Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, and potentially even earlier, a solitary seed from a yew berry took root in what would eventually evolve into the village of Fortingall in Perthshire. This remarkable tree, contorted into enchanting shapes, still stands today, likely ranking as the oldest living entity in Britain, I have visited this amazing tree many times in the grounds of the Kirk (Church) in Glen Lyon Scotland. Local archaeological sites suggest that this ancient yew might have been the focal point of an Iron Age cult. According to local lore, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor over ..read more

In the world of bonsai, the pursuit of perfection is an unending journey. With over 40 years of experience under my belt, I thought I had seen it all. However, an invitation to explore the latest online lecture series from Bonsai Empire, titled “Developing Bonsai from Seed,” has opened my eyes to techniques that really help you develop bonsai from the ground up. At first glance, the course promises to guide enthusiasts in the art of developing bonsai from seed. But let me assure you, it’s much more than that. In fact, this comprehensive course includes invaluable lessons on air layering and de ..read more

Bonsai Intermediate Course 2 From Bonsai Empire With Bjorn Bjorholm and Michael Hagedorn In the course Bjorn Bjorholm and Michael Hagedorn cover extensively the topic of Pruning – breaking it down by tree species as well as by the developmental stages of the tree. They also show how to create a root over rock Bonsai, and investigate various Fruiting and flowering tree species. I particularly liked the pruning and growth of deciduous trees, Bjorn explains in detail how to development young material from the early stages all the way to refining your tree. Bjorn prunes a Maple bonsai and explain ..read more

Here is Part One Here is Part Two ..read more

Last weekend I visited The Japanese Garden at Cowden in Scotland it was created in 1908 and closed to the public in 1955. Aside from being beautiful and peaceful, the garden is the only one of its type in the world to have been designed by a Japanese woman, Taki Handa. Sadly vandalised in the 1960’s, the garden is being brought back to life by a team of experts including the renowned Japanese architect and garden designer Professor Masao Fukuhara.  The Professor is best known for winning the Gold Medal at Chelsea Flower Show as well as the restoration of The Japanese Gardens at Kew, Londo ..read more

There are too many fancy over elaborate Jins and stumps being ‘carved’ in bonsai, the best way to create natural looking deadwood is to hand strip and hand carve, ONLY use power tools to remove bulk ..read more

I created this temporary garden just for fun after seeing some cactus planted in a car ..read more

Now that the UK is no longer in the European Union, this is what you need to do if you are invited to exhibit your Bonsai at a European show. There is a cost to do this and it varies depending on your location in the UK. (how close you are to an agency that can issue the phytosanitary certificate as they have to come to you) Below is a copy of the information I have received from Federaal Agentschap voor de Veiligheid van de Voedselketen (F.A.V.V.) today 8th February 2021. This is only to get your trees INTO the EU and into a single country, in this instance I enquired about Belgium. Returning ..read more

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Just planted this Taxus in the stone, make no mistake this is REAL STONE, made by nature NOT by man, the base will be planted and moss covered. The whole story of this composition will be published when the planting of the base is done later in spring ..read more