Here is a post from 4 years ago when the tree looked good. https://nebaribonsai.wordpress.com/2019/09/21/fall-cleanup-on-a-kyoto-yatsabusa-corkbark-jbp/ The tree has a weak root system, and I ended up planting it in the ground to strengthen it for a few years. When we moved in December, I stuck it in a pot. It wasn’t much healthier, and the lack ..read more

After showing this one at Nationals in 2016, I kept in pretty good condition for the next few years to show it in several shows. When I repotted it in 2022, I used some soil that apparently had some bike chain cleaner spilled onto it. I noticed it appeared a little wet, but when I ..read more

Here is another corker that I’ve neglected, though it’s been in a pot and managed to stay healthier than the Kyokko Yatsabusa. It was last repotted in 2019, and this spring’s work was pretty straight forward. Starting point, notice how full it is, and some shoots are very strong. The soil is covered with moss ..read more

In case you don’t know, this tree is the object of the book I wrote on developing JBP bonsai, curiously titled “Developing Japanese Black Pine Bonsai”…I think. It’s been a few years, and one day I may do a second edition. It’s here if you’re interested: https://www.blurb.com/b/5043580-developing-japanese-black-pine-bonsai?ebook=459886 https://books.apple.com/us/book/developing-japanese-black-pine-bonsai/id807254925 Anyway, it went to the 7th US ..read more

Last weekend I went up to Bjorn’s for one last weekend of trees and tunes. I met Bjorn in March 2013, when I booked him for workshops in Birmingham. We worked on a few trees that I still have. Looking back at old photos, it was pretty cool to see the evolution over time. Here ..read more

Bonsai Empire has just launched its new Intermediate Course, #3, featuring Bjorn and Michael Hagedorn, with an emphasis on repotting, display, and accent composition. It is available here: www.bonsaiempire.com/courses/intermediate-course-3 Here is the description: Bonsai Intermediate Course 3   In this course we explore the essential Repotting techniques, broken down by tree species. We also cover ..read more

I’ve been working on this Chinese Quince, Pseudocydonia chinensis for 18 years now, in and out of the ground. Here is a shot of the tree in 2006, before it went in the ground. I haven’t really tried to determine what orientation the tree has now relative to the photo below, likely the roots would ..read more

Here is a quick flashback on the last year. So now we’re current. The tree bloomed last year, which was cool. The density is increasing nicely for 5 years in, and over time, I’ll continue to replace thick branches with thinner ones. First, clean up the bark with a dry soft toothbrush. I like the ..read more

A bit late, but we have had quite a 2023 at the Van Fleet’s; almost none of it bonsai-related, as evidenced by a lack of content here. Instead, a college graduation, a wedding, a growing business, a tennis champ, and all capped off with a move across town on December 5. Good timing for the ..read more

Here are a few shots as the weather begins to cool off. Hope everyone has a happy holiday season ..read more