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.

Easter jobs to do in the bonsai garden

Mature Trees:
Young Material:
 
Mature Trees:

A look inside The Essential Bonsai Book

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

Spring Photo Gallery With Notes

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. 

A visit to Kenji Miyata’s garden

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.

Why Are There So Many Right Flow Trees?

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

Highlights from the 2025 Atlanta Bonsai Society Annual Show

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.

March 21, 2025– Advanced Open Bonsai Workshop

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.

Review: Kimura Techniques Masterclass 2

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.

Example Of A Good Pigeon Breast

Remember that guideline to avoid pigeon breasts? A strong movement of part of the trunk toward the viewer?

A visit to the Chinese Garden at the Huntington

After visiting the Bonsai Collection at the Huntington, I carved out time to visit the adjacent Chinese Garden. It was an eye-opening experience!