Bonsai Stuff

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

Welcome to 2021 and welcome back to the third season of the Bonsai Stuff Podcast. In this podcast I discuss my processes and thoughts while performing the yearly maintenance on a Shimpaku Juniper. This is a very common species for bonsai and I break down exactly what I do and why.  

This is like a 'Show and Tell' podcast and you can see the Shimpaku here -
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLC39Yzjrf2/?igshid=1hlhrmfmca037
https://www.facebook.com/bonsaimatsu/videos/823975471514459

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

So 2020, what more do we say? It's been a year of learning for me and I break it down for you. I also discuss the issue we all come across eventually, the 1 to 2 Conundrum. Every year the basic guide is 1 branch turns into 2 branches. So the amount of work effectively doubles year on year on year...and do you have the time needed to maintain that many branches? I've got 6 options for you to work through.

Record taking for your collection made easy too. What I do and why it works and how it helps with my styling choices. And I work through my plans right now and where my focus is.

Finally, my New Year's resolution! Bring on 2021.

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

This episode is raw and exposing. Sometimes the best lessons in life are the ones that are learnt the hardest. So as a snapshot for this podcast, I'd been to Japan in 2012 and returned home to practice the skills I'd been taught. Racing in head strong and focusing on the process and not the impact, I paid the price, well the Japanese Black Pine did unfortunately. I don't think there has been another tree that has been more beneficial to my development than this bonsai. Taking it to the brink and bringing it back over and over and over has reinforced the need for determined patience and perfect application of good techniques. Any way, this is me, exposed and vulnerable and just like everyone else that love bonsai. Enjoy!

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

What's on the bench this episode is the Scots Pine and how brilliant they are as bonsai. I also chat about the turbulent times in bonsai, jumping from one season to the next and the commitment and maintenance needed. As repotting comes to an end, I always like to reflect on the season that was and look at what was done right and what needs improvement. Bonsai has come a very long way in the last 20 years but is all progress necessary? When should we stop the search? Can we be better? The thought of 'Is Progress Negative?' is discussed too. Enjoy the podcast and thanks again!

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

When the fundamentals are incorrect, you're not giving yourself a chance. In this podcast I run through the fundamentals of repotting, resource allocation, watering, feeding, positioning which comes well before styling and design. I walk you through Repotting Aftercare to ensure you maximise your bonsai's strength and there is also some chat that not all bonsai stocks are created equal and what to look out for. The On the Bench species for this podcast is the humble Hawthorn and how they offer perfection in imperfection to bonsai enthusiasts. Enjoy as always and check out my YouTube channel too!

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

I walk you through the repotting of a Trident Maple live and explain each of the steps involved. Pot preparation, soil mix, tree removal, working the rootball, cleaning the trunk, securing your bonsai, repotting frequency and so much more. Repotting correctly is crucial to successfully developing your bonsai. Repotting live makes a riveting podcast...

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

In this podcast, as we head into the depths of Winter in Melbourne, Australia, pine season is about to finish and just over the horizon, repotting season starts. No rest for the wicked they say... We discuss soil mix, air flow and positioning, what happens when you experience a set back and that your focus shouldn't necessarily all be about right now. Planning for the future should be the goal with your bonsai. I also chat about proportion and it's importance with everything bonsai.

'On the Bench' this episode is the humble Chinese Elm, a worthy staple of many collections and a valuable partner on your bonsai journey. It's a tree that will show how your skills have developed over time.

Enjoy, stay positive and take care!
Scott

Support the show

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

This is a really practical podcast where I talk about wiring your bonsai which is quite interesting considering it's a non visual medium! As we stroll through Autumn I discuss deciduous colouring and the importance of feeding your trees well. 

It's finally time to start working on your pines also. I run through my process of which trees to start with first and then progress through my collection. Balancing your bonsai through needle distribution and how we can manage the resources of a bonsai is an interesting discussion too. 

With so much happening around the world at the moment, it's nice to stop and smell the fertiliser... Enjoy the podcast and please reach out via Instagram or Facebook. There's no What's on the Bench in this episode, I just got carried away with wiring so next episode I'll make it up to you.

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

This episode is packed with information! I discuss how I shape pads and work the pad profile. Also when you look at a cluster of buds and new growth, how do you decide what you keep? This is a really common issue and I'll discuss the Process of Elimination I use when pruning these areas. It's really easy and will be a great help.

On the bench this episode is the Cedar. They are a really common bonsai and I discuss how I maintain and develop the species. They make a brilliant bonsai and should be part of everyone's collection. 

I also talk about what my plans are for the coming month in my garden and what the start of Autumn means to my bonsai. How good is bonsai???

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Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

In this episode I introduce a segment called 'What's on the Bench?' which is for a large Needle Juniper that's been in development for 5 years. I find Summer a perfect time to undertake juniper maintenance and there's a few important areas that cannot be missed. I also discuss managing Japanese Black Pines after decandling as the new buds have emerged. I run through a disaster that happened recently to one of my large bonsai that was blown off it's podium! From misfortune comes opportunity, I suppose...

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
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