Recapping and Tips For Attending the US National Bonsai Exhibition - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep50

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

• NEXT WORKSHOP 11/29/2025 - Intro to Indoor Bonsai at Thrive Coworking in Franklinton/Columbus with the local plant group honey+vine (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.
• NEXT Columbus Bonsai Society meeting: Make your own pot workshop on 11/16/2025. More info here and get tickets while they last at www.columbusbonsai.org

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode, Kevin, Kelly, and Ryan share their recent experiences attending the 2025 US National Bonsai Exhibition and share their tips that will help you navigate and get the most out of attending this or other similar bonsai conventions.

The YouTube version of Episode 50 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 50 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor Info:

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

Mailbag submissions/Community:

• NEW BT DISCORD Chat
• BT Facebook Group

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 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.

See the relevant images and links from this episode below.

Branches of Insight: Bonsai Milestones and Lessons of 2024 - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 39

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

• January 25th, 2025 9am-11am - Intro to Indoor Bonsai with Upper Arlington Recreation. For details and to sign up, see here. Only 8 spots left! 
• This is the last time that free Columbus Bonsai Society and Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Society 1 year trial membership is included with my workshops! We will move to a discount model going forwards.
• February 17, 2025 - Columbus Bonsai Society presents Bruce Brethnauer of the Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Society to present on the botanical family known as Apocynaceae of which desert rose are a member. They have several unique adaptations and traits for bonsai as well as some unsung species that may be worth trying.
• I recently posted many bonsai tools on my Etsy. See invivobonsai.Etsy.com for options or reach out for a local-pickup discount. I will continue to work on adding my bonsai wire, soil, and other accessories into the web store as I get prepared to ship larger items on request.

I. Episode Summary & Links

Ryan, Kelly, and Kevin sat down to reflect on our past year in bonsai. What goals have we set out in our bonsai lives and where do we stand on meeting them? We also unpacked other milestones from our last year in bonsai such as taking and leading new workshops, caring for public collection bonsai, attending bonsai shows, and new trees and folks we’ve enjoyed meeting along the way!

The YouTube version of Episode 39 is here!⁠

The podcast version of Episode 39 is here!

⁠⁠⁠⁠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:

            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.

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

On the Road with Mark Passerrello - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 08

            In the eighth episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, my co-host Kevin recorded an interview with CBS president and local potter Mark Passerrello while they were en route to a bonsai workshop. Kevin and Mark went over how Mark found himself in the world of bonsai, his approach to bonsai ceramics, and building confidence in a world full of imposter syndrome as he started his business Ancient Art Bonsai. Mark now regularly sells the pots he makes at local Columbus art events as well as accent plants and bonsai trees for beginner audiences (see pictures below). Kevin and Mark also discussed their experiences with bonsai clubs and how clubs could be made more welcoming to new members as well as Mark's gentle approach to catching the interest of the public during outreach events. Enjoy!

            Mark is one of several prominent bonsai artists who will be in attendance & vending at the upcoming Columbus Bonsai Society 50th Annual Show taking place in September. See here or www.columbusbonsai.org for more information.

Listen to the episode on Youtube.

Or, listen to the episode in your podcast app of choice.

Moss Collection & Preparing Your Tree for Show! July CBS Lecture by Kevin Faris

Source material: July 17, 2022

            For the most recent Columbus Bonsai Society monthly meeting, we had a short opening lecture focused on show preparation - led by our own Kevin Faris - followed by some "Bring-Your-Own-Tree" Workshop time. As part of our efforts to help members prepare for the upcoming 50th Annual CBS Show, Kevin focused on the specifics of collecting moss, the benefits of moss, applying moss for show preparation, and as a bonus, he even covered why and how to oil pots before you show your trees. We look forward to seeing everyone's trees in just over 1 month on September 24th-25th at Dawes Arboretum! Remember to check www.columbusbonsai.com to register in advance for workshops or special lectures you want to attend as some of them have limited space.

Find the full lecture here.