December 13, 2025

Robert Baran: Inside Bonsai’s Past & Present History - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep51

    In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

    • NEXT WORKSHOP 01/17/2025 - Bonsai on Tap - Intro to Indoor Bonsai at Nocterra Brewing in Powell (all are welcome!). More details and sign up here.
    • I've added many new pots available for sale. Find them here or at invivobonsai.etsy.com, but generally, if you contact me directly, I can give you a discount from what is listed there. Each Etsy listing comes with free US shipping. I am in the process of adding more trees to my website here also, so stay tuned and check back.
    • NEXT Columbus Bonsai Society meeting: Bonsai Deadwood Styles, Mechanisms, and Methods - 01/18/2026. More info here. Presentation, discussion of member trees, and potential demonstration by yours truly.

    I. Episode Summary & Links

                In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Kevin and Ryan sit down with Robert Baran, one of the world’s most respected bonsai historians and researchers. Robert shares the stories behind decades of archived bonsai knowledge and how he built Magiminiland.com into a global resource for miniature tree history. The conversation explores how bonsai traveled across cultures, how early masters shaped the art, and why preserving bonsai history is more important than ever. You’ll hear Robert reflect on his personal journey, his passion for research, and the untold stories that shaped the bonsai world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves bonsai, history, and the deeper meaning behind miniature trees.

    YouTube version is here!

     The podcast version of Episode 51 is here!⁠

    Guest Info:

                Robert Baran is the bonsai historian and researcher behind the most comprehensive publicly available bonsai archive linked below, which he is continually adding to. He has also written several articles and contributed to books on this subject.

    Sponsor Info:

                This episode is sponsored by our co-host via the Kevin Faris moving sale of bonsai pottery, tools, and trees. View these items at In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio, USA in-person, or online (shipping available) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠, or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.InVivoBonsai.com and navigate to the consignment pottery and tree pages.

    For Etsy sales, there is currently a 10% off Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal with the code CYBER25.

    Mailbag submissions/Community:

    Support the Pod:

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    See the relevant images and links from this episode below.