Showing posts with label Bonsai Time Podcast. Show all posts

July 19, 2025

Hows and Whys of Wiring Bonsai with Rob Hoffman (CBS Lecture) - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep48

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

July 19-20. Columbus Bonsai Society Annual Show!

Details coming soon but there will be vendors, workshops, and great trees! Facebook event here.

July 19, 3-5pm - Wild Boxwood Transformation Workshop @ CBS Show (hosted by me!)

All participants get a wild collected boxwood or you can select the option to bring your own boxwood. We will discuss steps for transforming these into bonsai from raw material and how I refine them over time. Sign up here

September 6, 1-4pm - Japanese Black Pine from Seed Workshop @ Franklin Park Conservatory (hosted by me!)

All participants get seeds and some 1-2 year old seedlings and if interested in a higher tier, a older 4-5 year old seedling is also included. We will explain how seedlings are styled over multiple years so you can see the whole process in one session. Sign up here

I. Episode Summary & Links

In this episode, catch up on what's new with Ryan, Kevin, and Kelly before diving into a talk on how to wire branches for bonsai styling. Rob Hoffman was the presenting artist for this recorded Columbus Bonsai Society meeting. We hope you learn something new and can share this with those you know who are learning how to wire bonsai.

The YouTube version of Episode 48 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 48 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest Info:

Rob Hoffman of ⁠Yume-en Bonsai⁠ in Marysville, OH. You can also find him traveling to regional bonsai shows, such as the upcoming US National Bonsai Exhibit.

https://yume-enbonsai.com/

Sponsor Info:

This episode is sponsored by the Columbus Bonsai Society 53rd Annual Bonsai Show, July 19-20, 2025 in Columbus, OH, USA. Details at ⁠ColumbusBonsai.org⁠. We have 7 different bonsai workshops there - including from Rob and Ryan - as well as great raffle trees, exhibit trees, and tons of vendors.

Support the Pod:

Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

The Bonsai That Survived Hiroshima — and What It Teaches Us, Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 45

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

I have a number of consignment trees and pots for sale. These are from CBS members who moved away including my friend Kevin from the Bonsai Time Podcast. Trees up to moderate size I now ship within the USA with some potential limitations by state laws. Contact me for a shipping estimate or to arrange a visit in person in Columbus or for drop off at or on the way to a local bonsai show I will be attending (DC, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Cinncinatti).
June 18, 6-9pm. Clip and Grow Styling for Succulent Bonsai - Lecture and Workshop with Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Society.

This is my next lecture/workshop here in Columbus. Since the Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Society are already knowledgeable on succulent growing, for this educational day I will focus first on discussing styling via clip and grow. I will share some examples from Brucera (Frankincense), Jade, Dwarf Jade, and others so you can see the technique in action over time. Then you will get the opportunity to plant and style your own succulent bonsai. Species available include jade, gollum jade, dwarf jade, and others. Facebook event is here. Sign-up info coming soon.

July 19-20. Columbus Bonsai Society Annual Show!

Details coming soon but there will be vendors, workshops, and great trees! Facebook event here.

I. Episode Summary & Links

In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan discuss how we can better preserve history through our bonsai and elevate them into an ambassador role between cultures and places. Kevin was specifically thinking about the famous Yamaki White Pine Bonsai that survived an atomic bomb and was later gifted by Japan to the US National Bonsai Museum. This tree has a powerful presence for all those who visit it. Likewise, Kevin compared it to his recent visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan and the powerful impression that place leaves on visitors as well.

The YouTube version of Episode 45 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 45 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor Info:

This episode is sponsored by the Waterfront Botanical Gardens 3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. Details at BonsaiWeekend.com. Come visit Kentucky's newest botanic garden and see what's growing with the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. The show will feature guest judge Owen Reich, bonsai workshops, demonstrations, cultural activities, food and drink, koi fish on display from the Louisville Koi Society, and an expanded selection of vendors for all your bonsai needs. I'll be there too, and I hope to see you there May 30th-June 1st. Tickets are on sale now at ⁠BonsaiWeekend.com⁠.

Support the Pod:

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Cheryl Manning's Bonsai Journey: California to Japan, Naka Protégé to Sensei - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 43-44

I. Episode Summary & Links

In this two-part series, Kelly sat down with Cheryl Manning in California for a wide-ranging interview. See episode 43 for Part 1 which focused on Cheryl's time in bonsai as an apprentice in Japan and how she got started in the professional scene. Episode 44/Part 2 focuses more on her time as a student of the California bonsai greats like John Naka and Harry Hirao especially reflecting on after returning from her apprenticeship.

The YouTube version of Episode 43 is here!⁠

The podcast version of Episode 43 is here!

The YouTube version of Episode 44 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 44 is here!⁠

Guest Info:

⁠This episode features Cheryl Manning, an accomplished bonsai professional artist and writer. Find more of her work on her website, ⁠BetterBonsai.com⁠.⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor Info:

This episode is sponsored by (me!) In Vivo Bonsai of Columbus, Ohio. Find me in person, at ⁠invivobonsai.etsy.com⁠, or go to ⁠⁠https://www.InVivoBonsai.com⁠/ ⁠to see upcoming events, expanding online offerings, educational materials, and more.

Support the Pod:

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Ohara Ikebana (Japanese Flower Display) History and Demonstration - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 41-42

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

March 16, 2025 - Columbus Bonsai Society Monthly meeting will be an all-day repotting extravaganza. Mark Passerrello will lead a demonstration and presentation on repotting and soil types and experienced CBS members will be on hand to assist and advise newer members. Facebook event here.
March 29, 2025 - Intro to Indoor Bonsai Workshop at Dawes Arboretum in Newark, OH hosted by yours truly. Sign up here.
I now sell my beginner bonsai at my first physical location in Columbus! Find Casa Cacao and full details at my new webpage for In-Person Bonsai Partners.

I. Episode Summary & Links

This episode is broken down into a two-part series. In this first episode, Joe Rotella explains the history of Ohara Ikebana which is one of the more prominent forms of Japanese flower arrangements. In the second episode, Kamo-sensei narrates and demonstrates, composing 5 Ohara Ikebana. Joe and other members of Central Ohio Ohara Ikebana hosted this event at the Yosoko Center in Columbus, Ohio to share the art of Ikebana with the public and to host a Japanese master named Kamo-sensei who demonstrates the art of Ikebana in the next video.

The YouTube version of Episode 41 (Ikebana History) is here!⁠

The podcast version of Episode 41 (Ikebana History) is here!

The shortened, narration-only YouTube version of Episode 42 (Ikebana Demonstration) is here!

The shortened, narration-only podcast version of Episode 42 (Ikebana Demonstration) is here!⁠

The full-length YouTube version of Episode 42 (Ikebana Demonstration) is here.

Guest Info:

⁠These episodes feature Joe Rotella, president of Central Ohio Ohara Ikebena (COOI) and Kamo sensei. Find more about Joe and COOI at the links below.

⁠COOI Website⁠⁠
COOI Instagram
⁠⁠COOI Facebook
Joe Rotella - CreateNCraft⁠, Ikebana Workshops⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor Info:

Support the Pod:

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

A Visit to Green Witch Gardens - Michigan's Largest Bonsai Nursery

A few months back I had the pleasure of being invited to give a talk for the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society by Ellen Veselenak, their new club VP and head of programming. Before my club presentation, I was able to stop over at her nursery - the Green Witch Gardens - which I learned is the largest bonsai nursery in Michigan. As it turns out, the Green Witch Gardens was originally called The Flower Market, and has been operating between Dundee and Monroe, MI for decades through different owners before Sara, Ellen, and Melissa took over most recently. Since assuming ownership, the Green Witches have learned bonsai quickly, traveled to countless bonsai shows to sell their trees, and they have also become even more of a staple of their local bonsai scene with many educational opportunities each month. Meanwhile, the Green Witch Gardens also do some of the typical nursery/flower store things beyond bonsai as well. To dive deeper into their histories and plans for the Green Witch Gardens and what it means for them to strive towards being a community hub, I sat down with Ellen and Mellissa while I visited to record an interview with them during my visit. Please enjoy our conversation over at the Bonsai Time Podcast Episode 38 - Behind the Scenes at the Green Witch Gardens and get a glimpse of their nursery through the trove of photos below.

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

CyberMonday sale: Now through 12/4/24 I am offering 25% off any purchase of $40 or more on my Etsy and my in-person bonsai nursery here in Columbus, OH. Contact me to visit in person or to discuss ordering/shipping any items mentioned below that are not yet in the webstore.

My Etsy page currently has a variety of seeds along with my bonsai-from-seed printed guide to help you plan for the long term and a few bonsai books available there. In person you will also find trees, pots, wire, tools, soil, and more.

January 19th, 2025, 2-5pm at Franklin Park Conservatory - Japanese Garden Design with Walter Reins
January 25th, 2025 9am-11am - Intro to Indoor Bonsai with Upper Arlington Recreation. For details and to sign up, see here.

A row of larch bonsai at the Green Witch Gardens.

A Very Bonsai Christmas With Julian Tsai - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 23

⁠I. Episode Summary & Links

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, we have part 2 of a winter solstice/Christmas special featuring Ryan, Kelly, Kevin, and Julian Tsai. In Part 2, we discussed the history of the winter solstice and Christmas celebrations in Europe, Egypt, and America especially as it pertains to symbolic tree species associated with this time of year. We then go on to discuss and compare the merits of these historic tree species for bonsai.

The video version is available here:

⁠

The podcast version is available here.

Guest Info:

Julian Tsai is a full-time professional bonsai artist based in Southern California. He was previously featured in our 4th episode which was recorded near the end of his apprenticeship in Japan.

Julain's website is www.JustBonsai.com

Sponsor Info: This episode is sponsored by the Grow Clothing Co. Grow Clothing has tons of creative plant and bonsai-inspired designs for T-shirts, hoodies, bags, water bottles, and more. They are always adding new designs so check them out at the links below and don't forget to use the discount code "BONSAITIME" for 10% off when you order by February 1st.

⁠⁠Grow Clothing Co Website⁠⁠

⁠⁠Grow Clothing Co Facebook⁠

Support the Pod:

Anytime you listen, subscribe, rate us, or share us with friends you help keep us motivated to keep making episodes for you all! If you want to take it to the next level, you can also help keep the podcast going by donating to us through Spotify or by sponsoring an episode (contact us directly for that). All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc. Even $1/month would be a great help!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonsaitimepodcast/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What to Do With Your Bonsai in Winter With Julian Tsai - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 22

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, we have part 1 of a winter solstice/Christmas special featuring Ryan, Kelly, Kevin, and Julian Tsai. In Part 1, we catch up with Julian regarding how he transitioned into being a full-time bonsai professional and we dive into the subject of what can we do as bonsai artists in winter and what might be risky to do in colder climates at this time of year. Stay tuned for Part 2 later this week where we will discuss the history of certain trees in traditional celebrations of the winter solstice and Christmas.

The video version is available here:

The podcast version is available here:

Introducing Our New Co-Host, Kelly Lui - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 21

In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Kevin and Ryan welcome a new co-host to the podcast, Kelly Lui of California. Kelly is an enthusiastic newcomer in the bonsai scene who has already made a splash by winning the Ben Oki Scholarship in 2023 from the California Bonsai Society. Hear the story of how she got roped into our podcast and how we hope to help one another amplify her work sharing the history of the senior bonsai students in the California area and elsewhere.

The video version is available here:

The podcast version is available here.

Bonsai Stories and Other BS with Dennis Makashima! Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 18-20

In the latest episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Kevin and Ryan welcome Dennis Makashima. Dennis has been a witness and active participant in bonsai history as he learned from many of the greats of California Bonsai and even inherited many of their trees. Although Dennis is a second-generation Japanese American, he found himself drawn into the same line of work as many Japanese were at that time - gardening and aesthetic tree pruning. This is what ultimately drew him into bonsai and eventually a bonsai apprenticeship in Japan. Ultimately Dennis' own contributions to the art stand proud as he taught aesthetic tree pruning at Merritt College and served as president for the Golden State Bonsai Federation. Dennis also went into great detail regarding how he worked to improve GBSF during his tenure for the clubs and local scene. We hope you enjoy his many BS stories as much as we did!

Dennis Makashima is a long-time pillar of the Bay Area and the greater California bonsai scene. We are grateful for his time and for sharing his experiences! You can learn more about Dennis' life story in his upcoming autobiographical book "Mr. Omoshiori: Journal of a Sansei Baby Boomer and Bonsai Sensei". The book will come out in early 2024 and is being published by the Zentoku Foundation.

PART 1 - The video version is available here*:

*Check out our new YouTube channel! ⁠⁠⁠

PART 1 - Podcast version available here:

The Many Talents of Angelica Ramirez - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 15-17

Angelica Ramirez is a bright new face in the bonsai scene. As Kevin and I learned in our interview, Angelica is a uniquely driven person with expertise in music, helicopter piloting, archery, painting, bonsai ceramics, and more recently she is set on learning bonsai to the highest degree possible. Angelica has been an apprentice at the Chicago Botanic Garden's bonsai collection and this year she is the new National Bonsai Apprentice at the US National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington, DC. It was a pleasure documenting her story and we look forward to watching her bonsai skills and career grow!

Angelica has a great website where she documents her many pursuits. You can find it at the link below. https://www.arbonsaiart.com/

Also, Angelica maintains a database of active bonsai ceramicists around the world. You can use it to find local potters in your area at the link below, or contact her through her website/social media to get yourself added! https://www.arbonsaiart.com/discover-potters.html

The podcast version is available here:

The video version is available here:

Parts 2 and 3 will be uploaded and linked below on Friday, 7/7/23 and Friday, 7/14/23. Also, read on to see pictures of Angelica's work in bonsai!

Aussie Natives and Bonsai as Art with Hugh Grant - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 14

In today's interview, we had the honor of hosting Hugh Grant from Australia who came on to share his story and thoughts on the evolution of bonsai in Australia and around the world. Hugh explained how his background as an art student led him to study at Bonsai Mirai and shapes how he thinks about modern bonsai displays. Hugh also taught Ryan and Kevin about the diversity of Australian ecosystems and the native trees and yamadori there which make for decent bonsai once you learn their quirks! Hope you enjoy and get as much out of this talk as we did.

See the interview in the Youtube video below, or find us on your favorite podcast app. Also, scroll below to find the show notes for this episode including pictures of Hugh's work with Australian native bonsai that we were discussing in the interview. Bonsai On!

Hugh's website

Hugh's Instagram

Insights into the Bonsai Art of Michael Hagedorn - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 13

In the thirteenth episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, the renowned Portland, OR-based ceramicist and bonsai artist Michael Hagedorn joined Kevin and Ryan to discuss his time as a Japanese bonsai apprentice, his apprenticeship program in the US, his floating shore pine display in the Pacific Bonsai Expo, his unique invisible slab style plantings, and more! Enjoy the interview!

See the interview with relevant pictures in the Youtube video below, or find us on your favorite podcast app and refer to this show notes page with useful pictures and links regarding what we were discussing in the interview. Bonsai On!

You can help keep the podcast going by supporting us. All donations go back into the podcast such as for our web hosting, recording gear expenses, etc. Even $1/month would be a great help!

⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonsaitimepodcast/support

First Year Reflections for the Bonsai Time Podcast - Ep 12

In today's episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Ryan and Kevin reflect on their journey from 2022 including their learning curve in starting the podcast. They also covered what they are looking forward to for 2023 with the podcast, their bonsai gardens, and the local bonsai clubs they are involved in.

See the video interview on YouTube.

Or find the podcast in your podcast apps and on Anchor.fm.

December 13, 2022

The Allure of Wood-Fired Pottery with Brandon Stolicny - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 11

In the eleventh episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Connecticut ceramicist and bonsai artist Brandon Stolicny walked Kevin and me through what makes wood-fired pottery so special! Brandon also talked us through the unique challenges that come with wood-fired pots and how his personality influences his style preferences in ceramics and in his bonsai. We also touched on Brandon's experience as a native yamadori collector working with pitch pines in his area of the northeastern US. Enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Youtube.