Pacific Bonsai Expo Companion Follow along in your 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo book with Peter Tea, Eric Schrader, Cesar Ordonez, and Jeremiah Lee as they recap and revisit the historic event that was the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo. This episode is a deep dive for the hardcore bonsai enthusiasts. Together, we discuss the size categories, the future of the PBE, and how the Expo has influenced and changed the landscape of American bonsai. We also explore the idea of competition in bonsai, and each guest shares their unique perspectives on many of the incredible trees that were on display and a whole lot more. Grab your copy of the PBE book, follow along, and enjoy an in-depth conversation that celebrates the artistry, community, and evolution of bonsai in America. Tree-specific discussion starts at 1:16:00. Guests on Instagram:Peter Tea — @peterteabonsai Eric Schrader — @ericschraderbonsai & @bonsaifyonlineCesar Ordonez — @cencalbonsaiJeremiah Lee — @jlee_bonsai Follow the Black Pondo Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Chapters (00:00:00) - Henka Bonsai(00:01:01) - Henka Bonsai(00:02:19) - An informal chat about politics(00:03:08) - PBE: A Year in the Life(00:05:26) - Meet Eric Schroeder(00:06:28) - Jonah and Cesar(00:07:53) - Intro to Bonsai Pottery(00:08:57) - Adam Levine At The Pot Competition(00:10:23) - Peter Bonsai's New Project Potting(00:12:24) - Eric and Cesar at the Rendezvous(00:14:08) - How was the event overall(00:15:16) - The New Talent Competition(00:18:21) - Back to the Trees(00:20:04) - where can people buy your bonsai trees?(00:24:53) - How To Ship a Giant Bonsai Tree(00:28:51) - PBE vs Bonsai(00:31:39) - PBE Bonsai Show(00:37:09) - Do You Think Competition is Good in Bonsai?(00:40:20) - Does Anyone Really Want to Win the Bonsai Expo(00:47:24) - Pacific Bonsai Book Review(00:52:15) - Favorite Action Shots in The Book(00:55:12) - PBE 2021: Moving the Fall Show to Pleasanton(00:59:48) - Deciduous Trees In Leaf(01:05:14) - PBE: Is It For Hardcore People?(01:10:45) - Bonsai Expo and More Workshops(01:13:25) - Have You Ever Talked About Combining the Expo With the Rend(01:16:29) - Tree Trees of Washington(01:16:48) - The Best Shohin Awards(01:17:26) - Trees in the Collection(01:18:26) - Shohin Display: Five Trees in a Box(01:25:20) - The Shohin Tree Contest(01:26:08) - How To Display Trees in a Traditional Box(01:28:56) - Medium T-Shirt(01:29:16) - Best Medium Bonsai Tree(01:29:47) - This Kishu Juniper Was Originally Classified as a Sh(01:33:44) - Kishu Juniper Wins(01:39:07) - Bonsai Progression(01:43:07) - The Elm and Juniper Bonsai(01:47:18) - Cork Album Display(01:49:16) - Baby Trees in the Garden(01:49:37) - Kishu Juniper(01:54:29) - Tree tips for showing off a California tree(01:57:40) - Bonsai: Full Trees(02:03:44) - Best Large Deciduous Tree(02:04:37) - Have Sizes Become More Important in Bonsai?(02:09:31) - Bonsai Size Categories(02:14:13) - Korean Hornbeam, 22 inches(02:19:56) - A Very Nice Hornbeam Tree(02:26:50) - This hornbeam is just a joke(02:29:53) - David Niddall's Tree(02:34:43) - Best in Show(02:35:58) - This Cryptomeria Is Unrecognizably Beautiful(02:41:37) - The Best in Show Tree(02:45:14) - Bonsai Display: Eric's Tree(02:49:12) - He Made A Bonsai Trident(02:51:54) - Kishu Juniper Grafted From One Graft(02:56:05) - Is Kishu Harder to Grow in San Francisco?(02:58:28) - Black Pines 101(03:02:02) - Jonas's Tree Wins Maple Competition(03:05:57) - 70 on 70... The Stand(03:07:37) - "Three Legged" Oak Stand(03:10:58) - Oak vs. Coast Live Oak(03:14:53) - Unglazed and Glazed Oaks Pot(03:18:34) - Michael Hagedorn's Pine on a Metal Table(03:22:43) - Bonsai 101: Journey of the Artist(03:26:30) - "That's rad!"(03:26:41) - Todd Schlafer's Ponderosa Tree(03:30:19) - Potter Todd Benda's(03:33:34) - Oh, Monkey Dreams(03:33:56) - Tree Displaying A Star Wars Elephant(03:38:50) - A Bonsai Expo 2017(03:40:42) - 24 Expo Books Almost Sold Out(03:41:19) - NFL Players on Sleep
In this episode of The Black Pondo Podcast, I sit down with Austin Heitzman—bonsai table and furniture maker based in Portland, OR. I consider Austin one of the true national treasures of American bonsai, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the world of bonsai display tables. We explore how he got started, how his unique style has evolved over time, and where he sees his work heading in the future. Austin shares his insights on pairing stands with trees, his preferences between total creative freedom and guided commissions, and his thoughtful, innovative approach to wood selection. We also talk about where he finds inspiration, the balance between classic and modern design, and what makes a great patron when commissioning a custom stand. It's a fun and thoughtful conversation for anyone who appreciates the finer details that elevate bonsai display to an art form. Check out Austin’s incredible work at: www.austinheitzmanfurniture.com Instagram: @austinheitzmanfurniture Chapters (00:00:00) - The National Bonsai Show(00:03:32) - How Did You Get To the National(00:04:24) - Bonsai Lessons in the Fossils(00:09:02) - Woodworking and Bonsai: Which Came First?(00:15:36) - Brazilian Rosewood Made a Guitar(00:19:38) - Do You Bonsai With Brazilian Rosewood?(00:23:13) - Walnut, Cherry and More(00:25:31) - Does Figure Matter in Bonsai Tables?(00:31:09) - Portland artist and carpenter ants(00:35:25) - In the Elevator With Woodworkers(00:39:14) - Michael Hagedorn on Bonsai(00:46:02) - Austin's Bonsai(00:50:26) - Bonsai Artist Describes His Style(00:52:29) - What Is Traditional Woodwork?(00:56:47) - Black Pondo Bonsai Podcast(00:59:59) - Would You Make a Traditional Japanese Stand?(01:00:41) - PBE Furniture: The Kokufu Stand(01:05:08) - Bonsai Studio: Being a Patron(01:08:55) - Working With a Single Vision(01:11:09) - What is Manzanita Lumber?(01:15:50) - Manzanita(01:21:33) - Wood Kiln Dry: Manzanita, Red Bud(01:28:48) - The Manita in Person(01:29:10) - How To Match Up A Bonsai Stand(01:34:03) - How To Build a Deciduous Bonsai Stand(01:38:19) - Tree Stand Height in the US vs Japan(01:45:03) - Isaiah's Tree at the National(01:46:59) - Do Darker Tones Work Better For Bonsai Stands(01:52:23) - Walnut, Mahogany(01:59:44) - Darkwoods for Bonsai(02:04:42) - Future of Bonsai(02:09:49) - Austin the Playwright Gets a Speech
In this episode, I hang out with: Julian Tsai – @bontsai Cesar Ordoñez – @cencalbonsai Adam Toth – @adam.jp.bon We catch up on what’s new in their lives and dive into a wide-ranging discussion on bonsai, with a strong focus on aesthetics and appreciation. It’s always a blast connecting with these guys—hope you enjoy the conversation! Chapters (00:00:00) - Adam Koh(00:01:47) - Bonsai Lessons by Julian Covid(00:03:14) - Adam and Julian on Bonsai(00:07:50) - Cesar on His New California Presence(00:09:23) - Bonsai Update!(00:14:39) - Representation of California on the EWTN(00:14:59) - Cesar On His Dad Digging Up Olives For Him(00:16:49) - RO system up and running(00:17:58) - Adam's Bonsai Update(00:20:50) - How to Edit a YouTube Video(00:29:02) - Adam on Bonsai(00:35:03) - Does Becoming a Bonsai Professional Take the Passion Out of(00:44:25) - Bonsai: Client expectations(00:47:50) - Bonsai Aesthetic Issues(00:54:45) - Julian on Jiu Jitsu(00:56:47) - My Three Favorite Species for Bonsai(00:57:25) - What Is The Goal Of Bonsai?(01:02:42) - Does Mochikomi Mean Anything In Bonsai?(01:10:03) - Is the Cultivated Age More Important Than The Real Age in B(01:14:45) - How Old Can You Make a Bonsai Tree?(01:18:32) - My 3 Favorite Species For Bonsai(01:24:21) - A tree with a single branch(01:24:58) - What Makes A Good Chinese Quince?(01:33:00) - Chinese Quinces(01:38:23) - Tree in Your Palm(01:38:57) - 5 Tips For Better Bonsai Skills(01:44:48) - on Peter's Bonsai(01:47:58) - How to Get Better at Bonsai (Julian)(01:52:48) - PODCAST: Naka Memorial Episode 3(01:54:04) - TALKING TO MY FANS
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Bob Ricker and Julian Tsai at the John Naka Memorial Exhibit in Southern California—a truly inspiring gathering for bonsai enthusiasts. Bob Ricker is a dedicated student of Peter Tea and currently serves as Vice President of the American Bonsai Association in Sacramento. His passion and craftsmanship are evident in every tree he touches. You can follow his journey on Instagram: @bonsai_bob_ Julian Tsai is a Los Angeles-based bonsai professional whose vision and leadership brought the Naka Memorial Exhibit to life. His work continues to elevate the art form and build community around it. Find him on Instagram: @bontsai_ Episode Picture-Hinoki on display at the Naka Memorial Exhibit, from the Jeff Stern collection, brought by Peter Tea. Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo Podcast: Baby Trees(00:00:29) - Bonsai Exhibition & Feast in Little Tokyo LA(00:05:41) - Interviewing Bob Ricker and Julian Tsai(00:08:51) - White Mountains Tree Collecting(00:12:29) - Bonsai Club Member tips for collecting trees(00:15:41) - Bonsai Club members collect Suiseki and other rocks(00:17:13) - Working under Peter's Tree Garden(00:19:14) - Working With Peter Clinch(00:22:27) - "It's fun to play hockey(00:22:38) - How To Build Trees(00:26:27) - Bob Bonsai on the Future(00:31:01) - How to Build a Bonsai Tree(00:35:09) - How many trees would you say you have or projects you have?(00:36:13) - Bonsai Collection Final Goal(00:39:25) - Do You Graft Your Trees?(00:43:09) - Bob Chaiman On Daydreaming About Collecting Redwoods(00:45:35) - A bonsai with a tree trunk(00:48:17) - How to grow a dwarf oak tree(00:53:23) - Ripping a Bonsai Tree Out of the Ground(00:54:34) - Jeff Lowe on the John Naka Memorial Show(00:56:26) - Bob Bonsai on Working Full Time(00:58:37) - The Bonsai Collection at the Huntington(01:03:45) - Questions about the Brooklyn Museum(01:03:57) - "We Talked..."(01:04:08) - The Nan Fukai Memorial Exhibition(01:06:50) - The John Naka Bonsai Exhibit(01:10:12) - John Noka's Legacy(01:11:12) - Trees for the Exhibition(01:13:02) - Volunteers are needed for the exhibition(01:15:03) - The Descent Tour(01:15:49) - How to maintain your health in bonsai
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Pistello of MVP Bonsai-a longtime practioner, Joshua Roth talent contest winner and PBE award recipient. We cover a wide array of bonsai topics, from technique and design philosophy to the state of the art today. You can see Mike's work on his Instagram at mvpbonsai Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo Podcast(00:01:15) - Bob Boone on Bonsai and His Training(00:03:36) - Joshua Roth Bonsai Contest(00:07:31) - Tutorials on Juniper Bonsai(00:10:13) - Bob Bonsai's(00:17:09) - What Are Your Long Term Goals With Bonsai?(00:21:16) - What Is It With Bonsai and Its Old People?(00:29:41) - RIP Johnny Boone's Bonsai Nursery(00:36:04) - Grafting a Sierra Juniper Tree(00:42:03) - Yamadori root graft(00:47:07) - Grafting Black Pine onto Ponderosa(00:52:33) - How to Keep Your Bonsai Trees Healthy(00:58:18) - Bob's Bonsai Collection(01:02:53) - Peter T. Jones on Building a Good Bonsai Collection(01:08:49) - How to Get a Good Deal on Bonsai(01:14:30) - Who To Buy Bonsai From?(01:19:34) - In the Elevator With Steven Spielberg(01:20:05) - You Sold Your Big Oak Tree(01:26:00) - This 100-Year-Old Oak Bonsai(01:30:50) - Valley Oak collectible(01:33:31) - How to Care for Your Oak Trees(01:36:58) - Bonsai 101: Partial bare root(01:43:17) - This Oak Is A Hybrid Oak(01:45:18) - What Would You Like To Have As a Bonsai Tool?(01:50:20) - Carving With Natural Deadwood
In late May of this year I spent three days working on trees at Peter Tea's studio and workshop. On one of those days, I got to sit down and chat with Peter's full time apprentice Travis Hendrix. We covered a wide range of topics including what his apprenticship has been like so far, why Travis picked Peter Tea, his future goals, CA natives, Japanese gardening, collecting, growing trunks and a lot more. I always enjoy getting to hang out with Travis and am excited to see big things from him in the future. You can follow along with Travis's Bonsai Journey here- Instagram: californiabonsaiapprentice Chapters (00:00:00) - Nakamalex Exhibit(00:01:07) - What was your first bonsai book?(00:02:30) - How did you get into bonsai?(00:05:01) - Apprentices Become Bonsai Pros(00:06:10) - What are your future goals in bonsai?(00:07:42) - Peter T and Jeff Stern(00:10:06) - What's a day to day look like as an apprentice under Peter(00:12:07) - Bonsai and Gardening: California natives(00:14:00) - California Native Gardening(00:18:25) - Bill Castellan's Japanese Garden(00:19:23) - Boulders placed in odd numbers(00:19:55) - How to Build a Bonsai Japanese Garden(00:23:56) - What Tools Do You Use To Move Big Stones?(00:27:20) - Repotting a Giant Juniper Tree(00:30:28) - Coming Along and Pedal: Trees and shrubs(00:31:32) - Oak and Valley Oaks(00:32:06) - Oak Collecting(00:32:44) - How to dig a live oak(00:35:41) - Bonsai in the Garden: An Oak Tree(00:37:47) - Bonsai 101: Water Your Oaks(00:40:27) - Peter's Bonsai Teacher Interview(00:42:03) - Bonsai Artist Peter Smith on Training in the US(00:44:34) - Peter Yamadori's technique(00:48:01) - Do you like grafting native junipers?(00:49:07) - What types of trees would you grow?(00:52:36) - What do you think of oak bark?(00:54:42) - Air Layering Oaks(00:56:47) - Building Your Own Bonsai Garden(00:58:42) - Bonsley on Talking About Oaks(00:59:14) - Bonsai Apprentice: Goals
In this episode I got to sit down and chat with my teacher, friend and mentor Peter Tea after a long but very fun day of working on trees. Peter is currently a top tier Bonsai professional based in Auburn California who previously apprenticed at Aichi-En Bonsai nursery in Nagoya Japan. Our conversation was primarily on the subject of Juniper Bonsai, but we explored a few other interesting rabit holes as well. Peter's knowlege and insight regarding Juniper Bonsai is truly exceptional and he drops some absolute gems during this chat. This is one of my personal favorite episodes and I really hope you enjoy hearing from Peter as much as I did. Thanks for listening! More from Peter Tea Bonsai: www.ptbonsai.com Instagram: peterteabonsai Chapters (00:00:00) - Drinking Scotch and Whiskey cold or room temp(00:03:03) - Living With My Parents(00:05:18) - How often do you work in the year?(00:07:01) - Fun Days in the Bonsai World(00:09:37) - There is a Bonsai Professional Shortage(00:14:18) - A Taste of Bonsai(00:15:56) - Bonsai Pro-Judges(00:21:34) - What kind of judges should the PBE have?(00:24:59) - Grafting a California Juniper Tree(00:29:43) - What Makes a Good J&P?(00:36:11) - How to Build a 100 Year Old Bonsai(00:40:01) - What is a really old bonsai?(00:44:27) - How Long Does a Juniper Need to Be Wire?(00:50:01) - Grafting junipers(00:52:40) - Can you get a better Bonsai tree in the US?(00:56:18) - Can a Field-Grown Juniper Compare to a Yamador(01:01:11) - Japan's rare junipers(01:04:10) - Yamadori Deadwood Texture(01:09:14) - PBE tree root grafts(01:10:13) - Grafting Yamadori Bonsai(01:16:47) - Do coarse foliage make a juniper tree leggy?(01:22:32) - Don't Let Your Bonsai Look Older Than It Is(01:28:17) - Kishu vs. California Juniper: Which One Is Better(01:33:17) - Kishi trees(01:39:50) - Bonsai: Is my tree finished?(01:45:08) - Kishuu vs Itoigawa in Juniper Trees(01:48:22) - Is Itoigawa Better Than Kishu?(01:52:52) - How to grow a dense Rocky Mountain Juniper(01:56:16) - Rocky Mountain Juniper(02:01:07) - Do Californians or Rocky Mountains Junipers Need Graft?(02:04:04) - Bonsai 101: Sierra Juniper(02:06:00) - The Art of Grafting Junipers
On the last day of 2024, I got to chat with Jacob Michaels, an East Coast Bonsai and Ju Jitsu practioner. While we've messaged back and forth a few times, it was my first time actually talking to him. I really enjoyed getting to know Jacob and hear about his Bonsai journey which most recently led him to becoming a full time Bonsai apprentice under NC based Bonsai Professional Tyler Sherrod of Dogwood Studios. In addition to studying with Tyler, I also got to hear about Jacobs previous stay in Japan learning under Koji Hiramatsu and many of his thoughts on a myriad of Bonsai topics. I really loved chatting with Jacob and hope you will enjoy it too. Instagram: dogwoodapprentice Bonsai of Jacob Michaels
In this episode I got the chance to chat it up with the talented Sam Tan. Sam is a Bonsai practioner based in the Bay area of CA who developed a high level of technical Bonsai skill relatively quickly. We talked about his love for CA natives, designing his newer Bonsai garden, displaying natives, his trip to Bob Shimon's and a whole lot more. I really enjoyed sitting down w/ Sam and thank you for listening! Sam Tan Bonsai: Instagram: samtanbonsai
In this episode I caught up with Nao Tokutake, a Bonsai practitioner and container maker based in Portland, OR. Nao has been one of my favorite Bonsai pot makers in the US for a while now. However, after getting the opportunity to pick his brain about his Bonsai pot making process and philosophy I'm even more of a fan of his work! His dedication and passion to improve his craft seem second to none. I really enjoyed hearing how he is studying the classic Chinese and Japanese potters while adapting and innovating in his own studio here in the States. Instagram: Tokutakebonsai ebsite: www.tokutakebonsai.com
In this episode, I caught up with the one and only Andrew Robson, a Bonsai pro and organizer of the Pacific Bonsai Expo based in the Portland Oregon area who specializes in Deciduous Bonsai. We dive into topics, like when deadwood is appropriate, container colors, and the magic of native deciduous species. We talk about collecting versus container growing trunks and Andrew shares some expert tips on and his love for Beeches. I ask Andrew who he thinks is the Deciduous GOAT, what’s on the horizon for his Bonsai plans in 2025 and a whole lot more. Instagram: @rakuyo_bonsai Website: rakuyobonsai.com Youtube: www.youtube.com/rakuyobonsai
In this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast, we’re taking you on a journey to the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, Washington! I had the amazing opportunity to tour this gem with the one and only Aarin Packard, the museum’s powerhouse curator. From the breathtaking bonsai trees to the rich history that surrounds them, the museum completely blew me away. Aarin shared incredible insights about his life as a curator, what fuels his passion for bonsai, and the kind of things he daydreams about while surrounded by centuries-old trees. After soaking in all the bonsai wisdom, we capped off the day by absolutely demolishing sushi at a local all-you-can-eat spot. It was a sushi feast for the ages. Tune in to hear all about this unforgettable experience on this episode of the Black Pondo Podcast! Aarin Packard's Instagram: pacificbonsai
Interviews from the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo Part 2 Adam Toth Timestamp: 0:30 sec Instagram: adam.jp.bon Adam Toth is a Bonsai professional located in the Bay Area of CA. He was an apprentice under Taiga Urushibata at Taisho-En where he obtained his professional certificate in Shohin Bonsai. Adam worked on several of the Bonsai in the PBE this year. Richard Kearney Timestamp: 10:15 Instagram: richardkearney.nz Richard Kearney is a Bonsai pot maker based in New Zealand with a unique 3D printing inspired approach. His design strategy and mold making techniques are fascinating, creating some absolutely stunning results. Robert Pressler Timestamp: 32:10 Instagram: Kimurabonsai Website: www.kimurabonsai.com Robert Pressler is the owner of Kimura Bonsai nursery a staple Bonsai nursery in Southern California. He has showed trees at both of the Pacific Bonsai Expo events and is also the president of California Bonsai Society. Matthew Walker Timestamp: 55:18 Instagram: bonchibonsai Website: www.bonchibonsai.com Matthew is a long time student of Boon and the owner of Bonchi Bonsai located in Northern CA. He is a Bonsai artist, collector and grower. He has vended and shown at the PBE, known for his impressive Sierra Junipers and ultra soft annealed copper wire. Also, a long time personal friend and collecting buddy. Will Kerns Timestamp: 1:17:00 Instagram: willkernsbonsai Will Kerns displayed an epic XL Rocky Mountain Juniper at this year's PBE which he drove out from Colorado with Todd Schlafer. Previously he has studied with Harold Sasaki, Jerry Morris, Todd Schlafer and Ryan Neil. Jose Gonzalez Timestamp: 1:32:06 Instagram: jmgarcia451b Jose currently lives in Chicago and studies under Boon. He is a long time friend of Matthew Walker and displayed a powerful XL pomegranate at this year's PBE.
Jeff Stern Time Stamp, interview starts at: 0:40 secs Find out more about Jeff at Star Bonsai on Facebook Winner of 3 awards at the 2024 Pacific Bonsai Expo and 3 awards at the 2022 Pacific Bonsai expo. In this episode I catch up with Jeff about his history in Bonsai, thoughts on his trees, his recent move from California to Utah, the history of his collection, working with Peter Tea and more. Sam Tan Time Stamp: 42:20 minutes Instagram: Samtanbonsai Sam Tan is a California Bay Area Bonsai Enthusiast who was a presenter and exhibitor at this year's Pacific Bonsai Expo. In this episode Sam and I chatted about his Sierra Juniper entry in this year's show. Sam gave me his background in Bonsai, we chat about what classifies something as the Bunjin style and he filled me in on his new Bonsai garden. Mike-o Siquig Macasio Time Stamp: 52:57 minutes Instagram: alohabonsai Mike is the president of the Utah Bonsai club. I caught up with Mike to get his thoughts on this year's Expo, spoke about the Utah club, some concepts he's learned from Peter Tea and more. John Kim owner of Joshua Roth Bonsai Tools Time Stamp: 1:04:55 Website: Joshuaroth.com John is the owner of Joshua Roth Tools and one of the awards sponsors for this years PBE. I got to dig in about Joshua Roth tools and get John's opinions on the Expo
Last Wednesday I went into the forest to a secret location to meet a wise Monk and check out his Yamadori collection. He taught me about finding happiness and filfilment, we ate pizza and recorded a podcast. It was a great day! Episode #19 Vince Lee - Satoyama Bonsai Instagram: Satoyama81
In this episode I got to catch up with Jonas Dupuich, a friend I originally met through the Bay Island Bonsai club around 2010. Jonas is a Bonsai teacher, author, blogger, professional and organizer of the Pacific Bonsai Expo. The majority of the episode I was able to pick his brain about the upcoming Pacific Bonsai Expo Oct. 26-27, 2024. https://pacificbonsaiexpo.org The PBE is the one Bonsai thing I look forward to most and occurs only every other year. It's easily the best Bonsai show on the West Coast and this year's event will be something truly special. You don't want to miss it! Other topics discussed include the band weezer, shade cloth, native oaks for bonsai, redwoods, Bonsai appreciation over assasination, judging, 3d printing ceramic molds, auctions, watering, grafting, airlayering with cement and a whole lot more. Hope you enjoy, thanks for listening! You can find out more about Jonas on his website at www.bonsaitonight.com
Journal session on Sierra Juniper- Juniperus Grandis
In this episode, it's just me-Jeremiah Lee. I thought i'd take a stab at something a bit differnt and experiment with recording a couple Bonsai journal entries. I picked a few topics and talked about my thoughts and opinions. Would love to hear your feedback, please let me know what you think? The episode picture was one I took in 2009 with an poor quality camera in the Valley of the Elders. Topics Include Larry White and the Valley of the Elders Why I named this podcast The Black Pondo Podcast and a whole lot more.
In this episode, I spoke with Isaiah Gray of Akagitsune Bonsai who has quickly put together a truly phenomenal collection of North American Native Conifers. We chatted about the path he's taken up to this point and how he came to put together such an inspiring collection. We talk about a wide range of topics including the Bonsai Pro's he works with, aesthetic and artistic preferences, garden construction, grafting US Natives, the Bonsai shuffle, Bonsai nutritient, Sap analysis and many more fun topics. You can find Isaiah on Instagram @AkagitsuneBonsai The hydraulic table cart discussed actually goes up to 1,500 pounds and is called the Vestil PN-1500. The company referenced for Sap Analysis and testing is Apical Crop Science which can be found at https://apical-ag-home.com Episode picture is Isaiah Gray next to a Sierra Juniper Bonsai.
In this episode I got to sit down with and Interview my Bonsai teacher Peter Tea. Peter studied with Boon Manakativipart, before leaving for a full time apprenticship at Aichi-En Bonsai Nursery in Nagoya Prefecture Japan. Peter returned to the States after completing his apprentiship in 2013 and is now a full time Bonsai Professional operating his buisness in Northern Calfornia. Peter is an extremely high-level Bonsai professional and his time is highly sought after by many American bonsai enthusiasts. It was an honor to have him on the podcast, to hear his thoughts and learn more about his work. You can learn more about Peter Tea at www.PTbonsai.com or on Instagram at PeterTeaBonsai.