Bonsai Stuff
A bonsai based podcast from Melbourne, Australia by Scott Martin from Bonsai Matsu. A diverse, informative and thorough podcast for everyone that loves bonsai! If you enjoy the podcast then become a podcast supporter, it's greatly appreciated. https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support
Episodes
226 episodes
Season 8 Episode 35 - Spring Pinching
Spring is upon us and one of the techniques we can use to build the ramification on our deciduous bonsai is pinching. It is a really simply and efficient technique and to understand what the process achieves and how will better equip you to mak...
Season 8 Episode 34 - The Bonsai Long Game
Spring fills me with excitement about the development opportunities for my bonsai and it is so important at this time of year as the work starts to increase that you focus on the 'long game'. Actions you take now have a ripple effect for many y...
Season 8 Episode 33 - Spring is Almost Upon us!
Well Spring is almost here again and it's time to get prepared. Knowing what and how you are going to manage the Spring growth will go a long way to achieving your development objectives. Plan review, fertilising, watering, pinching, candle bre...
Season 8 Episode 32 - The Theory Behind Repotting Timing
What is the most appropriate time for repotting your bonsai and why? I was always told when to repot but never why that was the right time. And honestly I think it was something that was just passed down the line without many understanding why....
Season 8 Episode 31 - Not Going to Repot? You Sure?
Going to miss repotting that bonsai this year? You sure?? There is going to be an impact on your bonsai if it is overdue for a repot and you decide not to. Now I of all people can understand why you would like to leave it for just one more year...
Season 8 Episode 30 - The Story of my Quince
I had a brave moment, finally. Only took approximately 10 years but I finally got there. Here's the story of a Chinese Quince that has been on quite the journey with me and recently it was given the full once over. Repot, angle change, rotation...
Season 8 Episode 29 - Why Securing your Bonsai is so Important
It is such a small task in the overall scheme of bonsai management and care but it is so important. We repot every few years or maybe longer and the simple job of securing your bonsai at the time of repotting can make a massive difference to th...
Season 8 Episode 28 - Let's Talk Root Rot
It's certainly not sexy but it's very important. What is root rot? How do you identify it and what are the common causes? And most significantly, how do we prevent it?? All such good questions when it comes to the health and wellbeing of your b...
Season 8 Episode 27 - Scared to Change Soil, Being Brave
Changing your soil mix can be terrifying! But it's something we all must go through at one point or another in our bonsai lifetime. There seems to be two steps in the process, a mid way change and then a complete change. I'll tell you my story ...
Season 8 Episode 26 - Before Repotting Planning, Post Repotting Scenario
Repotting is one of the most important tasks that we will ever do with our bonsai and planning (of course) is key to being successful. Before removing the tree and working the root system you need to know what you are going to do and why. Worki...
Season 8 Episode 25 - Good Housekeeping, Bonsai Balancing even for the Weak
We are meticulous with our bonsai and their design, we spend so long getting even the smallest detail perfect and we should also do this with everything associated with good bonsai. As we commence the repotting season, well I do, it's time to b...
Season 8 Episode 24 - Don't like it..Chop it, Pine Wrap up and Learnings
We have all had the experience of looking at a particular branch or section of a bonsai and thought, I don't like that and I should cut it off but you hesitate or just slide the bonsai back on the bench thinking 'I'll do it next time'. Me inclu...
Season 8 Episode 23 - Must Love Maintenance, Direction of your Work
You might start your bonsai journey loving the artistic side of the hobby but you must grow to love the maintenance side. This is where you will end up spending nearly 99% of your bonsai time. I also have a little tip for you too regarding the ...
Season 8 Episode 22 - Macro and Micro, Confidence versus Overconfidence
In order to make or develop beautiful bonsai, you must be able to work at both a macro or big picture level as well as at the micro level which deals with the branch that you're looking at right now. It is easy to become distracted by the futur...
Eason 8 Episode 21 - The Concept of One of Everything
The concept (or mistake) of one of all species of bonsai in your collection can really make life difficult for you. Sometimes we need to curb our enthusiasm and make sound decisions. Easier said than done right?? I know it's a very difficult th...
Season 8 Episode 20 - How to Handle Structural Issues, Setting a 'Mode' when working
Winter is a great time to see your deciduous bonsai in their naked glory. It is also a time where their structural issues are more apparent than ever. So what should you do? Remove it? Hide it? Live with it? Yes, yes and yes. I will talk throug...
Season 8 Episode 19 - Why we have time for our Pines, Late Autumn Alarms
Late Autumn around your bonsai collection will show you signs of potential issues that may be significant in Winter. So if you know what to look for you can make changes or take appropriate action to avoid these issue. This time of the year is ...
Season 8 Episode 18 - Considerations When Wiring and Styling your Bonsai
When I am working on any of my bonsai but especially my pines at this time of the year I ask myself a few simple questions for every branch that I work on. The integrity of the design I either have built or the design I am working towards rely ...
Season 8 Episode 17 - Practical Advice for Styling your Pines
Styling your pines (or any of your bonsai) requires a dedicated focus. So before working through your bonsai and wondering where it's going to end up I have a few areas for you to focus on. Building pad height and volume, avoiding flattened str...
Season 8 Episode 16 - What to Do wth Your Bonsa Now, Don't Over Complicate Issues
We are rounding the corner toward Winter and the last stretch of Autumn is a really important time. Understanding your bonsai and their needs right now will have a massive impact on their future development. There are jobs to be done around the...
Season 8 Episode 15 - The Idea of Perfection, Technique Improvement
The idea of the perfect bonsai for each of us is a target we set for our trees, but is perfection the ideal target? Will it just lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction with our bonsai? No. Not if we breakdown the path to perfection into bit...
Season 8 Episode 14 - Deciduous Autumn Maintenance
Autumn is a very important time for deciduous bonsai and our maintenance program will set them up for a successful Spring and beyond. Tasks like leaf removal, light pruning, gentle wiring and wound management are all on the menu. Positioning ta...
Season 8 Episode 13 - Mid Autumn and Your Bonsai, Bonsai Events
Well we're mid way through the Autumn period and you need to be very careful with watering at this time. Different trees in your collection will be at different stages as we head towards a dormancy period so their water usage will start to vary...
Season 8 Episode 12 - Good Structure is Good Bonsai Part 3 The Wrap Up
The approach of Good Structure is Good Bonsai is a great fall back position when you ever get doubt about the next step to take. When you sit there scratching your head and are ready to just leave it until next time, don't leave the issue, don'...
Season 8 Episode 11 - Good Structure is Good Bonsai Part 2
Good structure does not mean rigidity in design. Breaking or bending the rules can be one of the most enjoyable components when designing your bonsai. In this episode I want to offer some good structural advice or guidelines (not rules!). Thing...