Growing and Displaying With Moss for Bonsai by Kevin Faris (CBS Lecture) - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep49

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

• 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, an 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
• In the last month, I added many of the tools and supplies I have to my Etsy store. Check them out at invivobonsai.etsy.com but generally, if you contact me directly, I can give you a discount from what is listed there. Each listing comes with free US shipping.
• I also recently added a number of bonsai pots from Kevin Faris to my website here. Check them out and let me know if any are of interest to you; we are in the process of pricing them and will eventually add those to my Etsy store as well. Free delivery to the US National Bonsai Exhibit next month is available or local pickup in Columbus, OH.

I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode, catch up on what's new with Ryan, Kevin, and Kelly with our new intro segments "What's Growing On" and "Bonsai Bulletin."             Then ~4:01, dive into a talk on how and why to grow or display moss with your bonsai, including its beneficial effects on horticulture and aesthetics. Kevin Faris 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 planning to display their first show tree sometime.

The YouTube version of Episode 49 is here!

The podcast version of Episode 49 is here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest Info:

            Kevin Faris is a born-and-raised Oregon boy turned bonsai artist. He was one of the founding members of the Bonsai Time Podcast in addition to his work at Faris Landscape and Design and his occasional bonsai teaching gigs. He is now based in Western MA, USA.

• Kevin NHK Japanese Television segment
• Kevin's Bonsai Pots for Sale through In Vivo Bonsai

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.

Growing Forward: Bonsai and Podcast Goals for 2025 - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 40

In Vivo Bonsai Announcements/Upcoming Events in Columbus

• 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.
• March 29, 2025 - Intro to Indoor Bonsai Workshop at Dawes Arboretum hosted by yours truly. Sign up here.
• 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

Kevin, Ryan, and Kelly sat down to look forward to another new year of doing bonsai and podcasting. We discussed potential new resolutions and directions for our bonsai lives and the podcast although not our plans all can be made public yet. Kevin also posited some potential trends from other forms of art that he hopes may one day be adopted in bonsai. Enjoy the episode and let us know, what is your bonsai resolution for the year?

The YouTube version of Episode 40 is here!⁠

The podcast version of Episode 40 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.

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.

A Very Bonsai New Year: Goals for 2024 - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 24

 ⁠I. Episode Summary & Links

            In this episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, your hosts Ryan, Kelly, and Kevin continue the New Year episode tradition of reflecting on how we have been doing on the podcast and in our bonsai lives last year and what we resolve to continue or improve for 2024. The future is bright! We hope you will continue enjoying the Bonsai Time ride with us. Have a happy holidays to you and your family!

The video version is available here:

⁠

The podcast version is available here. 

Guest Info:

(no guest today)

Sponsor Info: 

<INSERT YOUR AD HERE>. Email us at bonsaitimepodcast@gmail.com if you would like to discuss sponsoring an episode! Sponsor information will be read on air and be included in the show notes.

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

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:

Tips for Bonsai Show Planning from Jonas Dupuich and the Pacific Bonsai Expo - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 09

        In the ninth episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, Kevin and I were fortunate to be joined by Jonas Dupuich! Aside from being a well-known American bonsai artist, Jonas is also the owner of the Bonsai Tonight Blog, and author of the Little Book of Bonsai. Together with Eric Schrader of Bonsaify, Jonas is now busy creating a new regional bonsai show - the Pacific Bonsai Expo! Jonas shared with us behind-the-scenes details for the show including some unannounced features attendees can look forward to. We also covered advice and unique ideas Jonas had for local and regional bonsai shows to make their events as memorable as possible.

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.

Reflections from April Grigsby, an American Potter's Journey - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 07

            In the seventh episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast, my co-host Kevin drove to meet April Grigsby of April Grigsby Ceramics in NE Ohio. April Grigsby is a relatively new American bonsai potter on the scene; you can arrange to visit her studio in person through the contact info on her website. They discussed April's diverse background in art and bonsai which has today led to the start of her successful bonsai pottery business. She now travels to many local midwestern shows to sell her handmade traditional Japanese-inspired pots and was even invited by Bill Valavanis to sell at the recent 2021 US National Bonsai Exhibit. Hear some of her special tricks and the work that goes into the pots which are so important to showcasing our trees. Enjoy!

    Note: April is one of several prominent bonsai artists who will be in attendance 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.

Everything you need to know for the 50th Annual Columbus Bonsai Society Show! See you September 24th-25th, 2022!

The outline for the weekend is included below. As we get more information, I will continue to update this page. Mark your calendars and see you there! For CBS members, you will get information on how to enter trees and volunteer at the event in your email inbox or you can also sign up at the next CBS meeting on Sunday, August 21st.

Sections:

1. Event Overview
2. Where & When!
3. Vendors in Attendance
4. Demonstration/Workshop Schedule & Details
5. Raffle & Details
6. Bonsai Time Podcast Interviews with CBS Show Guest Artists

Interviewing Jim Doyle - Nursery Man and Renowned Bonsai Teacher - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 06

             Another month, another episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast! This month we have another interview done by my co-host, Kevin Faris, on his recent trip through Pennsylvania. This time he stopped at Nature's Way Nursery in Harrisburg, PA to interview the owner, operator, bonsai grower, collector, and teacher - Jim Doyle! Jim discusses how he got his start as both a bonsai nursery operator and as a traveling bonsai teacher including his extensive time with Walter Pall teaching in the US and throughout Europe. Enjoy his story!

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

The Youtube version is available here (no video of the interview though).

Or for audio-only, find us on your preferred podcast app here.

The Story of Chase Rosade: The Humble American Bonsai Pioneer - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 05

             The Bonsai Time Podcast is back! For our fifth episode, Kevin traveled to Rosade Bonsai Studios to interview a man by the name of Chase Rosade. This interview covers many seasons of Chase's life over his 50 years in the bonsai scene including the 8-month and 10,000 km journey he took to reach Japan; his initial training at a bonsai nursery in Japan; stories from collecting yamadori with John Naka, Ben Oki, Dan Robinson, and Larry Jackal; and Chase also shares details about the contributions of his late wife, Solita Rosade, to the world bonsai scene. Chase and Kevin covered a lot of ground in this interview; we hope it will inform and entertain you and invite you into the world of Chase Rosade!

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

Video interview available here:

Podcast format available here:

Reflections from Working with Dan Robinson - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 03

         Dear readers (and listeners)! Today marks the release of the third episode of the Bonsai Time Podcast hosted by myself and a fellow Columbus-based bonsai friend, Kevin Faris. This episode focuses on reflections Kevin and I had after working with Dan Robinson at his world famous Elandan Gardens. We specifically discussed more detail behind where you can look for inspiration for Dan's naturalistic styling ethos of ancient trees, as well as some technical tips to make gnarly trees in Dan's style.

Find our episodes on YouTube!

Or, find us on your preferred podcast app through the link below.

Introducing Your Hosts! Goals for Bonsai and for the Podcast - Bonsai Time Podcast Ep 02

        Readers, today marks the release of the second episode of the @bonsaitimepodcast hosted by myself and a fellow Columbus-based bonsai friend, Kevin Faris. In this shorter episode, Kevin and I discussed our backgrounds and goals in bonsai as well as our goals for this podcast going forwards. We are only getting started so I hope you enjoy the ride!

Find our episodes on YouTube!

A Conversation with Dan Robinson - Bonsai Time Podcast Episode 01

        Hello readers! Some years ago I started this blog with the intent to share my journey and pass on wisdom from one of the biggest public bonsai gardens in the US. I especially hoped to share more stories from my teacher, Dan Robinson, as I had not heard of him in my online-only experience with the bonsai community. Today, Dan remains focused on his mission of maintaining his garden and his trees without distractions from the online world (he really does still use a flip phone), but luckily Dan now has a multitude of technology-minded volunteers at the garden who are carrying on sharing his bonsai with the online audience such as through the @elandangardensbonsai Instagram page and other upcoming projects. That said, today marks the release of the first episode of the @bonsaitimepodcast hosted by myself and a fellow Columbus-based bonsai friend, Kevin Faris. With time, Kevin and I envision this podcast serving as a source of edutainment to assist bonsai-growers with a variety of topics and tell the stories of more bonsai artists and trees. The focus of the first episode however circles back to the original purpose of this blog. Dan recently hosted Kevin and me at his garden for a few days of work and collaboration styling trees. During that time, Dan was kind enough to sit down with us for a lengthy retrospective interview on his life in the bonsai. If you are familiar with Dan's evocative style and want to know more about the man behind a uniquely ancient & naturalistic style of bonsai, see the links below.

Find our episodes on YouTube!

A Case Study for Applying the Water and Sugar Equations - Repotting the Risky Rose

Source material: 3/19/2021

            Hola bonsai amigos! Today is a great day because not only does your friendly neighborhood microbiologist (me!) receive his second Covid vaccine dose, but my immunized arms also come bearing another present to the bonsai community. As spring continues to march on, so too does the blog's coverage of my giant rosebush bonsai - this time the rose's latest repot reveals two fundamental equations of life to consider when manipulating bonsai or any plant.

            The "Risky Rose" was the second major repot I did this year; returning readers will recall from last week's post that this operation involved another of the largest trees in my collection - a yardadori/landscape origin rosebush turned bonsai. As discussed in the previous post, now that the tree has recovered several years after its initial transplanting endured a cross-country move and survived its first Ohio winter, our rose has definitely earned renewed attention this year. For now, I'm calling it the "Risky Rose" because it needed severe root reduction in order to change its planting angle and lift the upper half of the trunk out of the pot. Read on to understand the motivations behind this bold action, including what steps were taken to ensure this radical root reduction could be done safely.

            As with my last repotting post, "Repotting The Monster Mulberry - Revisiting the Basics", this repot was done with the help of my friend in the Columbus Bonsai Society, Kevin. Thanks, Kevin!

Sections

1. History of the Risky Rose (Last post)
2. Current Repot Operation
   2A. Repotting in Action
   2B. The Water Equation
   2C. The Sugar Equation
   2D. Applying the Water and Sugar Equations
3.  Blog Announcements

Here you can see a teaser of the rose's chunky trunk in its new position after its 2021 repot.

Repotting The Monster Mulberry - Revisiting the Basics

Source material: 3/16/2021

            After a few weeks of being buried in snow, last week my larch seedlings started setting off alarm bells with green needles bursting from their dormant buds. "REPOTTING SEASON IS HERE, GET YOUR A@# INTO HIGH GEAR!" - is probably what they were telling me. I quickly reorganized my work and homework schedule to make the past week as bonsai-focused as possible for this narrow springtime window. While spring is also the perfect time for planting seeds, today we will discuss the first of a handful of major repots I did last week. Today's repotting report focuses on one of the largest trees in my collection at the moment - a yardadori/landscape origin mulberry tree.

            This repot was done with the help of my friend in the Columbus Bonsai Society, Kevin. Kevin grew up around Portland, Oregon and moved to Ohio just a year or two before I moved back. It's been great having another PNW native person to talk bonsai with. Thanks for your help building the grow box, Kevin! Y'all will definitely see more of him in future projects on this blog 😉.

Sections

1. Repotting Basics Recap
2. The Monster Mulberry
3.  Blog Announcements

First up: The Monster Mulberry with a falling apart plastic pot (hence the need for the repot).