While most people know that their state has an “official” bird, this wasn’t implemented until the late 1920s. Since then, each state has selected a particular bird to represent the state. However, seven states selected the exact same bird, a Northern Cardinal. It’s a popular and attractive bird, so it’s no wonder people like it.…
If you haven’t finished your fall pine work, there’s still time! Fall and winter, right up until buds start elongating in spring, is a good time to prune and wire dormant conifers including Japanese black and red pines. The first step is to prune branches in crowded areas, the second step is to remove extra…
A couple of years ago, I came across a great batch of cork bark elms at Lone Pine Gardens. It had been a while since I’d owned one, so I picked out my favorite and brought it home. Field-grown cork bark elm – December, 2022 I don’t typically do much work on trees until I…
I’ve had a lot of fun working with red maples, also known as swamp maples, over the past few years. The basic training routine is the same as it is for other deciduous species – prune and reduce foliage in the middle of the growing season and then prune again fall. Depending on how vigorously…
The process of looking for pre-bonsai can differ from person to person depending on one’s interest in growing bonsai. You can select trees that give you an opportunity to work on skills you want to improve, or buy a tree with great potential that requires a significant amount time to develop. In either case, the…
One of the benefits of viewing bonsai in natural light is that the light changes throughout the day. When the light is direct, you might catch dramatic shadows that highlight select details. When the light is filtered or indirect, trees can take on a glow that can bring out the color of the foliage or…
The Nanouk plant, known scientifically as Tradescantia Nanouk, is a captivating houseplant with strikingly vibrant foliage that adds a touch of whimsy and fantasy to any indoor setting. This plant’s colorful palette, coupled with its easy-going nature, makes it a highly sought-after addition to any indoor plant collection. In this in-depth guide, we’ll delve into…
Three years ago I started working on a small coast redwood (see “Creating redwood bonsai: step 1” for details). Since then I’ve grown out some sacrifice branches and removed them when they reached the desired thickness. From here on out the goal is to create a silhouette that complements the trunk. The main way to…
In the world of houseplants, few species captivate quite like the Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight. This mesmerizing plant, with its silver-hued foliage that appears to shimmer in the light, is an exceptional addition to any indoor garden. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of the Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight, providing you with the knowledge to…
I’ve been working on the cork bark black pine below for about twenty years. It’s had it’s ups and downs but had filled in enough in recent years that it felt like a good time to thin the tree. The idea is that by reducing the needles on the upper branches I can help the…
