsai in Japan. Some of the best shohin bonsai masterpieces will be displayed for your appreciation and study.

Holidays but not for you

As well as we need a little time off we also think you should be able to be inspired on a rainy day.

Join me and hundreds of bonsai lovers next weekend in Lincroft, New Jersey for their Exhibition & Sale. The Bergen, Deep Cut, Great Swamp and Pennsylvania Bonsai Societies are sponsoring this exhibition. Over 50 beautiful bonsai from around the region will be on display for your appreciation.