by Brenda | Oct 1, 2022 | Beginners, Care, General, Plants
Maples, particularly Japanese maples, figure among the most iconic bonsai subjects. This article explores why maples are so popular in the hobby, compares the suitability for bonsai of common maple species and varieties, and provides an overview of maple bonsai...
by Brenda | Aug 11, 2022 | Beginners, General, Plants, Styling
A traditional bonsai practice is to use smaller accent plants to complement a tree on display. Let’s explore the characteristics of good bonsai accent plants, along with how to use and care for them. If you’ve ever attended a bonsai exhibition, you probably noticed...
by Brenda | Apr 7, 2022 | General, Plants, Styling
Boxwoods, with their small, evergreen leaves, make very nice bonsai subjects. They are also readily available from nurseries and garden centers in a variety of sizes. This article walks through the initial pruning and potting of an inexpensive boxwood to begin its...
by Brenda | Mar 10, 2022 | Beginners, Plants, Styling
Evergreen and berry-producing, hollies make interesting bonsai subjects. This article walks through the initial pruning and potting of a small, nursery-bought Japanese holly. It details the styling decisions made in the process of transforming the holly into a bonsai...
by Brenda | Feb 10, 2022 | Beginners, General, Plants
Junipers have gained a reputation as some of the most common – and most iconic – species used for bonsai. This article focuses on the characteristics that have earned juniper bonsai their well-deserved popularity. Most bonsai practitioners, if asked about their...
by Brenda | Dec 30, 2021 | General, Plants
Mass market retailers commonly stock small plants labeled as “bonsai” and intended primarily for gift giving. Let’s take a look at how well plants like these stack up to accepted standards for bonsai. While browsing at my grocery retailer recently, I came across a...
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